Discharge Instructions: Having a Clear Liquid Diet

Your doctor has prescribed a clear liquid diet for you. This temporary diet is often prescribed right before surgery or medical tests when you need to have your stomach and intestines free of any food. This diet may also be prescribed after certain types of surgery or if solid food is not tolerated. The clear liquid diet is easy to digest and helps the body gradually get used to food again.

• This diet is temporary. Don't follow this diet longer than directed. It doesn't provide enough energy or protein for proper nutrition.
• If you are on this diet for more than 3 to 4 days, you may need nutritional or vitamin supplements. Talk with your doctor about this.
• While on this diet, keep track of what you eat and drink and how much. Keep a log for your doctor.

When you are on a clear liquid diet, it's okay to have:

• Water or ice chips.
• Fruit juices without pulp, such as filtered apple juice, grape juice, cranberry juice, and pulp-free lemonade.
• Fruit punch or fruit drinks with no pulp or pieces of fruit.
• Hot or cold coffee or tea (don't add milk or creamers of any type).
• Clear sodas (lemon-lime soda, ginger ale).
• Sports drinks.
• Clear soup (low-sodium and fat-free broth or bouillon).
• Plain or flavored gelatin (don't add fruit or toppings).
• Frozen juice bars made from clear juices (no pulp or fruit pieces).

• Fruit juices with pulp or nectar, such as prune juice
• Milk, yogurt, or pudding
• Cream-based soups
• Any food or drink not on the approved list above

Ask your doctor if you should skip foods and drinks containing red or purple food coloring. They can leave test results that look like blood.

Follow up with your doctor, as advised.

Contact your doctor right away if you have:

• A fever of 100.4° F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your doctor.
• Diarrhea that lasts for longer than 24 hours.
• Vomiting that does not stop.
• Trouble urinating.
• Trouble passing gas.
• Abdominal (belly) pain with bloating and cramping.