Table 2.

Sample Postoperative Diet Stages

Diet Stage	Time After Surgery	Calorie Limit	Protein Goal	Meal Volume	Fluid Goal
#1: Sugar-Free Clear Liquids	Days 1 and 2	Less than 300	N/A	1 oz every 15 min	64 – 80 ounces daily
#2: Full High Protein Liquids	Day 3 – 14	300 – 500	60 – 90 grams	2 oz every 15 minutes
#3: Soft Protein Foods	Weeks 2 and 3	About 500	60 – 90 grams	¼ to ½ cup per meal
#4: High Protein Foods, Vegetables & Fruits	Weeks 4 – 12	500 – 750	60 – 90 grams	½ to 1 cup per meal
#5: High Protein Foods, Vegetables, Fruits & Whole Grains	Lifelong after week 12	About 1000	60 – 90 grams or more	About 1 cup per meal