Question:
I'm 4 weeks post-op and am still having trouble judging how much I should be eating.

Is it ok to eat pasta and salads yet?    — Nancy W. (posted on December 28, 2002)

December 28, 2002
It depends on your surgeon. However, my surgeon doesn't want us to eat salads for about 3 months. I'm 2.5 weeks post, and I'm supposed to be eating pureed foods. I mostly just chew it until it's a puree consistency, and then swallow it. As for pasta, I've read that it expands and causes discomfort, but I don't know firsthand.
   — Diana L.

December 28, 2002
HI...I AM ALMOST 3 WEEKS POST OP, AND I TOO DO NOT PUREE ANYTHING, I JUST CHEW AND CHEW UNTIL ITS PUREED CONSISTENCY. I HAVEN'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS, EXCEPT WITH CHICKEN AND HAM, IF I DONT CHEW IT WELL, I THROW IT UP.
   — Karen W.

December 28, 2002
Salads, I'd suggest waiting at least 6 to 8 weeks. Start off with some lettuce, cheese, meat, maybe tomato. Gradually work in the other veggies like peppers, onions or cucumbers. Pasta, I'm still not eating more than a bite or 2 of and I'm nearly 6 months post-op. It's just one of those carbs I choose to avoid, fills me up too much when I need the room for the protein, and kinda doesn't sit well if I push it beyond the couple of bites. But as the previous poster said, check with your doc. Best of luck to you on your journey! - Anna LAP RNY 7/3/02 -100lbs.
   — Anna L.

December 29, 2002
I had pasta at 4 weeks post-op. Eat a tiny amount at first as it is very filling along with rice, bread and potato. It takes you a little while to judge how much is too much. As for salads, had my first one at 5 weeks-lettuce, tomato, kidney beans, hard boiled egg, mushrooms and some onion. Best food I had ever tasted! Add tunafish salad for more protein to it...as for judging how much to eat, everyone is different. My rule early on was to eat very slow and as soon as I felt that satisfied/full feeling, I stopped. Right away! 1 more extra bite could be deadly...I have heard others use the 5 bite rule-5 bites of anything and then they stop. Or the size of their food cannot exceed the size of their palm. Others weigh their food..
   — Cindy R.