Question:
is there a list of foods that can't be eaten anymore post op

are there any foods that the body will not tolerate anymore or be harmful after surgery and forever after    — lpampalo (posted on January 12, 2009)

January 12, 2009
I think this question is best answered by your surgeon and dietition or nutritionist, because they know you and your situation on a medical and personal level. However, I personally know of a good book that you might want to read, and another I wasn't aware of but that might have information for you, also. The first one is called "Before and After" by Susan Maria Leach - and has over 135 recipies in it for post op patients, and the other, which I have not read but might have some sensible info is "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies" - someone on the list mentioned it a week or so ago. I hope you find the answers you need. I started out looking for a list like that, too.... and I've pretty much had to just become an avid reader of labels and watch the protein, carb and fat content of what I'm eating and/or drinking.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

January 12, 2009
Surgery is a dietary lifestyle change...Food is not harmful in itself, unless you personally have reactions to it. (Such as allergies) I was taught to look for high protein and fiber...and lower sugar and fat...No foods were forbidden BUT, I was told to eat carbs and sugar and good fats in moderation and only occassionally...Not all people dump fats and sugars and even your surgeon cannot guess who will or will not dump...And there are so many that do not dump (And are very disappointed) and have a harder time controlling the "moderation" after 1-2 years post op. The only things I was told was not allowed were NSAIDS (such as advil, motrin, aspirin, etc) These are harmful to the pouch and can cause ulcers and other problems because they are very harsh on your new surgery. Simple carbs are discouraged from eating daily...and to try to replace with complex carbs...Replace white flour foods with whole grains....Replace sticky white rice with a drier more chewy rice like brown rice...The longer you cook rice the more carbs it has...If you eat your rice or any pasta slightly undercooked (al dente) It has less carbs...The softer it gets the more carbs you absorb! The universal rule is to always eat protein first, then your complex carbs (fruits, veggies and whole grains)... When you over eat carbs, and do not burn them off as fuel, your body stores them as fat...SO don't over eat! Work off a heavy meal! That's the lifestyle changes you MUST make for long term success! Plus the more refined the carb,...the faster it turns to sugar. The brain is happy...It likes sugar and calories (fuel)...but no nutrition and it says "let's start storing this stuff"...and "let's eat more, more, more!"(cravings) So knowing this, you make better choices whenever possible...I eat fruits and veggies anytime...any amount...But I limit grains, starchy veggies and certainly sugar. I don't drink sugar or soda (Totally empty calories and no nutrition at all!)...But will have a SF soda once in a while...Which I can only sip anyway...Gulping carbonated drinks would lay me out on the floor in pain! Everyone is different in what they can and cannot tolerate...We all have surgeons and Nuts with different opinions also...ULTIMATELY, it is YOUR body and you need to stay on track LONG TERM...not just til you real goal, but always! ...When you have surgery to correct a problem, you need to take it seriously and commit yourself to certain changes...It won't matter if you are very strict or very lienent with your choicesIF you over eat; you will gain weight back...It doesn't matter if you over eat apples...or if you eat protein or if you over eat supplements...CALORIES make you gain weight...As far as food being harmful, the only time it is harmful is when you are newly post op and healing...Your surgeon should give you a list of foods to stay away from initially...Generally that's what the stages are all about until you graduate to eating like a regular small person...only healthier...leaner...and better choices whenever possible. (Baked or broiled over fried...Chicken with no skin...SF drinks...Fruit over baked desserts) That sort of thing... Good luck and ask your surgeon for a the stages of what foods you can have and when!
   — .Anita R.

January 12, 2009
I think if you asked 100 bypass people, you would get 100 different answers. I can't tolerate Kraft Macoroni and cheese(good thing) skin of almost all fruit. Blueberries are the worse. Milk and anything with alot of sugar or fat. I am 4 years post op.
   — smparker2

January 12, 2009
Linda, as soon as you swallow something, you will probably know if you can eat it or not! If not, you will feel terribly ill for quite a while, those are the things that you shouldn't eat. This also includes the sweets, the treats and all the fatty and sugary things that we like but shouldn't have. Ask your surgeon and nutritionist what would be best for you and remember that you are doing this to improve your life and health. If it's not healthy, don't consider it. Good luck
   — anitak

January 12, 2009
Each person is different on things they can and can not "tolerate". I could probably walk around with a tub of butter flavor crisco and a spoon (since I haven't dumped from fats), but that doesn't mean it's something I want to do. Some can't eat certain types of meat anymore. Some are told no to popcorn. Some aren't. Some are told no to gum. Some are encouraged to chew it. My surgeon had me bring it to the hospital. Some are told no caffine ever. Some aren't. Some can drink coffee. I, personally, can't. It burns my pouch. Like everyone else said: the basic rule is to cut out refined carbs and focus on protein...adding in fruits and veggies and whole grains (in moderation). Does that mean that you can't have a nibble of wedding cake at your daughter's wedding??? That really depends on you and your plan. I could because cake isn't a trigger. I can take it or leave it. Could I have a coke? No way! IF my body tolerated it, I would be hooked. There are things I've decided to not even try...real ice cream, fried foods, soda of any kind, sugary drinks of any kind, white rice, regular pasta, pancakes, waffles...I could go on and on with the things I've removed from my diet. My body probably could "tolerate" them, but I know I can't have those things in moderation. If you spend your time eating the things you're SUPPOSED to, then you won't have any time or space to eat the junk.
   — Launa N.