Question:
Post Op Diet

Please tell me the best foods to eat after surgery. I know everything has to be pureed. I want to know what are the best tasting and way's of fixing the protein foods. Also the best tasting protein shakes to drink. I also don't have an angel yet. I live in Williamsburg, Va.    — Patricia B. (posted on November 14, 2003)

November 13, 2003
Hi Patricia. I believe it depends on the sort of WLS you are having. My understanding is that in the beginning all WLS patients are on a liquid or soft diet for the first 5-7 days. I have received a Post Opt diet from my surgeon already so that I can be prepared for my up and coming DS surgery. Perhaps your doctors office has a "diet" regime already set up for you. Tell him or his staff of your concerns and see if they can get some information out to you. Also, you may want to ask other WLS persons what sort of diet they were on post up and ask what sort of surgery they had. With that, can anyone tell me what sort of foods they were eating post for DS surgery. Thanks. Ali
   — A A.

November 14, 2003
Hi Ali! Sure thing! And of course, each surgeon has their own protocol. But, this is what my surgeon (Aniceto Baltasar) has us do post-DS: first couple of days NPO (nothing by mouth) - until you clear the leak test with no problems first week after leak test - liquids - which includes popsicles, yogurt, very soft cheeses, ice cream, soups, puddings, that sort of thing. the week after liquids - soft foods - i.e., anything you can cut with a fork easily - like very tender meats or fish, ripe fruits, steamed veggies that aren't very fibrous, potatoes - mashed, boiled, baked, whatever. Then, after that - anything you want. The real key is this: take 1 bite. Chew it slowly. Swallow. Put the fork or spoon down. Wait 2 minutes. Then take the next bite. It takes a while for your head to figure out that you've got a much smaller tummy in there! Probably my very favorite early post-op foods were Chinese foods - won ton soup, potstickers, egg flour soup, sweet and sour prawns. Oh, that and halibut! Still totally hooked on halibut - fish and chips are the BEST! You're going to be amazed at how much fun food is post-op! I'm so excited for you! Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

November 14, 2003
Patricia, The wierd thing to me is that I've lost taste buds or something. Nothing has as much flavor as it used to. I add garlic to everything, and refried beans were great to me. Add a little taco sauce, some garlic, and low fat cheese, and chicken when you're able. It's really good. Also, Tortilla Soup is flavorful, and you can put chopped up chicken in it. Good luck!
   — Angie M.

November 14, 2003
Hello! When you are on pureed, focus more on the food being pureed than it being protein. her is what I ate: Cottage cheese, macaroni and cheese, refried beans,oatmeal, yogurt, mashed bananas and potatoes with gravy, soup (no chunks), scrambled egg, that is all I can remember.
   — Michele B.