Following weight loss surgery, you will be required to follow a liquid only diet for around 2 weeks. (unless your surgeon advises differently) This is to allow the stomach area to heal properly. There is likely to be a lot of swelling around the area, so liquids are able to pass through better without causing any problems .
Liquids should be thin in consistency, so should be pourable. Sip them slowly and have at least a 20 second rest between mouthfuls. You may find you can’t manage much and find you are having to sip almost continuously throughout the day. A recommended portion size is around 200mls and the focus should be on protein containing liquids like milk, meal replacements, pulse-based soups and drinking yoghurt to aid healing. Aim to have around 5 or 6 portions daily depending on your chosen surgery and then drink extra water (or tea and coffee etc) to increase your total fluid intake. A good tip is to measure the colour of your urine – it should be pale and straw coloured however if it is darker and more concentrated it is an indication you need to drink more. The dietitians and nutritionists will help you during your post–operative calls and give you more information to help.
Try this Wide-Awake Smoothie Recipe from Transform:
Ingredients:
150mls skimmed milk
¼ banana
25mls unsweetened orange juice
4 strawberries
1 tablespoon oats
Method:
Simply blitz all the ingredients together to create a simple and easy breakfast on the go! If you need to add extra fluid to create a thin enough consistency that is fine
Top Tip: you can add some ice to the smoothie before blitzing for an ice cold, refreshing drink - good for internal inflammation too
