Question:
Having problems with post-op diet..... please help...!

I had my Open RNY surgery on December 1st and have lost 23 lbs... though I can't see it at all! I'm really having a tough time with the post-op diet and it seems that each doctor varies. I was to be on protein liquids for the first 3 weeks and on the 2nd week, my doctor graduated me to soft scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes and refried beans; in addition to the protein shakes. Truth is.... I'm absolutely sick with this diet! Christmas was very hard for me; I watched everyone at the table enjoy a scrumptious meal and before I got really nasty, I took myself to bed! <grin!> I know I should be thankful for having this surgery and the weight loss so far; but I guess... I still need something to gripe about! I'm just so tired of what I'm eating and wondered if there's other options for soft/pureed foods... thanks!    — Peri B. (posted on December 29, 1999)

December 29, 1999
I think all of us Post-ops have been where you are now.. I for one fit right into that time slot.. I'm still on liquids and puree.. I blend all regular soups once I was sick to death of "Broth" yogurt is good "Bluebunny" makes fat free and sugar free all are pretty good.. I limit it to one meal a day though. Carnation Instant breakfast (use skim milk) gets my protein in also (add banana to blender) I use french vanilla the chocolate umm err sucks..sorry!!! I made egg salad really smooth and creamy puree it in a blender gets my protein in and is good meal option. Sugar free juice popcicles 25 calories are good snacks between meals.. My doctor wants this same type of liquid/puree menu for 8 weeks..All doctors have different ideas.. I will follow my surgeons instructions..
   — Victoria B.

December 29, 1999
hi Peri, Here are some of the suggestions I have. Theses are from UCLA nutrition Center. I had open RNY with them in June. Sugar Free Popsicles Tomatoe or V8 Juice Crystal Light or other suger free non carbonated drinks bullion or broth(chicken or vegetable) you can make mashed potatoes with the broth for more flavor Diet jello ( sugar free) Gatorade and almost all BABY FOOD you can always add a little salt for more flavor The baby food chicken and turkey are just about the right size for a serving. And about a half of a jar of vegetables. We were not allowed to eat any of the desserts with custard in them. Also Low fat or Fat free cottage cheese I hope this helps a litlle. Cheri
   — Cheri H.

December 30, 1999
I know this feeling. I can't complain as much as you because with the DS your progression is quicker and you can eat larger amounts...but I feel, 1 month post op now, that this is a bitter sweet torture. I am fed up with soups and mashed taters....I go out with my hubby to the diner and I eat egg beaters...it physically hurts to even look at the menu possibilities. I find that the less my attention is focused on a meal, the more I can tolerate this new found lifestyle. I bought small salad plates and serve myself only on those..I serve more than I can eat so I feel good about leaving food behind. I don't eat and watch TV anymore. I want to be as focused on m mini meal as possible to savor the experience. I know that one day soon I will be able to incorporate better foods...I know that not eating fatty foods is better for me..but I can't forget how I got here in the first place. People say it will take time..I feel like I am in mourning. Then I feel great when I see my face is free of acne and my feet aren't swollen...I actually had to buy all new shoes yesterday. For the first time in 2 yrs I went into a regular store to buy them! My wedding rings fit again and I bought a nice negligee to sleep in...I must focus on these things and not allow food to be such a focal point. We have to all move on from this...find other things that make us content. No one said this was easy......good luck to us all.
   — Jackie S.

December 30, 1999
Hi, I had my surgery on Nov. 9 and I was on a liquid diet
   — Janice M.

December 30, 1999
During the pureed phase try any soup (I ran it through the blender to mush the veggies); fat free sugar free pudding (protien source because of milk); Yogurt; try other mashed veggies (carrots, yams/sweet taters etc); try other egg options poached or softboiled or add a little cottage cheese for a mini omelette; oatmeal/cream of wheat/farina/etc. I was on soft and not pureed technically so I had more options--soft is anything you can chew to a mush so my only restraint was against raw veggies. I just had my first salad last night and it was great!!! Hang in there the diet improves. ~:o)
   — Lisa O.