Question:
Everybody diet is different

I notice alot of people on here that have had RNY can eat rice, potatoes, whole wheat bread and even drink diet soda. I didn't know you were allowed any of this. I am almost 5 months post op and my Dr. strictly forbids any of that including any rice, white potatoes, juice, any carbonated beverages including ones that have gone flat. I wonder why this is? if some people can have have, why cant we all have it? any help with this question would be great.    — MikeL (posted on June 9, 2006)

June 9, 2006
Ya know, I was wondering the same thing. I am 8 weeks post op and only allowed 3 oz. of food 3 times a day (no protein shakes, no soda, and no caffeine (he doesn't even want me drinking decaf))...I think there must be alot of controversy!! I have noticed that I cannot get anywhere near the protein that they suggest so I do have a protein shake once a day. I know it's against my docs wishes, but I feel with my exercising I need the protein!!!
   — brosane

June 9, 2006
All surgeons have different beliefs, mine believes you need to eat normal meals, e.g. protein, veg, starch, protein first, veg next then the starch if you can get through it all. I have had rice, pasta, etc for sometime just in limited amounts...
   — Kriola

June 9, 2006
Funny, I'm 2 weeks post op and starting on soft foods and I had the same concerns and questions. I've read sooo many people have eaten a variety of things, whereas my doctor's list is small of what we should eat. I added a few that I see people are eating with no problem like mashed potatoes (home made with ff milk and butter buds! yummy) and refried beans (no cheese). All have gone down well =0) I'm down 25.5 and happy! Good luck.
   — DCHEERMOM

June 9, 2006
Ive eaten rice and potatoes. Went down good and didnt make me sick. DR. said it was okay to eat that stuff. i dont eat corn or popcorn or nuts though does anyone else not eat those things
   — JAR

June 9, 2006
I am SO glad you brought this up! I am allowed rice and potatoes but in limited quantities b/c they are so low in protein. Juice is limited as well b/c it can be high in sugar. Like you, I can't have any diet soda. I've tried it even and the bubbles hurt! Some other things I've noticed: I'm not allowed to drink using straws, I'm not allowed meat until at least 4+ months (much less for others I've talked to) and they suggest I don't eat anything with any type of sugar in the first 3 ingredients. Like others have said, I guess there's just controversy in the WLS world and docs just do what they think is best. Medicine seems at time like such a crapshoot anyway. =o) I hope others post; I'd like more discussion.
   — platypus

June 9, 2006
Interesting question and one that's driven me nuts since the 90's. One thing is that many docs have their same high school opinion about what made us fat in the first place, so their program refllects that, right or wrong. There is plenty of misinformation out there, even among the professionals about what we need, what we don't need. My doc started doing these surgeries in the 60's, was a founding member of ASBS, so we have a program that is very different than most around the country. He doesn't "sell" it, but there are outfits who "sell" a program to the docs & dieticians. It doesn't mean it is a GOOD program or "right" for us, but the sales pitch is really good. When it's all said and done, some things work, some don't, but the place to look for answers to those questions is with long term people who've been there, done that with good programs and bad, paid the price for erroneous info or celebrated the success of good info. I know we all think our docs are gods, but really, SURGERY is their field, not so much what (not) to eat. When I had my surgery (1994), we were forbidden carbonation for 30 days (sugar forever), and now it's all tendy to forbid it for life. That's not a bad thing, since the phosphates in even diet soda can do some damage to our already under-supplemented very fragile bones. But we didn't know that then, so have used diet sodas for years with no damage to the pouch. You can check the Grads for long term info at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG
   — vitalady

