Had my surgery education class today

I had to meet for about 2 hours with my surgeon's nurse today, to go over what the surgery really entails, and find out some of the basic "rules" for post operative eating.   I was pretty comfortable with everything, but surprised about the food - protein ONLY for 6 months, then slowly adding in some veggies, and then later on (I think at a year out,) fruit in small quantities.   They also said that we should expect to basically never eat salad/leafy greens, pasta or rice a gain. Hmmmmmm  I really like my spinach salads... I've made some changes in my life already.  The day I got my surgery date, I stopped drinking soda and stopped using straws.  I can't believe how I'm not as hungry since I gave up the soda. My Dr. puts his patients on 4 weeks of liquid diet.  I start that on January 28th.  I get to have 1 protein shake and 1 protein bar, 3 times a day.  He says no snacking - even after surgery.  He is strictly a 3 meal a day guy.... anyone else? I guess I don't really have a point here.... just wanted to share and maybe stir up some opinions!! Thanks for reading..... ~Lori Elkhart, Co.

Lori, Congrats on getting your journey started. Your surgeon appears to be one of the strictest on here. Are you having a RNY or ?  Most of us were able to introduce veggies & fruits into our diets after about 4 weeks. We were also able to enjoy a salad at about 3 months post-op. The only thing we were told was to eat our protein first so that if our pouch fills up, we have the most important thing in us. Me, never have a salad again??? I just don't think I could personally handle that. Rice is a common food for me..especially right now. Other than avoiding sugar and greasy foods so we don't dump, most of hasn't been told that we were going to have to do without any certain food for the rest of our life. I'm 3 yrs post-op and I enjoy a salad..and love rice. Pasta sits pretty heavy so it's definately in very small amounts.  If you're able to stick with all of his no-no's, I'll have to pat you on the back. As for myself though? I'm glad my surgeon knows that even post-ops need to be able to enjoy their food! ALL food groups! I think your surgeon would absolutely flip if he stayed with me for a week and saw what I eat...and I am below my original goal of 154 pounds (I'm at 146 lbs). I love my fruits & veggies.... Sherri

I have to agree with Sherri that your surgeon seems very strict.  I am 3 1/2 weeks post surgery and have begun eating some fruits and veggies.  So far I have been eating one ounce protein and one ounce starch per meal.  I, too, would have a hard time sticking to the diet plan that your surgeon uses and, to be honest, have a difficult time seeing the reasoning behind it.  If you are comfortable with those restrictions though then go for it!! Good luck and best wishes for your upcoming surgery!