Question:
WHAT ARE THE FIRST SOLIDS THAT I SHOULD TRY?

My doctor said to try solids today, he DID NOT say what I should or sould not have. he thinks that we should have a normqal diet. Here is what I have had, chicken, eggs, ham, potatos anyway you can think, macroni and cheese (only2 bites) and of course the regular mushy stuff. I was heard that I should stay wawy from rice, bread and pasta. Any sugestions? thanks oh, BTW lap rny    — Heather C. (posted on March 21, 2001)

March 20, 2001
Following my lap RNY, I was instructed to start "soft" foods at 3 weeks and stay on that diet until the 6th week post-op when I would start a "regular as tolerated" diet. This is my surgeon's regimen, but it seems that every surgeon or nutritionist has slightly different ideas...so my first advice is to follow the regimen outlined by your surgeon. On my soft diet list, everything you listed was there with the addition of fish (baked or broiled) and ground meats. I also added any/all canned soups (stopped blenderizing them). I found that most casserole-type frozen entrees fall into this "soft" category...lasagna, stuffed peppers, etc... My surgeon also allowed plain lettuce and tomato salads during this period, and I found those to be the MOST wonderful things...he also says to use "regular" salad dressings because the diet dressings are higher in sugar :-) I had no problem with well-cooked rice, and he doesn't prohibit that...however many post-ops are instructed to avoid it (ask your doctor about his personal preference). I was told that I could add toast and crackers, but that soft breads have a tendency to get "gummy" and may block the stoma until all the post-op swelling has resolved. Basically, I was told to avoid the fresh & crunchy fruits and vegetables, and the "firm" meats like steak, pork and ham (deli-sliced ham and roast beef were OK) during this period. My daughter, cousin, husband, and I have all followed this regimen after our lap RNYs and have had no problems. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

March 20, 2001
Hi Heather! Go to http://www.surgcliniccentar.com/ and click the link Post Surgery Diet. You'll find a great step-by-step post op eating plan designed by surgeons and nutritionists. There are printable lists of foods, suggested menus, and protein sources. Best of luck to you!
   — Roseann M.