Question:
bariatric foods?

I saw on bariatric edge a variety of foods including mac/cheese. can this be allowed? if so, at what stage?    — bikermama (posted on May 17, 2008)

May 17, 2008
The answer to your question is going to vary depending on your surgery and your surgeon. Typically, most folks have a clear liquid diet stage that can last anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks in length depending on the doctor and the surgery. Sometimes it can be longer. Then there is a Full Liquids stage. This will last anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks depending on the situation. Again, it may be longer. Next comes the "Soft Foods" stage. This is often called the "Mushies" on the boards. This usually lasts anywhere from 2 weeks to a month. Again, there are times where it can be longer. After that, you are allowed unrestricted foods. The surgeons will often caution you to avoid going back to your old habits and tell you to follow a certain diet but you are basically no longer restricted to soft foods. The Mac and Cheese would most likely fall into the "Soft Foods" category. I cannot be CERTAIN of that since I am allergic to the cheese and could not consume the product after my surgery. In my case, with the VSG, I was on a clear liquid diet for 2 weeks, a full liquid diet for 2 weeks, the "Soft Foods" for a month and then I was told to eat 20 grams of protein and 15 to 30 grams of Carbohydrates per meal and that I was to eat 5 to 6 "Meals" per day. I was also warned to avoid carbonated beverages because they could cause my stomach to expand and cause me to fail in my goal to lose the weight I want to lose. I was also warned not to go back to my old dietary habits and avoid fast food. I was told that home cooking was my best option for losing weight since I could control the portion and I could regulate exactly how much of what type of food I was eating. I hope this helps, Hugh
   — hubarlow

May 17, 2008
Metter not go for it. The first year you got to do your best. My sergeon allows small amount after 6 months, but why not succeed 100%? I do not want to start on the complex cards of Brown Rice, whole wheet breads and pasta. Maybe after a year. if it is white pasta, it will just take you off track.,
   — William (Bill) wmil