Question:
My doctor was very specific about a post-op diet to prevent obstructions

I've been reading all of these postings pertaining to post-op life and while all of my questions are being answered by this site(the best site I've ever seen)I am shocked to see what most people are eating. Chicken and chili 12 days post-op(doesn't chili have ground beef or turkey in it?)fruit and tortillas, and I'm worried about lasting until monday(15 days post-op)so I can have some tuna finally. Won't chicken and ground beef at this stage cause a obstruction in my pouch or has my surgeon just said this to instill a little fear? Pacific Bariatric is said to be very conservative.    — Jennifer T. (posted on January 18, 2003)

January 18, 2003
i had my surgery on 12.18.02 and have just gone from liquids to a soft (protien first) diet. i have a list from the nurtritionist and use it like it is my bible. the surgeon stressed following it to the letter. i am amazed by some of the in take of others..i am grateful my dr is being so careful. good luck and know you are not alone on this!
   — nan K.

January 18, 2003
I am amazed at the different diet recommendations made by surgeons and dieticians. I was told 1st week liquids, weeks 2&3 pureed, 4&5 soft diet and add food thereafter as tolerated. I just read about a woman eating rib tibs in the first month! One woman said she drove through KFC for mashed potatoes and gravy on the way home from the hospital! I am going to stick with the more conservative plan as long as I can tolerate it. Better to err on the side of going too slow than pushing things. I just make sure I chew everything VERY well. Plus, now is the time to really evaluate our relationship with food. I want to be cautious about jumping too quickly back into the eating habits I just left.
   — Fran M.

January 18, 2003
I am nearly 4 weeks post op. I have one more week or pureed foods, then one week of soft foods before eating regular foods. My recovery has been great. I cant even imagine eating regular food at this point.
   — debmi

January 18, 2003
I am glad I am not alone. I have reading this site for about 1 year now, and the 1 thing that still amazes me is how different all surgeons are in their aftercare. I say follow your surgeons advise!! I was not able to eat Red Meat or Pork until I was 6 months out. No fruits and veggies until 4 months out. Good Luck - Sharon 05/19/02 310/192 -118 lbs
   — Sharon H.

March 30, 2003
I have heard that if you eat Chicken dry that it will bother you! My sister who had the surgery done says that if you are gonna eat chicken (which is my favorite meat), then to eat it with something saucy on it! And other people at my support group meeting also said they had a hard time eating chicken. Which sucks for me cause like I said I love chicken! I have not had my surgery yet. But I have heard a lot of great things about Pacific Bariatric! Whatever they say to do, I am following 100%! :)
   — Robin H.

March 30, 2003
Here's what I experienced - your pouch will tell YOU what it can and cannot tolerate early on. I rushed chicken, trying it just a couple of weeks post op, and it took me MONTHS to be able to eat it again without gagging. Like you, it was my favorite meat, over beef or pork, and now it's pretty much my last choice. (I mean I can eat it, but it's no longer my favorite.) At any rate, go slow trying new things early on...eventually you'll get to where it's no longer an issue. But no matter what meats you try early on, make sure they are mushy/tender/stewed (like in chili) so they go down easy.
   — rebeccamayhew