Liquid Diet

When choosing protein shakes, be sure to choose one providing 20 to 30 grams of protein and less than 10 grams of sugar and less than 5 grams of fat. More than 30 grams per serving is not advisable as the body only absorbs about 25 to 30 grams at a time. Do not consume any solid food at this time. If you choose soup, be sure to strain it or liquefy it completely. Cooking it after liquefying the soup will eliminate the metallic taste. Remember to choose soups that are broth based and low in sodium. Avoid creamy soups and soups with noodles. Drink slowly. Sip on liquids throughout the day. At first you must not exceed 1 oz every 15 minutes or 4 oz every hour. Therefore, an eight ounce protein shake should take you about 2 hours to finish. Be sure to consume your target goal of protein each day. There is a greater demand for protein during this time as it is needed for proper healing. Look for signs of dehydration such as headache, dizziness, nausea, lethargy and concentrated (dark) urine. Do not consume any carbonated or sugar sweetened beverages. You may have sugar-free Popsicles or sugar-free Jell-O in between protein shakes. This counts towards your fluid intake. Consume 64 to 72 ounces of fluids each day (includes protein shakes). Phase I Allowed vs. Avoid Food List