Question:
How long post-op do you have to be to eat popcorn again?

I love popcorn but am so afraid to get it caught in my small pouch. The smell of popcorn sends me flying high as I quickly pass it in Walmarts, and festivals. I'm curious to hear from those who have tried it since surgery and what the after-effects were (if any).    — deborahk (posted on July 13, 2003)

July 12, 2003
I ate some "minimally" about 4-5 months out. Only lately at 11+ months have I really begun to enjoy it again. Just be careful, the fat content if it's not air-popped may exceed your daily fat allowance.
   — Cathy S.

July 12, 2003
I'm now 9 wks post-op and have tried eating popcorn and have no problems. Just remember to eat slowly and chew it very well; also the advice from my dr's office too!! Although they didn't recommend me eating it but if it's air popped then you should have no problem. If you like microwave popcorn, then I suggest you try the light verions like my favorite, the butter lite. I'm not picky as to what brands but do love popcorn. I have sometimes eaten too much and of course, throw it up but am now careful not to do that again. Best of luck to you and enjoy that popcorn!!!
   — Sophia M.

July 13, 2003
Hi! I'm at the same stage you are...surgery was 5/5/03. I just tried microwave popcorn (lite butter)the other day. It went down and stayed down fine. I was happy, because I was DYING for popcorn (over anything). I'm not going to do it that often, because it's so high in carbs, but once and awhile will be fine. Just keep in mind that everyone's new stomach is different. Mine has not given me an ounce of problems since day one.
   — Patricia G.

July 13, 2003
Lite microwave popcorn here..the full fat stuff is too greasy and the 94% fat free tastes like cardboard. Was cleared to have popcorn at 5 weeks post-op. Never had a problem with it and for months ate some every night, as I have found it to be the best natural food to keep the plumbing working (if you know what I mean!!- keeps ya regular!)
   — Cindy R.

July 13, 2003
I LOVE my popcorn...and Cindy is right...it helps keep the plumbing clean...DH always knows when it's been a few days, because I grab the popcorn...I eat nuker popcorn...regular...I know, don't flame me, but the low-fat stuff tastes like cardboard and doesn't pop up the same. I have been eating popcorn since about six weeks out...and have NEVER had a problem, except with the kernals in my teeth...oh, wait, I had that problem pre op too...ROFLMAO!!! Have a sparkling Day!! ~CAE~
   — Mustang

July 13, 2003
My surgeon says absolutely no popcorn for at least a year after surgery. He says that until the pouch and intestine learn to work well together that the possibility of the hard bits of the popcorn coagulating together and blocking the stoma is too great to chance. I love popcorn, and miss it greatly, but I'm going to heed his warnings.
   — Vespa R.

July 13, 2003
My surgeon let me start having popcorn at 6 weeks (I was released to try anything at that point). I am now 5 months post op and have had it about 3 times. It tastes wonderful and I had no problems at all. I tried to eat the light and it was way too dry. Good luck!
   — Haziefrog

July 13, 2003
I started at about 6 wks too, I am 9 weeks out now. I only eat it a couple times a week, against my surgeon's advice. He is just against carbs period though. I do like that it is a good cleaner (you know what I mean) because I have such trouble with that.
   — Michelle A.

July 14, 2003
I've had popcorn since about 8 wks out (12 wks now). I do use the lowest fat I can find and then just spray it with a little I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray. I've also tried kettle corn popped fresh at a festival. I was afraid of the sugar in it but thought I'd try it as an okay way to get a little something sweet with some crunch to it. I did great on it but I know it's because it is popped with such a small amount of sugar. It was just a one time thing, but I'd do it again occasionally. Preop I was a HEAVY butter popcorn person. Now I like it just with the spray and it's fine. It amazes me how much I can REALLY taste things without all the added fats from oils & butters and I would not consider myself to be one who is obsessed about watching those things. My tastes have changed and I just don't crave too many high fat things at this stage. I'm far from perfect as an occasional cheese stick or french fry does get eaten. Good luck to each of you on your WLS journey!!
   — Diane S.

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