Question:
Why are there different diet plans?

I would like to know why are some diet plans different than others. I've surfed the website and I read some of the answers about diet plans and some patients are not even 1 year post-op and they are eating steak, pasta, doritos, candy bars, etc....Why is that? After my surgery the Diet clinic put me on a strict diet for the first 6 weeks then after that I still have to be on a strict diet for a year. I don't have a problem following the diet plan but the food is so boring that I don't want to eat. What's up with that? Please help, I am very confused.    — Kristen C. (posted on June 28, 1999)

June 28, 1999
I am 2 weeks post op and basically have my physician's permission to eat whatever I can. Now, some food does not sit "right" but I feel great. I would imagine there are several reasons for the different diet: 1. Different surgeries: WLS does not just mean one type of surgery, I can think of 4 off the top of my head. 2. Doctors, like patients, are different. They find what works for them and they don't stray from the protocol. My physician has been doing this surgery (Gastric Bypass) for over 40 years and has made significant changes over the years. 3. If it is that boring to you, ask your doctor for other ideas. Recipes, talk to his other patients, etc.. I hope this helps. Lauri
   — Lauri B.

June 28, 1999
I suppose it's up to you..it always is..always has been for each of us..I personally didn't have this surgery to fail once again..I was on a progressional diet post op for 12 weeks and didn't even TRY solids till then..My doc believes the pouch takes that long to properly heal..and it's served me well..I'm 2 years post op (almost) and i still can't eat much at a time without feeling incredibly full..and that's purfect as far as i'm concerned..I dont do candy bars..i can't imagine why you would..I have a hard enough time getting enough food for good nutrition. I don't claim to NEVER eat a treat..I do..but, I have tried to use this surgery as a tool..to it's upmost..and I have changed my pre op eating habits..found other food that is good for me that makes me feel as satisfied as a candy bar used to. My diet now IS boring..but..WHO CARES?..I am thin, I'm healthy, and I can DO anything I want...and I'm gonna be this way for the rest of my life! Stick with what you're doctor tells you..it will serve you best in the long run. Spice up your food with flavorings...I know I craved ..really CRAVED.. taste..flavor..that was oneof the things I missed the most..and, for some reason, one of the things that satisfied it was HOT things..spicy...so..I eat a LOT of green chili..I make it from scratch...I use a lot of pepper...most anything can be spiced up to give it flavor..there are lots of really interesting flavorings out there..go to the spice isle...I dont do doritos...but I DO indulge myself with those mini orville reddinbachers popcorn carmel cakes once in a while...they arent deep fried..and a few fill you up...and they are a real treat! I also never eat steak (I can do ground beef sometimes) ..and I don't miss it at all..some tummies (I've heard) NEVER are able to process steak and roast and stuff post op..I guess mine is one of those. I use fish and sometimes chicken...again..with LOTS of flavorings...Good luck! De
   — Deanna D.

June 28, 1999
My surgeon does not put you on a "diet plan" after surgery. He says the surgery handles that. Which is pretty much does. Of course if you are eating junk all the time you are going to sabatoge yourself. And I don't do sweets at all. But you can have real food. I have lost 112 pounds in 6 1/2 months so I must be doing something right. And EXERCISE everyday.
   — dboat

June 28, 1999
As for the junk food ... It's because they aren't following the advice of their doctors. But as for following the "diet" everyone is different and they are able to tolerate different foods better than another or cannot tolerate the same foods. Plus it's dependant on the type of surgery they had. My best advice if you want this tool to work ...is to do what YOUR doctor tells you to do.
   — Sherrie G.