Changing diet stages post-op

Here's a question for all you post-ops, especially for bandsters: how often does your stage of diet change? For example, from clear liquids to full liquids, etc. I was reading a post here yesterday by someone who had the bypass a week ago was already on the puree stage by Thursday. I was suprised. I'm not in any kind of hurry, but I was curious as to how soon the stages change, and whether a dr's appointment is necessary to assess whether a patient is ready for a change . . . .

Hi Bette- Everyone is different. I used my Dr.'s diet plan as a guideline but did not follow it exactly. For instance I started cottage cheese early but could not handle chicken when I "should" have been able to. I started slow and introduced one new item every couple of days and kept track of what agreed with me and what did not. If it was a no go now I will most likely try it again in a few weeks. Good luck and look forward to seeing you on the other side!

Hi Bette, Follow your surgeon's instructions exactly. I have found that each surgeon does things a little bit different, but they have success with their program - and they really want you to follow it. I know on my first follow-up visit I will be told what I can start eating and will be given instructions for the future. If they haven't give you the plan yet -- ask about it, I'm sure they will be more than willing to fill you in. I'm wishing you the best on your upcoming surgery! God Bless, Kathy B. Lap RNY 12/3/03

That's what I wasn't sure about. My nutritionist made it sound like each stage was a week. Now, I know that each person is different, but a week sounded long to me. I just wanted to hear what happened with other folks. And I WAS holding out hope for some "real food", i.e. not puree, for Christmas. I'm on clear liquids now for the final two days before the surgery. I am sooo looking forward to joining you all on "the other side"!

Hey Bette, I will be on pureed foods for Christmas However, I get to eat anything I want all the way up to midnight before surgery! See - all surgeons are different! From what I've heard - we won't really want the other food (and boy, I really hope that is true)! You will do fine - don't sweat it in advance! Wishing you the very best - God Bless, Kathy

Hi Bette, I am 8 weeks post op and will be progressing to "real food" by the end of the week. Up until now I kind of favored the very soft foods, yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs..pureed food was and sometime is still painful for me to digest. It really is an individual thing. I was on liquid diet for 3 weeks and have been on puree for 5 weeks so it really depends on the Doctor.