Question:
So many differences in acceptable foods...

Hello, I've not posted in awhile. Hope everyone is well. I had my surgery (RNY) on Nov 4th, everything went wonderfully. Recuperation was excellent with no complications (other than those daggone trapped air pockets...YOWIEEEE!) I am still on 2 oz/1/4 cup meals 4 times a day. I just wanted to comment on how differently doctors handle the aftercare diet. At almost 7 weeks post op, I am permitted to eat any meat products (to include hot dogs and pork sausage), seafood, peanut butter, nuts, eggs, beans and dairy (cheeses, yogurts, etc). However, that is ALL I am allowed to eat. No fruits, no vegetables, definitely no carbs or starches. And this is until at least my next follow-up in Feb (12 wk post-op). I know someone who is about 5 weeks ahead of me, she can still only eat chicken, turkey and seafood, but can also have oatmeal, applesauce, soup, etc. While I am okay following my doctors orders, I do not understand why things aren't more consistent. It doesn't make sense to me that is not a standard of care that works across the board. Anyone have any idea why post op diets are so inconsistent doctor to doctor?    — Karen K. (posted on December 19, 2009)

December 19, 2009
Hey Karen! My concern if I wer you would be the amount of fat I would be getting in those foods as opposed to high quality protein. The more fat you get initially the slower you will lose. Mentioning differences...I am in my third week post-op just had a follow-up and to my liquids I got to add low fat cottage cheese, low fat ricotta cheese, or egg substitutes only. I have been a walking fool and lost 22 lbs in my first two weeks so I am learning new what is good and bad protein. Just a thought take care.
   — jvannatta

December 19, 2009
I have to agree with Joyce, you need a leaner protein. My Dr. says to eat only lean protein. I am out four months and I still can't a lot of protein at all. But when I do, I choose lean protein.
   — FSUMom

December 19, 2009
I'm sorry, I should have been clearer...I said that the fatty meats I listed were "acceptable". Did not say I am eating them! LOL. Like everything else, this is going to largely be about choices. I am down 45lbs and things are going great. Making smart choices within my acceptable choices. I see some postings on here...people drinking soda a few weeks in, eating pizza weeks after surgery...and I have to wonder if people don't realize this is an entire lifestyle change! I am sticking largely to the chicken and turkey, eggs (egg beaters) and low fat cheeses and shrimp. Trying to mostly focus on getting my protein in...want to minimize hair loss!! LOL
   — Karen K.

December 20, 2009
Howdy Karen, You've done really well thus far, just keep up the good work. We have this amazing "tool" and we have a 12-18 month "window" to really really work out tool, while the malabsorption of calories are at its greatest. I am using my tool to its "max" during this time frame so that I can get all my weight off .... then work on the maintaining stage. Maintaining has always been my downfall in previous attempts to lose weight. This time it is so different for me ..... mentally. And, maybe its my age ..... but regardless of what it is ..... I am at that stage where I know where I've been, and I know I don't ever want to go back there, and in order to accomplish those goals, I MUST CHANGE my lifestyle. So, I realize that I will be literally watching my fats, carbs, and calories for a lifetime, and staying active with exercise. The 3 things that I plan on doing during the maintenance stage, is to always stay away from sugar ...... no fried foods ..... and continue to walk daily. If that isn't enough .... then I will do what it takes to accomplish what I need to do in order to keep my weight stabilized. You see, I hit rock bottom before surgery ..... and I am now "forbidden" from that dark dreary "pit" and you'll never see me going back!!! As for the different food plans that everyone is on .... you are so right. Every surgeon has their own "plan." There is a reason for it .... just follow his plan. I came home from the hospital eating pureed foods ... to include chicken, fish, beans, cooked veggies, eggs, egg beaters, cheese, and of course protein drinks. Everything had to be a pureed consistency. I wasn't able to eat nuts, raw veggies or salads until 3 months out. I still don't eat rice or pasta. I had a little wheat pasta last night, and it just doesn't sit well in my pouch. So, I guess that is a sign that I need to leave it alone. I am almost 6 months out, and there really isn't many foods that bother me ... but I must say that I have followed the plan .... and I don't touch sugar or high fat foods. I journalize my food, and keep up with calories, fats, carbs, and proteins .... daily. This helps me so much. I try to keep my calories below 1000 daily, my fats below 50, my carbs below 50 and my proteins 60 plus. I faithfully drink my water, and take my Bariatric Advantage vitamins. Life is good ... and at 5 months out I was down 103 lbs. I only weigh once a month ... and that has got to be one of the BEST things I've done on this journey. I always see some kind of loss, yes ... it varies ..... but I do like to see the #'s move! If you weigh daily ...... it becomes an OBSESSION, and causes alot of anxiety. GOOD LUCK ON this FANTASTIC JOURNEY!
   — happypeach