Question:
Will I ever be able to eat a salad again?

I only have a week to go til Im at 6 weeks. Is this when I can start w/fruit and veggies? I read alot of people cant tolerate them because of it being hard on the bowel. I really hope that I will not have to avoid nectarines and salad forever. Have any imput?    — [Anonymous] (posted on August 14, 2000)

August 14, 2000
Don't worry, you'll be munching on salad and nectarines soon. I had to wait until 8 weeks to do salad. The lettuce is a bit rough on the tummy, and so are raw vegies like onions, peppers and carrots which are typically on many salads. As for fruit, eat it slowly in small bites and try to avoid fruit skin for a few more weeks. It can be hard to digest. Be patient with yourself. It will come! :) 3 months post op - 56 pounds gone forever!
   — Paula G.

August 14, 2000
I am a littile over 6 weeks with open RNY and had my first salad just last week. It was fine, I have been eating mandarine oranges for about 2 weeks. YUM. The only hard part is being sure to chew the lettuce really well. I rushed a few bites of ceaser salad at the mall and had a little discomfort. I hope this helps and Good Luck!
   — Andrea P.

August 14, 2000
I waited about 6 weeks to try green salad, I tried to puree it. You know what that looked like?! i chew lettuce so much that it isn't a problem. Cucumbers (peeled), green pepper and tomatoes (peeled) work ok. I only eat soft skinned fruits and peel what I have to. Grapes area no-no but I don't miss them anyway if I have fruit cocktail..
   — char T.

August 14, 2000
I forgot to add that carrot and broccoli and cauliflower are hard to digest as well as citrus fruits like oranges, pineapple and grapefruit.
   — char T.

August 14, 2000
I was afraid of trying salad at first but I did and I eat it all the time now...try it..ur body may just love it. ;o)
   — Laurie B.

August 14, 2000
Veggies are great ! Its an individual thing as to when your comfy eating them. for me it was at 10 weeks, and now I eat them every day. I love salads !!!!
   — nancy T.

August 14, 2000
Following a proximal lap RNY, I was allowed salads (basically lettuce and tomato) without any firm or crunchy vegetables at 3 weeks post-op...as well as peeled fruits and citrus without the membranes. At 6 weeks post-op, I was allowed all fruits and vegetables without restriction. The key is to chew thoroughly and take small bites. Your body will let you know when you have added something before it's ready, and each of us goes through this process in our own individualized way. Also, the type of procedure will influence your dietary tolerances, so be sure to follow your surgeon's guidelines. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

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