At this time, Dr. Belsley and your team will be monitoring your progress by seeing how well you tolerate low-sugar, non-carbonated liquids such as water, tea, and broth. Sugar-free gelatin is another option. Use a cup to drink. Avoid sipping from a bottle or straw—you could swallow too much air and get gas.

Only clear liquids are allowed initially. Avoid sweetened beverages unless sweetened with a sugar substitute.

Please follow the 4 x 4 rule after your surgery. Start off with 1 ounce of liquid sipped slowly over 1 hour. As tolerated, fluids will be increased in 1 ounce increments every 4 hours to a goal rate of 4ounces / hour while awake

The hospital will send normal sized portions of liquids. It will be up to you to regulate how much you consume.

A minimum of 48-64 oz. (6-8 cups) of liquids should be consumed daily to replace fluid losses and prevent dehydration. It should take you 12-16 hours to drink 48-64 oz. of liquid. Please remember not to drink more than 4 ounces over a 1 hour period.

Liquids should be sipped very slowly to avoid stretching your pouch. Do not use a straw. Drinking through a straw can overfill your pouch with liquid and air. If the pouch gets full very quickly, you may experience nausea, vomiting and pain.

Avoid caffeinated, carbonated, and alcoholic beverages.

STOP DRINKING IF YOU FEEL FULLNESS, PAIN, OR DISCOMFORT

The Stage I diet is inadequate in all nutrients, as it does not have enough calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals for good health. For gastric banding patients it is necessary to add a daily chewable multivitamin. For gastric bypass patients it is necessary to add a chewable multivitamin, chewable calcium citrate with vitamin D, and iron pill.It is also necessary to supplement your diet daily with a protein supplement when advised by your surgeon.