Question:
Popcorn kernals and the RNY

Hi, I'm 4 months out and want some popcorn. My doc told me no because it swells and the kernals could get stuck. If I'm healed, how can the kernals get stuck and what is the difference between them and strawberry or kiwi seeds that I'm allowed to have?    — Kathie B. (posted on February 5, 2009)


February 5, 2009
Ok I eat popcorn even though they say no. Just be sure to bite each piece into small parts. You should only eat a little at a time. Never had a problem with it.
   — trible

February 5, 2009
I am 5 1/2 years post op and I eat popcorn. Not very often though. I was told that because our tummys are different now we cannot process the kernels.
   — Carlyn M.

February 5, 2009
Kathie, Hey there. I was thinking about this and I do know other people who eat popcorn just fine. If the kernals are the issue, while it may take longer, you could always just avoid eating that center part of the pieces? :-)
   — Elizabeth J.

February 5, 2009
I have been eating popcorn since about 2 months after surgery, 8/23/08 and have never had an issue with it. It doesn't swell in my stomach. Did you ever drop some popcorn in some water and see what it does? It just about disolves to nothing. So I disagree with your Doctor. However, he is the one who sets the rules, and you should do what he tells you. Maybe he will allow it in the future. I had the RNY surgery, and I have been very fortunate and am now able to eat most everything I want. I avoid sweets and bread though. Hope this helps you, and that your doc changes his mind. Also I might add that I eat only the Orville Redenbaker fat free popcorn, in the mini bags.
   — katiecakes

February 5, 2009
Just an added note:I had permission from my nutritionist to eat the popcorn.
   — katiecakes

February 5, 2009
New post ops should stay away...those kernels are like fingernails! (cresent shaped) They can get stuck in staple lines and irritate the pouch...We all know how horrible it feels getting pieces-parts stuck in the back of the throat! Fiber that rough is not good for new post ops at all! I can't handle popcorn personally becasue it does swell leaves me a belly ache...I love the stuff and it hates me! Every now and then I have a handful and that's all I can handle. Lots of grads eat popcorn with no trouble...Careful not to make it a high cal, fatty food with butter...Tastes great tossed with a sprinkle of parm or romano cheese...
   — .Anita R.

February 5, 2009
You should follow your doctor's instructions. And remember, you had this surgery to be healthier. It is a lifetime commitment. If you start disobeying the rule this early on you will not succed in your battle against obesity. Good luck.
   — maria09elena

February 5, 2009
I EAT POPCORN ONCE IN AWHILE BECAUSE LIKE OTHER FOODS,I CANT CONTROL IT.I EAT TOO MUCH.IM 6 1/2 YRS POST.
   — deb44m

February 5, 2009
First of all congrats on your surgery. Remember this is a tool we have been blessed enough to get to help up with our longtime weight problem. Popcorn is a slider food. It actually desenigrates in your mouth, lots of empty calories and a kernal left. Have you ever had a popcorn kernal stuck in your throat? oouch... Just imagine in you still healing stomach, its not worth it. Have you ever had a strawberry seed stuck in your throat, of course not. So the moral of this is that the doctors have the knowledge we need to follow completely. Not to say we dont ever cheat here and there becasue we are food addicts, however the purpose of this surgery is to help use learn to eat right and love our body and health. Follow your doctors instructions and give yourself time to heal. You can be a success at this or you can do like several people I have seen and eat how you want in small bits to find out a year down the road you have not lost weight and may have messed up your pouch. other options of a crunchy healthy food we can have to help with this craving at this period in your food stage. I hope this helped. feel free to email me anytime. [email protected] thanks, Jenna
   — Jenna21fl

February 5, 2009
Why not try the hulless puffed popcorn that you can buy in the chip isle at the grocery store. It is really good. I know with my doctor I was not allowed to eat popcorn for the first 6 months, nor was I allowed to eat corn. Give the Hulless Popcorn a try. I just bought yesterday a container of it at Gabriel's Brothers in "Corn on the Cob" flavor and it was really good. Good Luck
   — GrammaAnn

February 6, 2009
If the doctor said no, why are you questioning it. Isn't that the kind of behavior that created the need for the surgery in the first place.
   — SharonZ

February 6, 2009
As much as I love popcorn I avoid it like the plague. Getting anything stuck just from eating too fast hurts too much for me to risk it. That, plus popcorn is one of my "trigger foods"-- I'd want to keep snacking. So I treated myself to some of those little popcorn cakes in the 100-cal packs. Had my protein first then ate maybe two... and was more than satisfied. One pack lasted almost a week.
   — snickersblk




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