New member..question on 8 weeks diet options

Hi...I had surgery 12/12 and have lost a total of 45 lbs in 8 weeks. My doctor has moved me to what he called a stage 4 diet. Meaning I can now have raw vegt and fruits. I have been longing for a good salad. My question is any suggestions on what fruit or vegt have been easy to eat w/this surgery? As well as any advice on eating salad for those of you that have had it. I also was told I could try bread....I heard toasted was ok but untoasted bread was like having a brick. Thanks for your input...Karie

Karie, I am not past the soft diet stage yet, but I can tell you that white bread (which I am allowed) practically dissolves in your mouth if you chew it well. Enjoy the salad, I am soooo looking forward to having one soon Jackie

Karie, I too had surgery on 12-12. I just had my first salad a couple of days ago. I had been wanting one for WEEKS! I used a small amount of lettuce and some chicken, cheese and sunflower seeds for protein. I added the dressing that I like and did just fine. I even ate a couple of croutons! (Shame on me) I chewed everything well and had no problems with it. The only bread that I have tried is white wheat. I have had a couple of half sandwiches to put chicken on. I seem to be fine with that too. I have lost 42 pounds thus far. Hope this helps

Hi folks I am also a 12-12. I have been having a rough time eating. I can't do meat at all. I have been successful with a small amount of fish. I can handle a small portion of salad as long as I chew chew chew and even then I can't gaurantee that It will go down properly. I need some lunch ideas to take to work. Excluding meat. I am getting bored with cottage cheese and yogurt. Do any of you have a hard time eating in the evening. When I try to eat something for dinner I almost always get a nautious stomache. I am ok during the day. Strange

I also have a problem eating dinner.. I found my problem was not chewing up really well and eating too fast.. Always in a hurry to make it to the gym in time.. I have tried to eat a salad several times and It hasnt went well.. My doctor said that lettuce is hard to digest so to eat a very small salad with your protein. I eat about 1/4 of a cup of lettuce with cheese and bacon bits and about 1/2 tsp of dressing.. I love salad too can't wait till I can really eat one . Good luck

HI...I know what you mean bored of yogurt and cottage cheese! I only eat those if I dont have time to fix something. Here are a few ideas I try at lunch time. 1. refried beans and low fat cheese (heat in mirowave) I use melba toast crackers and its almost like having chips. 2. Campbell's has the heat and eat soups in a take out container. I like the vegtable beef and brocolli cheese soup. Its easy to take to work. 3. Turkey bacon that is cooked til it is crunchy w/ low fat cheese stick and again a few melba toast crackers. 4. Wendy's chilli is a good one too. Hope this helps..I was so excited I had toast yesterday w/sugar free jelly today and a salad. Felt like I was eating something! Karie -47

I have eaten Cesar salad(with croutons) with no problems. I still cannot eat meats so I have turned to eating vegatarian style meats and other soy products. I cannot handle bread either, so I just stay away from it. Fruits dont agree with me yet. I can eat veggie if they are very soft. I am craving chinese food but I dont dare try any.

Dread Loc Diva, I know egg drop soup goes down great. Is the soy or vegetarian style meat juicier or a different texture. What do you eat and how do you prepare it?

Just thought I would tell you what I have been doing for salads. My doctor suggests using iceberg lettuce because it is easier to digest. So I buy the bags that have mostly iceberg with a little romaine or bibb. I put in grilled chicken (Tyson makes a great one), cheddar cheese, a slice of tomato cut up, Hormels real bacon bits, and about 4 or 5 croutons. I use Marzetti's Honey Mustard dressing (the kind they sell chilled by the produce) and it tastes like the Chicken BLT they sell at Wendy's. It does take me a while to eat but it is sooooo worth it. Be careful of fat-free dressings, they are mostly sugar. It is better to use less of the regular than to go with fat-free. Good luck. Mary Beth Lap RNY 12/19/03 -40

Hi there. I too am having trouble eating meats. I cook almost everyday for my husband and 2 kids, and then I retreat to the tv room while they eat. I usually end up eating chicken salad or tuna, with crackers. I have tried some cooked carrots, very soft, and string beans. I also heard that raw veggies are tough, so I am scared to try them. I had a little chopped celerey in seafood salad a few weeks ago, and I had to dump. It was a lump in my stomach. I have been eating cup a soup at lunch with some crackers. I also eat yogurt and cottage cheese with the little cans of lite fruit. I guess try a little bit of what you want, wait a few minutes, and see what happens. Good luck. Susan