Question:
When you eat soup, is that breaking the rule of not drinking with your meals?

I've been bothered by this for months because I love soup but I'm not sure if by having it I'm breaking the rules. I like all kinds of soup like chicken, vegetable, tomato, pea, borscht, etc. Btw, I'm almost 5 months post-op open distal RNY. Interestingly, I read that soup helps people loose weight, although I don't know if that applies to us post-ops. But that's not why I eat soup. I eat it because I love it. So, can I have soup, or must I stay away from it?    — lalasmommy (posted on October 7, 2001)

October 7, 2001
the reason they say not to drink with meals is because the liquid fills up your pouch not leaving room for your protiens etc. If your soup is your meal it should be okay
   — [Anonymous]

October 7, 2001
My doctor advises against drinking with meals not because of the space that the liquid takes up, but because the liquid can wash the food out of the pouch and result in return of hunger much faster. However, the rule only applies to liquids taken in after eating. Actually, my doc recommends a water load before eating to help sustain a feeling of fullness. I don't think there is any problem with eating soup on occasion. I have a weakness for egg drop soup. But if you are going to eat soup, I would suggest that you do so more as an appetizer or before you eat solid food so that the soup does not empty your pouch of other foods that may help to keep you feeling full longer. Although my doc recommends choosing solid food over liquid or mushy, as long as you keep you protein needs in mind as well as the need to maintain satiety for a while after eating, I don't see how it could hurt. I'd like to think I had this surgery to be more normal and normal people eat soup from time to time.
   — Angelia M.

October 7, 2001
When I went to my nutritional consult, she told me that I am allowed to eat soup, but it must be before my meal and not during. My doctor is very strict about the liquid/food thing. Even if you have mashed potatoes and gravy (yes, I am allowed a small amount) it has to mixed in good and not liquidy. I hope this helps! Good luck.
   — [Anonymous]

October 7, 2001
I wondered about the very same thing early-on and didn't get a specific answer from anyone. I'm glad you asked it here, but looks like the answers are varied. Good luck!
   — [Anonymous]

October 8, 2001
I've been told that soup is a no-no, however, soups come in a lot of different consistencies. I find that if I eat the chunks out of soup, it's a good thing to get at restaurants and such. If it's a soupy soup, then it would be closer to drinking a shake, and probably wouldn't fill you up. Sometimes the extra lubrication is nice for getting meats to go down. I'm no expert on these things, just sharing my thoughts.
   — kcanges