Question:
What about Pop Corn ? My surgeons diet just says you may want to avoid Pop Corn.
Well it's the may part that I don't under stand 5 weeks post-op. — Mike H. (posted on February 25, 2001)
February 25, 2001
Mike: DO NOT EAT POPCORN!!! About three weeks ago I ate it and became
extremely ill. It seems that popcorn, while "light" swells in
your intestine. I ate a lot of it, on a Saturday night. The following
day, I had intense pain, similar to gas. I ate breakfast and had more
pain. I bit later, I vomited and had more pain. About 3 hours later, I
tried to eat again, and vomited again. I suffered from a lot of pain.
Anyway, I called the doctor and he told me to drink meat tenderizer to
break up the popcorn and stay on liquids. That's what I did, vomited again
and went to bed. The next morning, I was fine. Moral of the story, Just
say NO!!!
— Jeannet
February 25, 2001
Popcorn is pretty tough stuff...great fiber content, but rough on the guts.
I waited until almost 6 months post op, then snacked on popcorn throughout
December (You know, those pretty X-mas tins...). I had absolutely no
problem and shall we say "the eagle landed" daily...
— merri B.
February 25, 2001
I'm 1 year post op and popcorn is one of my favorite snacks. I ate it as
early as 4-5 months post op probably. I have never had problems with it. I
chew well and enjoy. Maybe you should ask your doc again about the
"may" want to stay away from it. I've been reading post for over
a year now and the diets we have been told vary significantly. Each doc has
a certain belief. I think we should follow their advice and listen to other
postops and weigh the differences. What works for me won't work for anyone.
The bottom line, I followed my personel doc advice, as should you. Lou Ann
— Lou Ann J.
February 25, 2001
Mike, maybe it depends on the type of surgery. I see totally contrary
answers on this topic. I had RNY surgery almost 11 months ago -- I eat
popcorn all the time and I can eat a lot of it! There are no ill effects,
never have been. I don't buy the story of it swelling in our intestines.
If it swells in our intestines, then it swells in other people's intestines
and I've never heard of it. When you eat a piece of popcorn, it breaks
down to mush in your mouth -- there's really nothing to it -- its just a
popcorn kernel that exploded -- and then you are breaking it down. Try it,
you may find that you have no problems either.
— Cindy H.
February 25, 2001
Dear Mike,
I see that there are different experiences for different people on this
topic. I have already told you my experience. To Cindy: I dont know why
you wouldnt "buy it". My physician is from Mt Sinai MC in New
York City and is quite reputable. As soon as I called him with my problem,
he described the pain I was feeling and told me how to cure it. Perhaps
your definition of "a lot of popcorn" and mine differ? Perhaps
your system breaks things down better than mine? Bottom line, please don't
negate or dismiss MY experiences. Thanks
— Jeannet
February 25, 2001
We were never warned away from popcorn, except with sugar on it, of course.
I never was a big fan of it pre-op, but now, when I need a lot of
"hand to mouth" something, it does the trick. I like to melt 'em
on my tongue and savor the flavor and not try to "finish" the bag
or anything. Some days when "nothing sets right", popcorn fills
the bill nicely for me and my husband, who is also long term post-op.
— vitalady
February 25, 2001
I don't much care for popcorn. I think it smells so much better than it
tastes. This is not just since my surgery (7-19-2000) but for the last few
years. After I eat it, I don't feel very good. But my husband on the
other hand (open RNY 6-7-2000) loves it and eats it almost every day. He
started this at about 6 months out. If you can tolerate it, I say ENJOY,
but please wait until your new system is healed.
— livnliter
April 8, 2001
I have eaten popcorn at 2 months post op. My dietician told me it was ok
and that I shouldn't have any trouble with it. I took about a half of a
baggie of it to the movies and I did fine. Good luck to all. Susan Goodger
— susan R.
November 14, 2001
Am 4 weeks post op. Wasn't told I couldn't eat popcorn so when we had the
good fortune of getting some really good popcorn from friends I ate a nice
sized bowl of it with no problems. Was surprised I could finish off the
bowl and didn't feel stuffed at all. I guess it was about 2 1/2 to 3 cups
of popcorn, but after it's chewed up it's GREATLY "REDUCED" in
volume. I just can't believe the story about having it expand in their
stomach. It just doesn't work that way, unless they drank something
carbonated with it, and then it would be AIR not popcorn expanding their
stomach. Anyway, no troubles here:)
— Maria H.
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