Question:
Are beans considered a soft food? Can I puree them?

I'm on the liquid phase, anxiously awaiting the soft food stage. I love refried beans with cheese. They are not on my doctors soft/pureed food list. Would it be wrong/dangerous to eat pintos with cheese at that stage? Thx in advance.    — mary V. (posted on September 6, 2002)

September 6, 2002
hiya! i think beans are great, especially cooked until very soft and then throwing them in the blender would be perfect! stay away from refried beans unless you get the kind that are fat free... remember to eat slowly, beans are heavy and you will fill up quickly if you get sick then your tummy is not ready for them, wait a few weeks and try again good luck! {hugs} kate open rny 6-14-01 pre op: 268lbs goal: 135lbs current: 130lbs
   — jkb

September 6, 2002
I'd be very careful with beans. The gas factor and your differently/newly connected tubes could cause extreme discomfort. Go slowly.
   — Mar S.

September 7, 2002
Quite a range of opinions on the bean question. What I did was to skip the refried beans because of the frying/fat question, and stick to stuff like hummus - which is pre-pureed - but you can TRY it, just take like a spoonful, and mash them up well, chew them well, see how you feel. You may find them difficult, some do. Good luck! Margie
   — Marjorie B.

September 7, 2002
I ate fat free refried beans a lot during the pureed stage and had NO problems... it was such a small quantity.. and nothing has much time in any part of your body.. it moves quickly.. you can add garlic.. and fat free melted cheese.. its a great snack.. and it has protein without fat... a good choice, at least for me.. I used two kinds..canned.. taco bell and old el paso.. there are others.. fat free makes a difference.. I think...
   — Lisa C.

September 7, 2002
I love beans....I am 3 1/2 weeks post op and have been living on lentils, refried beans, kidney beans, black beans any kind of bean. They are SUCH A GREAT SOURCE OF PROTEIN! The first month or so, your caloric intake along with carb intake, is sooooooo minimal, beans are any easy way to get your protein in. Plus, add a little cheese, and you can almost double the protein. Plus, they are a great source of fiber and help with not becoming constipated. Good Luck! Heather (Open RNY 8/15, down 26lbs)
   — heathercross

September 7, 2002
Yes, beans are a soft food. Refried beans with melted cheese in them is great. Also I put kidney and chick peas on my salads (started those at 5 weeks post-op). Beans, while they have carbs, are good carbs and filled with protein. Don't pass over these good carb foods.
   — Cindy R.