Question:
Can someone please detail items they were able to eat at Stage 3

I have been struggling with what I can and can not have. I did have an episode of getting sick and still wondering what I ate ?    — amykwebster (posted on December 29, 2008)

December 29, 2008
You have to keep trying different things and do not give up on stuff that makes you sick one day because it might not the next day...The first few months of healing, your tastes and food tolerances will change from day to day. Eventually you will be able to eat like a regular small person...eating healthy smaller portions...I was eating most foods from day one...so stage 3 for me was just making sure to chew whatever I wanted (Low sugar, low fat, high protein and high fiber) I don't much worry about anything else. That is basically what I look for in foods forever and has kept me successful at keeping my weight off (all but 8 lbs out of 158 lbs lost) I did gain back 8 lbs during year 2. And have maintained my 150 lbs lost for 3 more years after the gain...I'm so sure you will be given suggestions for a much stricter diet than I do...but thought I'd share what worked for me.
   — .Anita R.

December 29, 2008
Everyone's "stage 3" is different. I didn't really go through stages like most did. After release from the hospital I was allowed broth, refried beans, mashed potatoes, oatmeal (basicly a M&M diet - moist and mushy). After my 2 week post-op I was told anything I wanted except pork, beef (except I was allowed ground beef), rice, pasta, and bread. After my 3 month I was allowed to try anything including raw veggies, salad, and steak. Along the way things have bothered my pouch, but not always. For a while ground turkey made me ill, but not anymore. Sometimes ham is great, but for some reason not right now. Pasta never bothers me but I consider it a waste of pouch space. Salad is usually good, but got stuck three nights ago and I ended up ill all night. It's going to be trial and error to find out what works for you. Like a previous poster said, try it again later and see if it still bothers you. Some people end up with limitations forever. Some can tolerate anything.
   — Launa N.

December 29, 2008
Although I have not had my surgery yet, I have been attending pre-surgical support groups and nutrition classes, and although I am not exactly sure what you mean by "stage 3" - my "bible" given to me by my surgeon indicates that post-op week one is clear liquids, jello and broth. Week two is semi-solid soft foods and liquid protein, like smooth yogurt, jello, egg beaters, refried beans, small curd low fat cottage cheese, and popsicles. Week three, four and five is protein drinks, scrambled egg, liverwurst, smooth peanut butter, maybe a protein bar, lean skinless chicken, broccoli with cheese, hot chocolate. Week six and beyond is solid foods with very high protein content (turkey burgers, fish, lean skinless chicken breast). I have very small amounts of vegetables, mostly cauliflower and broccoli as they have the least carbohydrates for the bang. You should not be taking bites bigger than the size of a large pea, and should be chewing thoroughly. Do NOT eat until you are "full", as that will be UNCOMFORTABLY full in about 20 minutes. Try at all times to avoid sugar, as this will invariably cause dumping syndrome, making you feel very ill. Sugar-containing foods can be as diverse as candy bars, a ripe nectarine, grapes, or even a glass of milk (lactose). Also, at this point, you should be drinking 60 - 90 ounces of wter, tea, dilute fruit juices and non-or-low calorie liquids per day. You should stop drinking 15 to 30 minutes before you eat, and not resume drinking until 45 to 60 minutes after you eat. No liquids, for any reason, should be taken with meals. This includes soup or boiled vegetables. Avoid snacks, as you should be eating 6 small meals per day - there shouldn't be time for snacks. Avoid high calorie liquids (alcohol, milk). If you MUST have a snack, choose a high quality protein... jerky is well tolerated and high in protein. I hope this helps. If you need more information, please feel free to email me at [email protected].
   — Erica Alikchihoo

December 29, 2008
Amy, I have some sample menus to follow. email me at [email protected] and I will email them back. Take Care, Kemalani
   — kemalani