June 9, 2006
I agree with Michelle, and would also add that for any surgeon who insists you stay on the straight and narrow from here on out isn't being realistic. I know they are trying to prevent people from regain, but for many that will be a trigger to regain because guilt enters the picture when they do finally taste that thing they "shouldn't" have. Some people will be good indefinitely. I applaud that determination. But most people have a pattern of gaining and losing in their life prior to wls, and when that is the case you can almost always find a diet at the core of the reason why the person fell off the wagon. I did that for years, and only when I got off that roller coaster (about a year before my surgery) was I able to quit overdoing it when I would have something I "shouldn't" have. Cravings some people say are "head hunger." I know what head hunger is, but I also know there is a difference between that and an intense and overwhelming craving. Sometimes cravings are there to tell us we are deficient in something. (Like when I crave a tuna sandwich or beef when I've not had enough protein.) So getting off the dieting roller coaster helped me, I believe, have a good perspective post op . Sometimes I will have a chip with a sandwich, sometimes I won't. But I don't crave chips. And I don't seek out all the sinful things I would find myself dying for before...because I can have them whenever I want. The point was I have a smaller stomach now and use THAT as the tool it is. I'm 2+ years out now. If I gain, it's my fault. If I lose, it's because I did something to help it along. I'm still responsible, but I have been tremendously blessed with the help of a smaller stomach. We have to live in this body for a long long time, so my goal is to be comfortable and happy at the same time. I'm done with black and white all or nothing thinking, so you won't find me eliminating anything ENTIRELY from my diet unless it makes me very very sick. Dina
   — Dinka Doo

June 9, 2006
I had my one month anniversary yesterday. Saw my Dr. on the7th. His parting advice was eat whatever I wanted as long as I could chew it small enough and to eat my protein first and then whatever I wanted to go with it. To limit myself to 2-3 ounces a meal in the beginning but as time progressed I'd go up to 4. He doesn't recommend carbonated drinks, but said the choice was mine. There was no food he suggested I not eat eventually but suggested I take it slowly. My brother's doctor was the same way. Their only differences was my Dr. said to swallow my pills and his doctor insisted on his crushing them. Who knows. I agree with the post that suggested its their preconceived notions about diet and not any sound scientific WLS evidence that dictates what they suggest. The main goal, according to my Dr. is to have between 600-800 calories a day, consisting first of te required protein, then additions. Eventually (1-2 years) he said I'd be up to 1000-1200 calories and would want to have a balanced diet. My decision is to take what I know about nutrition and diet and apply it as best I can, to maintain the small meals, exercise and get on with my life. All my life food has been the most important thing of the day - now I just want it to be something I do for nourishment, not love, so I don't suggest or plan to obsess about what I'm eating. Good luck with finding what works for you and hang in there.
   — dinky

June 9, 2006
All doctors are different and all people are different. My dr is the most strict that I have ever heard of. Saying that, I have taken chances on eating different things. Only a bite or two. I have gotten sick 4 times. I am 6 wks out and am now able to eat a sandwich made with 1 pc of bread, chewing well. It makes me feel more normal. I used to eat 4 times that amount. I've found if I can mow or do yard work or anything to take my mind off eating, I don't miss it.
   — geneswife

June 9, 2006
Talk about different approaches! My Dr says protein is key and we have to have 1 to 2 protein supplements (at least 15 gms each) for the first year - but NO protein bars. Carbs & sugars each less that 6 gms. Plus, after 6 weeks build up to 3-31/2 oz of protein 3 x per day. At 4 weeks we were allowed lettuce with full fat dressing and at 6 weeks some veggies - NOT starchy ones like potatoes & corn. No fruit for 4 months. NO carbs (bread, rice etc) until you've lost 75% of the weight you need to lose (too fattening - lose weight slower & can't fit in the much needed protein) No carbonation or straws - he says the air increases the size of the pouch! No caffeine - he says the diuretic in it is NG after the bypass and reduced absorption. Hope this helps!
   — beebees2

June 10, 2006
My personal opinion is if your stomach can handle it then eat it if you want. Obviously dont overdo it. You must be the type that shares everything with your surgion. I do too, but mine believes in eating normal meals with all the food groups.
   — Jennifer Nice

June 10, 2006
Dr.'s orders are just suggestions. I have been at goal weight for two years and maintaining with no problems. I eat what I can tolerate. The only thing that makes people regain is liquid calories (Regular Soda, ice cream, milk and juice etc) and grazing. Eating all day long. After a year I was able to eat a little rice, macorini potatoes and even lite beer. General Rule is everybody is different. Eat whatever you want as long as it doesn't make you sick or gain weight. Hope this helps.
   — smparker2

