Question:
Is There Anyway to Know How You Will React to Various Foods Post Op?

I have read so many journals of RNY post-ops... some people say they have no trouble with any foods, and on the other side some say they have lots of trouble. Is there any way to tell before surgery how you will react to various foods, or if you will have lots of trouble learning how to eat?    — Tim W. (posted on February 16, 2003)

February 16, 2003
Nope! You'll just have to take it slow and easy. Perhaps you will be lucky and not have to many problems. In any case, it is worth it. :)
   — Danmark

February 16, 2003
Just like Daniel said, except to add: What may be okay today, youmay puke tomoorw. This really is a roller coaster, but what a ride!
   — ~~Stacie~~

February 16, 2003
I agree - nope! I've been very lucky. I have been eating protein for 6 days now and everything, except fresh roasted chicken you get at the grocery store, I have been able to tolerate fine. I took one bite of that chicken and it just wasn't sitting so good so I switched to something else. It's trial and error. So far smells or anthing has bothered me. I'm hoping it continues that way.
   — zoedogcbr

February 16, 2003
No............................................................................
   — barbara A.

February 16, 2003
Hi there, Tim! I didn't have any trouble learning how to eat, my problem at first was the no drinking with meals, now it doesn't take a 2nd thought. The only food I had any type of problem with was J E L L O! And it was sugar free!! You always have room for jello, well I didn't. But now after almost 5 months, I can finally tolerate it again. So, if at first it doesn't work, wait a couple of months and try again. Vi. open RNY 9/23/02 down 105 lbs.
   — Vi F.

February 16, 2003
Hi Tim! There's no rhyme or reason to the food thing post-op. Issues you have pre-op seem to go away and things that were fine before suddenly cause trouble post-op. It keeps ya on your toes! hehe You'll do fine... just listen to your body and don't rush things. From what I've read, most people can eventually tolerate most things just fine, just takes time :-)
   — thumpiez

February 17, 2003
I agree with the previous posters, but I will add that you can use this as a guideline: things that are fibrous or hard you may have problems with. Examples: steak, brocolli, asparagus, oranges, spinach, shrimp. That said, I am four months post op and have been eating steak for 2 of them. I cannot eat brocolli or shrimp but I haven't tried oranges. I took a small bite of my brother-in-laws' steak for my first time to test it so I wouldn't waste an entire steak if it didn't agree with me. As for learning how to eat? I think it depends on your habits now. If you eat very fast and gulp your fluids, it will be harder for you to modify this after. I still have to remind myself to eat slower and chew thoroughly and take little sips. I hope this helps.
   — Yolanda J.

February 17, 2003
There is absolutely no way of knowing not only what you're able to tolerate but what you 'feel' like eating. Right after surgery I hated jell-o and I hated broth. Yuck! I hate water. Seriously hate water and I liked it before! What's up with that? When I was a post-op and used to read about food/liquids not tasting the same and I thought that was completely ridiculous! Well, I was wrong! I'm so damn picky now! The best advice I can give you is not to buy a lot of anything!
   — Tracy A.