Liquid Diet Afterwards?

Good Morning Wicket,

The questions just keep coming don't they!?  I was the same way.  My husband (Gordon) also had to prep as for a colonoscopy and couldn't drink after midnight.  Luckily his surgery was scheduled for 6:00am.  I'm not sure why but I've always been told that they don't like anything in the gut because of something to do with the anesthetic and possibly getting nauseated and vomiting.  Also, The lower bowel is right behind the prostate and they want it clean I think in case it is accidentally penetrated and a little more room to work in during the surgery.  I'm not positive on this answer.  I think Swimom could tell you for sure.  It is a long time to go without nurishment though.  I always used to worry about my mother who was diabetic and had to go that long before a surgery. 

As for the liquid diet, Gordon didn't eat any solids the day of surgery but was able to eat what he wanted the next.  I read it is important though for them not to get constipated after surgery though so add stool softeners to your list.  They're not to have any enemas or things like that inserted in the rectum for about 3 months after surgery because it could rupture the bowel lining that was close to the prostate.

Hope this helps.  He'll be fine Ellen, hungry but fine!

Hi Wicket,

I had the same instructions as you.  I could only have liquids the entire day before surgery and drank the powder to clean out the system.  Very similar prep for a colonoscopy, I was told. That was not much fun so tell your husband to take the day off before surgery since he will be visiting the bathroom frequently.  Chicken broth and Fresca helped me get through that day. Nothing after midnight and my surgery was also in the afternoon.  After surgery and the entire following day I was on mostly clear liquids but could have crackers and some soft food.  Once they know your bowels are working properly, you can start on more of the solids.  I really did not feel like eating much anyways right after surgery.  I ended up staying two nights at the hospital and definitely ready for some real food when leaving on that third day.  I did make sure to eat prunes every day and did not have any issues with constipation.  It sounds like you will be very prepared.  It is very helpful to know ahead what to expect.  Remember to go home with the drugs you need: pain killers, naseau pills, and bladder spasm pills.  Make sure to ask for a leg bag and overnight bag.  My nurse also cut the tubing length on the leg bag to make it fit better.  First two days (for me) was no picnic, but after that each day was better and better.  Like many have said, walk, walk, walk.

Michael

I am sitting on top of the suitcases, DWT went back to work for a few hours to eak out as much vacation time as possible for recovery. We are leaving tonight on an overnight flight and finally arriving tomorrow evening at the hotel in Santo Domingo. I am sick to my stomach all I can think about is what lays ahead for DW and me.

Liquid diet, buy some bottles of Ensure it will keep his energy up and he will not feel hungry. I am taking some with me for DWT. He did this for his colonoscopy and it worked well. No hunger.

Good luck

SL