I need opinions PLEASE!

Ok, I just had my 1 month post op visit and he says I can now go on solid foods, ie: deli shaved hams and turkey. OK, but I have off and on had a grilled steak or grilled chicken (four ounces only) when my brother bbq's...and I've had a little lettuce once in a while...Now, I know this is before it's time because steak is usually 12 weeks out...has anyone else done this? Have I done something wrong? My pouch feels the same and takes the same amount of food to fill me up, 4oz. Do I need to go back to the guidelines and stick to them???? Some feedback from both sides please.... Hugs!! I guess I am scared and anxious.

Nora, I think the guidelines that the doctors give us are guidelines. They tell us to wait to eat carefully, to try and protect us from adverse reactions. If you have already done it and haven't had adverse reactions, then I can't see why it is a problem. Just my opinion. Lori 384/332.5/170

I appreciate your opinion a lot! I don't think I will do this eating outside of the guidelines very much. I didn't know if they set them because if we add too much food at one time we won't know which ones make us sick or because it would hurt our pouches....that is why I got scared. btw how do you add your weights at the bottom of your message?

If you are eating slowly and chewing the food well and it doesn't bother you...then I think you are fine. I posted to your main board message but I was on proteins since a week post-op but it had to be pureed. Now I'm on "regular" food. I haven't had steak yet and will probably wait. Food needs to be tender and moist to sit well. I haven't gotten sick but I don't want to push my luck either. I'm now allowed to have salad (no peels though) and nuts. Sounds like you are focusing on protein which is the name of the game! Kathy

I don't know if I'm really one to give advice on this because I was supposed to be on pureed foods for 8 weeks and I made it about 3-1/2 to 4 weeks and ate real food. Shaved turkey is one of those things that I ate a lot and still do along with the canned chicken (it's incredibly soft) and the pouches (not the cans - although I eat the canned, too) of tuna. It's incredibly tender and broken up in the pouch that it makes it easy to eat. Michelle

Nora, I too was like you. In fact, during the early consultation days the surgeon stated a percentage of patients who go outside the guidelines. Most surgeons realize people will not follow the guidelines to the letter, however, it is their duty to warn us of outside complications should they arise. I have tried to follow the guidelines but like most I have tried different things before their time. At two weeks I was eating a very small portion of bacon and cheddar cheese. It was easy to pack for a snack when I needed something. I believe I always kept a week ahead of the surgeon's guidelines such as full liquid diet, I would be trying soft foods. My advice is to keep your surgeon posted as to what you have tried, stay within your portion guidelines and listen to your body. By the way......you can handle steak? I still have a hard time with handling steak and butterfly pork chops. They are too dry. I am also finding myself not being able to handle leftovers and some foods I enjoyed post-op are now tasting nasty. Very strange journey Best of luck! Dawn

I have eaten Porter House Steak 2 0z & a piece of filet mignon I have only ate it twice this month. I marinate it. That truly is my craving Steak! No more cakes & cookies but STEAK! I treat myself cuz its lots of protein & I make a bad ass steak HAHA

Carrie, I am so jealous!!! Before surgery I loved eating steak. Outback Steak House was my second home. Now I go and cry cause I have to order the hamburger instead of the steak!! I have been grilling fish, and oh boy what a joy that is I miss my steak!!!

I must have the strictest surgeon...I am forbidden from eating red meats for the first six months!!! He says they just don't digest well...especially in WLS patients. Then, once I'm able to have them, I'm supposed to eat only the finest cuts (filet mignon, etc) to ensure that I'm getting the best protein and the easiest to digest meats. I love steak.

Nora, I know this seems funny but I cant do chicken or tuna or pork but steak or beef seem likes its the only meat I can eat without issue. I cut it into real small pieces, get it MR and chew the heck out of it, now I have only had it a couple times but I think everyone is different and if you are not having issues then treat yourself on occasion. Cary