I'm learning from your post and all the great replies. thank you! I also appreciate as I'm getting close to my March 9th surgery date ! This is what is making me nervous - the first few weeks after surgery. What I don't understand, is if you are on only clear liquids the first week - how do you keep from feeling absolutely lethargic since you're not eating any protien? From what I'm gathering the 7 days post op, you can eat broth (which I would think if you're eating 1-2x perday) would really make you bloated due to all the sodium. I've read gatorade is allowed - but sheesh - it just seems like nothing but water, broth, and gatorade aren't going to give you what you need. I know I will learn when I get there, what is allowed as I've read about the packet of info you get and meeting with the nutritionist. But isn't only a week of clear liquids going to make out bodies start breaking down the protien in your own muscle? How did everyone handle this first week? Besides drinking water to keep hydrated - how did you do it? What do you think was the best thing you did during that time to keep your energy up? Thank you again for all the wisdom you all are sharing!