What kinds of foods are you eating post-op?

I am a very organized person, sometimes too much. I don't even have my surgery date yet, but I am curious what types of foods are we allowed to eat? I know it's mostly proteins, but are we allowed seasonings on them? That probably sounds really stupid, but a teacher once told me, "The only stupid question is the one you don't ask." So there it is. Is Ensure the main thing for a while after surgery? Maybe I should get used to it now and start stocking up!

Hi, Christine! I think it all depends on your body and what it can tolerate after your surgery and recovery. For a while post-op, you'll have to be on a strict diet that your surgeon or nutritionist can outline for you. I was on clear liquids, full liquids, pureed foods, soft foods and modified diet for about a week each post-op. I actually stocked up on too much pre-op, in hindsight. For example, gatorade was okay for the clear liquid stage, but not after that because of its high sugar content. I had the gastric band, and so far I have been able to eat anything I want, from beef to ice cream to su****o seaweed salad. (I'm big on Japanese and Asian food). I have had spicy and, god knows, I have had bland! Obviously, everyone should stick to a fairly low-fat diet, just like any diet. But I have had small amounts of chocolate and fat-free yogurt, a dorito or two (literally); I just don't eat anything "bad" in the quantities that I used to. In fact, I am eating soooo much less of everything than I used to. That's the whole idea. I eat my largest amounts in protein, then veggies/fruits, then carbs if I still feel hungry. Usually if I DO have carbs, a couple of bites are all I have.

Hi Christine, It's a good thing to be organized and do as much research as you can at this point. Once you have gotten through the earlier stages of post-op and are on your way to eating normally, it is your body that will tell you what you can and can not have. You always eat your protein first and then add small amounts from other food groups. I definitely like flavor and a bit of a kick to my food and I have not had a problem with anything I have tried. I cook chicken breast in the crock pot with salsa, teriaki on salmon, pork loin in the crock pot with barbeque sauce, (taking off any excess sauce though), and turkey chili.(just to name a few things) In terms of early post-op I prefered Carnation Instant Breakfast (no sugar added) with 2 added scoops of Beneprotein to equal 20 grams of protein. Most of the other protein drinks I personally found too heavy and rich. The Carnation seemed lighter to me. I still drink one a day now to meet my protein requirements. There is a lot of trial and error in the early stages. I bought so many protein drinks that I thought I would like and they are still sitting on my shelf. Best of luck and post your questions often. This is a fantastic group that is very supportive. Carolyn

I don't think you can be too prepared for something like this! As others mentioned, you're on a pretty strict diet right after the surgery - liquieds, then pureed, then solid, etc. Each doctor & nutritionist have different schedules. In terms of what you can or cannot eat, it is highly individualized. I can eat pretty much any meat or seafood, fowl, etc., I can have whole-grain bread, but I cannot go near pasta, or I suffer in a big way. I also had the sugar-free Carnation Instant Breakfast for a few weeks, and that was very good. Keep reading the web sites and get input as much as you can. I find EAS protein drinks to be pretty good -- you can get them in the supermarket. Good luck to you!! Kathy

Hi Christine, I think this is a great question ! As others have mentioned, you will follow your surgeon's instructions for the first several weeks - and you should follow them exactly - do not do anything other than what is suggested, then you will do fine while your pouch heals. After, once you have introduced fish, chicken, beef, etc., you can spice it up as much as you want - it shouldn't bother you. I eat the same things as the previous poster - chicken with salsa, pork with BBQ, and turkey chili, and all is fine for me - others may have a problem with the BBQ, but I don't eat much of it, and I handle it fine. However, that being said, I was in the Bahamas earlier this week and tried a Conch Salad - looked wonderful. Well, they have these tiny little peppers that contain more punch than anything you have ever tasted! I knew I should stop eating this - I think it would have burned the entire lining of my stomach! LOL! So stay away from flaming hot things at first, and use regular seasonings and you should be just fine. Best wishes as you continue on your WLS journey. God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau Lap RNY 12/3/03 -53 lbs.

Post-surgery, spices and herbs will be your best friend. It is the only thing that will save you from the boredom of eating THE SAME THING over and over again. If you can get creative with the seasoning, it will make your diet much more interesting. So, go to town...just go easy in the beginning with your sensitive new pouch. I agree about avoiding things that are too 'hot' spicy in the beginning, so as not to irritate. also careful about adding things in that have a lot of sodium (soy sauce) or sugar (BBQ sauce). Dill, basil, garlic, lemon, cumin, Low Sodium soy, thyme, cilantro and taco seasoning are some of my favorite things to add to different proteins. As far as ensure goes- I think you should follow what your Dr says on that. IMHO, ensure is not the best choice---way too much sugar and pretty high in calories for the amount of liquid. Anyway- if you can choose something else, I'd recommend you try a few different protein powders or NSA carnation instant breakfast made with added powdered milk as a protein shake. I wouldn't stock up on anything in particular. You'll find your tastes change dramatically after surgery. Then, you'll either wast what you bought or have to gag it down out of guilt (like me, with tomate soup!) It's a great question, so don't feel embarrased to ever ask ANYTHING!