Question:
Has anyone had middle eastern foods post op?

I am 5 weeks post op and am close to getting into the trial and error phase, I've read so many post where others have tried spanish, Italian,thai and even chinese foods post op. I happen to also enjoy middle eastern foods, like tabouli, falafel, biryani, dolma (rolled grape leaves) and also baba ghanouj (eggplant dip). But I wanted to know if anyone has tried it and if they've had any problems? Thanks, Vi -57 @ 5 weeks open RNY    — Vi F. (posted on November 2, 2002)

November 2, 2002
My family is Armenian, so yes, I've had all those things...and a lot of Greek food. Be careful with the sarma and dolma(grape leaves) because the skins can be tough and "clog" the opening and make you puke till the cows come home. Watch breads too. I haven't attempted and ghanouj since surgery, but I do just fine with pureed dips. Chinese always makes me through up...I blame the rice. :) Ever had tanabour? Yogurt wheat soup?
   — Paula Prichard

November 2, 2002
At only 5 weeks postop, I'd go SLOWLY - one food, wait a few days, try another. I found that soup in a mideastern place caused problems -- too much sugar. And in restaurants, you never know what "other" ingredients are in the stuff. I don't dump on sugar, but I have to watch texture. Go easy -- you have a lifetime to try new things!
   — Marti R.

November 2, 2002
Hi, I am 11 wks post-op. My husband is moroccan and he is the cook in the house. We eat every night with a Middle Eastern flar. I have been eating regular food since week 4. Plus, living here in NYC, we eat alot of Indian, Greek, etc. I have eaten everyhting you listed and then some. Have had NO TROUBLE whatsoever. The spices and the way they are cooked bring the food to live and now that my senses are enlightened since surgery day, the middle eastern food is a TREAT!
   — heathercross

November 2, 2002
I was eating middle eastern food as soon as I could....it started in the puree stage. I took shish tawook, and some hummous and put it in my food processor. It was actually quite good. I had my surgery in June, and I have had no problems with this type of food as of yet.
   — rhonda2u

November 2, 2002
I had a DS and at three weeks, I ate one half of a tabouleh and falafil pita sandwich with pickled turnips without any problem. Just be sure to eat slowly. Now I eat all of the things you listed since one of my favorite restaurants in Detroit is La Shish....YUMMY!
   — merri B.

November 3, 2002
I haven't had any problems with Greek food...YUM! However I have had trouble with Chinese food. Some of the sauces are just too sweet. I do eat the egg rolls...I peel off a lot of the "bread" coating on them. Just take it slow, chew very well and I'd try the new foods at home for the first time - just in case you do get sick. Good luck to you!
   — Leah H.

November 3, 2002
i have had a lot of ethnic foods post op (7 months) and have had no problems. you just need to use the same rules as with american foods - no sugar, no frying. usually the more "americanized" an ethnic food is the worse it is nutritionally. my asian friends laugh at the "chinese" restaurants around here because we fry everything in heavy batters and pour sugary sauce on it. this is not a good post-op idea! ;) the spiciest of foods are not a problem for me post-op.... if fact i find i eat less because the flavors are more satisfying. happy eating!
   — kultgirl

November 4, 2002
I love M.E. foods & my take on eating these days is trial & error. I love spicy food & have been doing well with Indian food. Baba Ghanouj & falafel sound sooooo good right now! Just remember to take small bites & chew! Enjoy!
   — LionGirl2k