Salad... Lettuce?

I had Lap-band surgery earlier this month. I am doing great, and I'm able to tolerate most of the foods that I've tried. I was wondering, when are we allowed to eat salads, or lettuce? Is this something that will tear my stomach up? For some reason I keep thinking I heard not to eat lettuce, but I can't remember where or why. All I can seem to find online is info from people that have had RNY, and I know that things can be different for bandsters. Anyone have any advice? Thanks! Twyla

Hi Twyla and all... I am a RNY, and am over 4 mos out, but I have not dared to eat lettuce either. Is it a no-no?? Anyone ok eating it? Shelley

I am almost 5 months post op. I recently tried lettuce. I really missed my salads; but I found if I eat anymore than a very small amount ( I get major diareaha)! It was worked great to bust my constipation.. LOL The NUT said that we should not eat a lot of salad because it does not give us good nutrition.. We need certain foods and salad is an empty filler; but if we do have it make sure it is small and with substantial protein! Trail and error I guess.. It appears to be different to all of us.. Hugs, Judy R

I have no trouble with lettuce, and I'm 4 months post-op. I've been eating them for at least 2 months now. I've heard some say that there's not enough nutritional value in it to "waste stomach space" on...but I guess if you like salads like I do, it's not a waste. I've definitely heard folks say they don't tolerate them well, but so far I'm good with chewing it up well. Of course, that may change when I get closer to effective restriction. I used to be able to tolerate small amounts of rice before my last fill...but defnitely not anymore. Have you looked on the Lap Band forum here in OH? It can be hard to find if you don't know what you're looking for. It took me months before I found it, LOL.

Hi Twyla: I'm a little over 4 months out (Lap RNY) and I've been eating salad for two months now. Obviously, I can't eat a lot, but I have had no problems (tummy ache, etc.). What little I can eat, I do try to fit in some fresh spinach, fresh mushrooms and cheese to add something of value to it, and technically it's not a high protein meal but sometimes I just want a salad! Just remember to chew, chew, chew and you'll be fine!!!

Hola Twyla I''m 5 month out and I been eating salads since 2 month ago:lettuce,tomatoes,onions,red pepperes and cucumber with eggs/tune/turkey and I will add nuts lots of protein it's the best I had no problem or anything (allways make sure you have the right amount of protein and of course small portion LOL)..I think for everybody is different just wait until you are around 3 month out and see if you could tolerate it-moji

I have a 10cc band filled to 6cc. I was able to eat lettuce easily up until my most recent fill (6/15/07), but now I can only eat a little bit. I still eat all the other goodies in/on salads, but most of the lettuce goes to the trash bin. It's just a nutrient-poor filler anyway, right? Good luck!!!