Can someone explain the main difference between Post op stage 2 and 3?

I am not quite following the differences between how you are able to eat after WLS when you progress to stage 3. Do you no longer have to puree anything anymore? If we don't have to use the blender, what can you all suggest that can go down well--stewed chicken, mashed pot. or what? I am confused. Also, I am almost 3 weeks post-op and still not getting all my protein in, is this normal? I would appreciate any input. The only protein drink I can handle is Watered-down Atkins shakes which actually are not too bad. Any suggestions? I tried Isopure and hated it. Thanks, LMW

Also, I was told that after 4 weeks I would progress to Stage 3. Thanks again, LMW

It,s been so long for me, but when you say you don't think that you are getting enough protein, these things come to mind.... Scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes with cheese, yougurt, cream of broccoli soup, refried beans - I buy Bush's pinto beans, heat them on the stove till pretty warm, and then mash them and add cheese...They taste so good, I never buy mashed refried beans...I don't know if you can eat this, but I hope that I have helped!!!

In my notebook, phase 3, the instructions say to continue to eat 5-6 small liquid and blended meals and snacks each day. Add one solid food at one meal the first day. Add one more solid food each day. All new foods should be soft cooks, or canned until tolereance is determined. Suggestions for Phase 3 include: tuna or salmon shrimp, lobster, or crab chicken or turkey (I couldn't handle this.) peanut butter (I ate the reduced??? Jif on an open cracker - one.) vegetables, cooked dry, crunchy, low-fat foods (pretzels, crackers) whitefish of any kind lean ground beef tofu and other soy products soups fresh fruits as tolerated after one month (Blueberries are delicious right now.) fruit canned in juice I loved the refried beans at Taco Bell, made two or three meals from one. Mashed potatoes (instant) also were good at your stage for me. Hugs, Becky

Thanks everyone for your responses!! God bless you.

Can you drink milk? I mix 1 scoop vanilla Isopure in 8 oz. of carb countdown milk , 1 teaspoon of vanilla flavoring and 2 or 3 packets of splenda , then put it in the freezer till it starts getting very cold and it taste like a milk shake. I am out 15 months out now and I mix about 1/4 cup of frozen strawberries or blueberries in this and put it in the blender, this really is like a milk shake. I hope this helps with the protien problem. I ate a lot of refried beans and baked beans with low fat cheese on the top of them ,the frist few weeks after surgery . Cottage cheese a is good sourse of protien. I take a 24 oz. carton of cottage cheese, 1/4 cup of fat free cool whip, 1 pack of sugar free jello and 1/4 cup of crushed pineapple or pineapple tidbits and mix this together and it's good.

Wow, your ideas sound great. So, Isopure comes in dry powder also. The isopure that I tried was like in a soda bottle. I will take your suggestions and give it a go. I am trying to add more protein, but can only take so much at a time right now. I am hoping that I can increase as the days go on. I am not interested in not feeling my best, or losing a lot of hair. Thank you again for your suggestions. When I can have fat-free cool whip, and pineapple I plan to make that desert. I will talk with my nutritionist this week. I may be able to make it now. Thanks, LMW

Your milk shakes also sound good. I will give it another try.