Question:
5 Weeks Post Op- Wondering about Fruit Smoothies

Has anybody bought or made fruit smoothies this early on? If so how much did you consume?    — TotallyTori (posted on April 14, 2003)

April 14, 2003
I have tried a store bought strawberry smoothie. I cant remember the name but it went down well and I am only 2 weeks post op.
   — Melissa B.

April 14, 2003
Oh, and I could only drink about 1/2 a cup....it was a little thick.
   — Melissa B.

April 14, 2003
For what it's worth, my nutritionist cautioned my doc's patients against strawberries until we were at least three months out because of concerns the seeds might get blocked up in (or irritate) the pouch. The other thing to think about is the sugars in a smoothie -- fruits have a lot of sugar, from the point of view of fresh post-ops (don't get me wrong -- I like fruit, and it sure isn't what made *me* fat, lol!). Just in terms of dumping, if you're going to try a fruit smoothie, maybe you should try a little at first, and see how it goes. A whole one, or even half of one, might be way to much at this point -- but it sure isn't too much later on. ;~)
   — Suzy C.

April 14, 2003
I have also heard they are a good way to get yourself into a dumping syndrome. I have made my own at home using Met-Rx protein mix, water, and a handful of frozen berries or strawberries....maybe a splash of orange juice and a half a banana...at least then you know what is being put in there. Good luck to you!
   — missmollyk

April 14, 2003
Drinking calories is one of the easiest ways to sabotage your success in this surgery. The only calories I drink are my protein shakes, made with water. If you want fruit, eat fruit. But go slow, have small amounts, especially this early out.
   — Michele C.

April 14, 2003
I would be hesitant to buy a smoothie unless you absolutely knew that they were making a sugar free smoothie. Liquid sugars are the quickest way to dump and many of the fruits used in the smoothies are in sugary syrups, or they use syrups to increase flavor. If you make them yourself, your certainly far enough out to do so-in fact, protein shakes are great when spiced up with frozen fruit and some yogurt.
   — Cindy R.

April 14, 2003
I drink a smoothie every day. I have it for breakfast. I use half of a vanilla Real Meals, 5 strawberries and 6 ounces of water. I whiz it up in the food processor and then strain it to take out most of the seeds. I am 3 months out and have been doing this for the past month. It adds about 18 calories and 4 carbs to my day (for the berries). It has made the shakes much more appealing and has not affected my loss at all and anything with 30 grams of protein can't be too bad! I was worried about dumping with the fruit but have had no problem at all.
   — Carol S.