Question:
I'll be two weeks post-op tomorrow. I'm doing well, I think, but got bored with

pureed foods so I've moved on to regular soft foods, chewed well with sips of water. I fill up very quickly and then stop eating, and I've tolerated this just fine, but am wondering if there is a reason why I shouldn't be doing this. It's my understanding that everyone's tolerance is different and a lot of post-op eating is trial-and-error. Is it okay to be doing this, as long as the amount is within the doctor's guildeline of 3-4 oz? Did anybody else move to regular foods so quickly, and if so, were there any ill effects?    — Paula C. (posted on December 4, 2002)

December 4, 2002
I have found all doctors do things a little differently. A friend of mine went to a surgeon that kept her on liqids for 3 weeks. Mine did one day, day 2 in the hosp. I was started on pureed foods. By week 2 told to intoduce soft foods like cottage cheese, etc. After that it was to advance as tolerate..carefully chewing but not to drink with meals. If you chose to advance your diet a little, you probably should share the info with your doctor. Also just remeber things may occasionall hurt a little more than they will in a few weeks. The pouch is still swollen. I only just found I can tak my calcium pills without hurting really badly. I am at 6 weeks post op. But of course I bought a bunch of chewables because i didnt realize the discomfort was from remaining swelling.....
   — Keniki B.

December 4, 2002
You should address this question to your doctor...
   — barbara A.

December 4, 2002
You really should check with your doctor or nutritionist before advancing your diet. Most surgeons insist that<b><font color=red> NO </b></font>liquids be taken with food, and I am not allowed to drink 30 minutes prior to eating and at least 30 minutes after, which seems to ge quite common protocol.
   — Linda 1.

December 4, 2002
My surgeon and nutritionist have a post-op diet that they give out but emphasized that it is only a guideline. People can move to the next stage a little early if they tolerate it as far as the surgeon and nutritionist are concerned...JR
   — John Rushton

December 4, 2002
if you're two weeks post-op odds are you're going to be seeing your doctor very soon for a follow-up. Definitely admit this to him/her and get their reaction. My surgeon wanted me on full liquids for 4 weeks and I was eating foods at 2 weeks - well beyond even the 6 weeks stage. He wasn't thrilled but was at least aware of what I was doing and could monitor the situation as needed and should something occur was apprised of what might be causing it. That said, I did fine - 4 months out and down 80+ pounds.
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 5, 2002
PAULA~I am 3 weeks post op and i too go soooooo very bored with the puree and i was told at week 4 i could start solids. i cheated and i have been doing half and half. some meals are still liqued or puree and other meals have solids, i just chew chew chew. my nutrionist stated that there is NO WAY that i should be drinking with my meals. I think you should check into that. Even though its really hard not to drink with my meal i do know there is a real reason why so i dont! Im right there with you and I understand where you are! Hope this some what helps! sandra christie
   — sandrac131

December 5, 2002
All doctors have different guidelines for their patients. Some patients start on "real" food immediately while others have to wait as much as 8 weeks. Mine called for two weeks of Carnation Instant Breakfast and then two weeks of pureed foods. Honestly, I think a lot of people move out of the pureed food stage before they're "supposed" to, and I know that some people called my surgeon out of frustration and he gave them the ok to move ahead early. If your body isn't ready, I think it will let you know. But I'm more concerned about you drinking with your meals. As far as I know, NO surgeon allows that and it's a bad habit to get into so early on.
   — sandsonik