Question:
Food ideas for after surgery

I would love any ideas or suggestions on what others have eaten after RNY. My surgery on on monday and i am supposed to go home on wednesday if all goes well, but what are some quick,easy things to start off eating.... Thanks    — tkgarner99 (posted on April 27, 2007)


April 27, 2007
I have seen a lot of ?'s come up about people wanting to eat different things but still be on track with their diets. Well, there is this cook book that was suggested to me by my dietitian called, "EATING WELL AFTER WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY". I was able to find it in Barnes & Nobles. I think you can also get it at Borders. Well, it has great recipes and any person that has had WLS can use it. It isn't just for Lapbanders. It gives the calorie, protein, sodium and carb breakdown for each recipe and also tells you if you are able to eat it in your first weeks after surgery. It has everything from soups to meat dishes. Mexican to Indian and everything inbetween. I have been using the book for the last six weeks and have been so glad that I had. I haven't found one recipe yet that I don't like and they are all very simple. I suggest that everyone should at least look at it. It will keep you from getting bored with just plain chicken and cottage cheese.
   — hugger1021

April 27, 2007
Well I've heard of very few patients who start off eating anything right after surgery. The first week is usually 3 ounces of a clear sugarfree, caffeine free no carbonated liquids, sugar free jello and popsicles and water. Fluids are to be taken in every 30 minutes and this is to keep the patient from becoming dehydrated. The second week is clear liquids and protein drinks; the 3rd and 4th weeks are pureed foods and the 5th week you start to slowly introduce whole foods back into your system. Once you are home and adjusting --drop us a note as to how you are doing. Stay positive, stay confident, stay strong and welcome to the new side of life.
   — the7thdean

April 27, 2007
The first few days were clear liquids only. Then milk liquids like carnation instant breakfast and watery cream of wheat, a few teaspoons of sf pudding, yogurt, etc. After a week or so you will go on pureed food. Did your nut give you a program? If not, call and ask for one. My nut did and then came to see me in the hospital. Good luck.
   — Sheri A.

April 27, 2007
Tony, I would think that out of the gate you will still be on liquids for a time. I don't know any patient that began on real foods right after surgery. Be careful about protein drinks though, what tastes good now may not taste good after surgery. Are you set up with a support group? That is so important after surgery. Many people lose heart and fail on many issues without support. I hope you have a few books and friends in the wings to walk with you on this. On line is great, but you need local support as well. The answer to your question is that when I did go to solid food, I had chicken soup, and a lot of dairy. I didn't like any protein drinks, so I had to work at getting my protein from foods. So, lots of milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, soup, and when I could eat solid foods, I would eat beef jerkey for snacks. They all helped. Also, there is a protein powder you can buy on line from bariatrics.com that is pretty tasteless. I add it to my yogurt daily and boost my protein levels that way. Start slow. The impulse to obsess over food is still with you after surgery. I always used my instincts when it came to eating, what sounded good. Eggs are also a good choice. I would also put chicken through a food processor and make chicken salad. I still do that and love it. Hope that helps. Please get some reference guides from your book store and some local support though. It will help you more than you know. Take care, Patricia P
   — Patricia P

April 28, 2007
I agree with the other posters, you should not be EATING anything, you will be DRINKING for the first 2 weeks. A word of caution though, most people get very sick n tired of their protein drink, so may I suggest Anywhey TASTELESS protein powder. You can find it at GNC and it really is almost completely tasteless. It has very little taste and it's easier to digest. Good luck!
   — crystalsno

April 28, 2007
your nutritionist/surgeon/dr office should be giving you a list of what to eat at what stage. I started off with cream soups, a little cottage cheese, protein shakes and tried to drink 1 oz of water/crystal lite every 10 minutes. It was hard, but it keep getting easier.
   — Danita S.

April 30, 2007
Surger free-everything-2-3 ozs at a time And Protein-Protein-Protein drinks. I used the protein powder and mixed with 1% milk. I drank lots and lots of water. Crystal Clear has come out with little pkts that go into the waterbottles (10-16ozs)you should sip on . Also there are little packets called True Lemon that I add to my bottles of water ,tea, and even some recipes. Very good! Beef, turkey, chicken Broth (HOT) is good. A little too salty for me but others I have talked to like them. Remember LOTS OF WATER! I had my WLS 02-21-2006, and have lost 150lbs. Just bought myself a bike, and ankle weights. Im 58 and have a new lease on LIFE. OH puts out wonderful magazines. Good luck and injoy the new you. Remember surgery is a tool, your success is how and what you are willing to do.
   — mtackett




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