Liquid Lunch

For the next 2 weeks I’m on a liquid Lunch; make that liquid Breakfast Lunch AND Dinner…

The Thin Fluids diet is basically a constant intake of fluids for the 2 weeks… What is "Thin fluid" is defined as a lump-less, runny liquid that could be sipped easily up a straw, without blocking it.


So what can I have – my normal 3 Optifast “milkshakes" a day; 1.8 litres of other fluids such as water, low joule cordial, weight watchers drinking chocolate, tea & coffee. Thin, lump-less (strained) broths, consommé, diluted can soup can also be included. So back to a bit of real food with Coffee and REAL soup.


I’m also able to have up to a cup of each juice, drinking yoghurt and milk - but the milk will go in my coffee. They’ve even suggested 60ml of prune juice to keep me regular…


So I might be back on some ‘normal’ foods, but with the band on I have to take things slowly which I why I have to consume this slowly over a 10-12 hour period so as not to stretch my “new” pouch which is only about 15ml big.


Every cup (250ml) of liquid should take 10-15 minutes to sip slowly during the first week, and 5-10 minutes sipped slowly over the second week. That’s why they suggest to drink at least 1 cup of fluid every hour, in will be able to consume the 2 ½ litres over 10 of the hours I’m awake.


The reason for this first month of 2 weeks of thin fluids, followed by 2 weeks of baby food (puree) is designed to reduce discomfort; keep me well hydrated and help prevent headaches, fatigue, constipation or an attack of gout; help promote healing of the stitches holding the band in place; minimise the risk of stretching the 15rnl stomach pouch; minimise the risk of pulling the stitches out that hold the band in place.


Things I can't have yet include thick cream soup or with bits in it, custard, puddings or junket; set yoghurt or anything pureed… that all starts on 23 September the day I go back to work… Then I might finally be able to take my sister up on her offer of dinner and eat with my 9 month old niece Charlotte who’s also on puree…