Clear Liquid Diets Before Surgery

Doctors recommend a clear liquid diet before surgery if the procedure requires the patient to have an empty stomach or intestines. A clear liquid diet may also relieve extreme nausea or vomiting. This diet will clear out the digestive system while supplying adequate fluids for short periods of time.

Time Frame

When a doctor prescribes a clear liquid diet before surgery, eat that way only for the amount of time she prescribes. A clear liquid diet prevents dehydration, but does not provide adequate nutrition or calories for the long-term. Eating a clear liquid diet longer than necessary may put you at risk for nutritional deficiencies or too much weight loss.

Clear Liquid Diet Guidelines

When eating a clear liquid diet, avoid all solid foods. Even solid foods that are well cooked and mashed up interfere with a clear liquid diet. Do not eat blended food or drink nutritional shakes during your clear liquid diet.

Drink only water- and juice-based fluids. You may eat fruit ice and ice pops made from fruit juice, but strain out all the pulp. Drink fruit juices such as apple, cranberry or grape. The doctor may advise you to avoid citrus juices, such as orange or grapefruit, because their acidity may irritate the digestive system. Do not drink tomato juice. You may also choose to drink water, fruit-flavored instant beverages, soda, tea and coffee. Do not add cream or nondairy creamer to your coffee or tea. Do not drink alcohol before surgery.

You may eat gelatin dessert, but do not add whipped topping or fruit to it. It's OK to enjoy a bowl of fat-free broth, bouillon or consomme, but do not add meat or noodles to the soup. If you make clear soup from scratch, strain the broth and skim the fat before eating. Broth and soups must remain bland. Season only using salt, no pepper or other spices.

Check With Your Doctor

Ask your doctor or nutritionist for other recommendations regarding your clear liquid diet before surgery. Your doctor may want you to avoid some of the safe products listed above because the dyes they contain may interfere with medications or diagnostic chemicals used during your surgery. Follow all dietary guidelines from your doctor's or surgeon's office.