June 10, 2006
Hello! What a GREAT question- as you can see- everyone is at different LEVELS of weight loss- so First I think when and how far out - should you intrduce the foods- is one question- second is how much to eat? I think surgeons are lookking for a great outcome per patient- and I think the first 90days-6 mos is very different - than a post op 6mos-year or longer. AND I also know that if stricture is going to occur- it will occur within the first 6mos. So that may be One reason. Another is - the capacity of the pouch post surgery. Initially we are all dependent on protein and our needs change as we move further out. Initially- we cant eat so much- pouch is smaller- therefore it akes sense to focus heavily on protein. Ive had mashed potatoes since surgery- and I frequently ask for them instead of french fries ( which seems to come with a lot of meals. I eat out a lot) . But french fries and potates-well they take up more space in your pouch..and add some diet soda- and you can have the beginning of stretching your pouch. There are staples- however- there was a posting by Tavia on the NY Board recently- that a WLS patient she met in the hospital- had died- not because the surgery was NOT successful- but becuz she decided to drink diet soda and Pizza. SHE died while eating 3 slices of pizza and diet soda- and she ripped through her pouch. AND THAT WS NOT THE FIRST TIME FOR HER either- Apparently- she had ripped thrugh the staples TWICE BEFORE...SO that being said- I believe there are consequences for everything you eat. DO I eat pizza? Yes I have a slice every now and then- maybe once a month. I do eat chinese food more- like weekly- but I tend to eat stir fried rather than fried food. I also eat a lot of shrimp dishes. I also have strayed from time to tie with dessert- like apple pie at the holidays or a slice of cheesecake- at a wedding- but I also make sure- that I have had a good deal of protein first. Plus I watch the alcohol. I may have a toasted almond- but baby it- and make sure I drink a bottle of water in between. This surgery makes it so we can tolerate life and live it. I have had 2 dumping episodes (none recently) and there is nothing worse than winding up in the ER at midnite. So I tend to focus on enjoying what Im having- not overdoing anything-and I stick with protein first. Anything with carbs will fill you up faster and not be as nutrient rich- and becuause I workout-Im more conscious about building muscle..ie protein intake..SO I would say- the further out you are- the more easily food is assimilated by your body. If you can tolerate it- thats a gift And if you see yourself gaining bet 3-5lbs- drop the carbs and snacking- and go back to more protein. Hugs, Donna
   — nybabe

June 10, 2006
I think it depends on what the doctor feels is right. We are supposed to get our protein first, and can only eat so much, so many doctors recommend you eat only foods high in nutrients. White dfoods, like potatoes and white rice, tend to have very little nutritional value. Because of that, an occassional spoonful won't hurt you, but they are not to be eaten regularly. My docotr explained that we shoudl essentially follow the Atkins diet for the rest of our lives. Carbonated drinks are off limits because the bubbles can either stretch your pouch, or cause you to belch a lot, which stretches your pouch. The more stretched-out your pouch, the more you can eat. My neice had the surgery, too, and her doctor allows her anything. She regularly eats white bread and drinks soda. She is one of those people who used to eat like a linebacker, though, so she is still eating much less than she used to, and losing weight. Another thing is that the more cabs you eat, the more you crave them. Therefor, you should limit your carbs and choose wisely.
   — Novashannon

June 10, 2006
Thanks for all the feedback, I found it to be very helpful.
   — MikeL

June 11, 2006
I had read you can't drink soda after wls because carbination expands in you stomach and can rip you stiches out. I'm not sure if it is true but why chance it? Good luck.
   — Tanya1992

June 14, 2006
To the best of my knowledge you are NOT allowed any of these things. I still can't eat rice, pasta, bread. You can have juice as long as it is ONLY 100% juice. NO carbonated beverages as this can enlarge your new stomach. You may have carbonated beverages ONLY if it is diet and ONLY if it has gone flat. You can have carbonated beverages after 6 months but ONLY diet.
   — vlaster

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