Dietary Stage 1

Immediately After Surgery

Start Date:

Follow a clear liquid diet for ~4 days after surgery.

Meal Plan:

• Do not use straws when drinking.

• Try using an app or timer to remind yourself to drink.

• Start with 1 ounce per hour for the first six hours.

• Take small, frequent sips and slowly increase to 1 ounce every 15 minutes.

• Eventually increase up to 8 ounces maximum every hour.

• When your diet is delivered in the hospital, do not try to finish everything on your tray.

• If solid foods are delivered to your room, do not eat them, and notify your nurse.

• No juices or carbonated drinks. Good choices include:

• Water

• Sugar-free, non-carbonated waters (Crystal Light, Powerade Zero, Vitamin Water Zero)

• Clear broths (chicken, beef, vegetable). Choose low-sodium options.

• Sugar-free popsicles & gelatin

• Decaf tea and decaf coffee (avoid caffeine because it is dehydrating)

You may not feel thirsty, but hydration is critical at this stage. Keep track of your fluid intake to ensure you are meeting you are staying hydrated.

Pain Control

After any surgery, some pain will be normal. Pain is often part of the healing process and should become manageable with time and appropriate intervention. Pain is easier to manage right after it starts, so discuss options with your care team before your pain becomes severe. Add relaxation techniques and warm blankets, cold packs, or try changing position. Please discuss any pain history, medications, or concerns with your care team.

Slow and steady! Stop if you experience pain, nausea, or fullness.

Your care team should provide you with an incentive spirometer to help exercise your lungs after surgery. Using your spirometer regularly will help you recover faster!

It is important that you start walking a few hours after surgery. Get up a few times every hour, and increase every day, either by steps or minutes.