Question:
When did you start eating (and tolerating) red meat?

My surgeon has a strict diet, and forbids red meat for almost 6 months, and is telling new patients that they should never eat it again! I find this too extreme, and am wondering what patients of other surgeons are being told. How soon did you eat items like ground beef, or steak. I am really craving some chili w/ hamburger, and wonder how long until I can tolerate it, and have it safely.    — Kelly B. (posted on August 25, 2003)

August 25, 2003
I eat red meat all the time. My doctor has no restriction on it. It is important to remember to chew it really well and take small bites. I was eating chili when I was released to regular foods after 6 weeks. All doctors are different and have different programs. I followed my doctors to the letter and never had a problem. Something to think about before you deviate from it.
   — dkinson

August 25, 2003
Hi, I could tolerate red meat before I could tolerate tuna. I had my first OZ of steak around 6 weeks and had no problem. Sirloin sits very well with me, thin slices and chew well. I don't need much 2-3 oz at the most. On the other hand one bit of tuna and I was in severe pain. Good luck
   — Kriola

September 1, 2003
Red Meat and pork was easier to tolerate than chicken. Our program recommends no red meat for one year, but I added it just about 6 months,a nd still chew very very well!
   — ~~Stacie~~

September 1, 2003
I just had my first filet mignon at 9 1/2 weeks. It was delicious. I had meatballs at 7 weeks. They were much smaller pieces than before, but no problems. Just had to make sure to chew enough.
   — Holly M.