Question:
Doc says its ok to eat solids at 3 weeks...what are the real dangers?

Im postop now but I wanted to share what my experience has been regarding a postop diet. My doctor told me liquids for 1 week, soft foods 2nd week and that I could start experimenting with solids on the 3rd week. I did so and had no problem at all. Ive heard talk of people being on liquid diets for months at a time and wondered why. Sure the stomach is healing and one shouldnt overeat for fear of breaking the staple line but if one is careful why cant solids be eaten sooner? Why would one doctor say its ok (hes a very qualified and experienced doctor) while others are more cautious? Surely my doctor has not had any patients develop problems or else he would not recommend eating solids so soon. He has performed hundreds of surgeries. Im referring to the proximal RNY, I dont know if theres a difference in diet for each type. My stomach doesnt seem to have stretched because I still can only eat very little unless eating soft foods or liquids.    — [Anonymous] (posted on March 27, 2000)


March 26, 2000
It all really depends on your surgeon..Some say 8 weeks, some say 6 weeks and even like yours told you 3-4 weeks.. I have not got an answer from other surgeons as to why the wide range in diet protocol, other than my surgeon saying the 8 week wait in starting regular foods will give the new anatomy time to heal properly and ward off ulcer development early on, and he just may be right, I have not had any problem with regular food, (no reflux, acid stomach, vomiting, nausea or pain) I can eat anything (smaller portion of course). I don't crave sweets ;-)so I don't have to worry about the dumping.. Follow with what your surgeon told you though, he/she knows your situation better than anyone...
   — Victoria B.

March 27, 2000
Good question! There certainly are many variables to this. I had the BPD/DS on a Wednesday, and was eating regular food four days later (roast chicken and mashed potatos w/gravy). My surgeon said there were no food restrictions - I was told to eat whatever I felt comfortable with. I've heard of other procedures having food limitations (such as no nuts and seeds, etc.) but that is not the case with the DS, and while some DS surgeons recommend soft foods for the first couple of weeks, mine placed no such limitations on me. I don't know why there are so many different policies for what is essentially the same thing. Perhaps it's based on that surgeon's personal experience, or they're following the guidelines of another surgeon... quien sabe? The best thing to do, of course, is to follow the recommendations of your surgeon for your particular surgery. Good luck!
   — Kim H.

March 27, 2000
I also started regular/soft foods at week 3. I have had no problems (except when I eat too fast - then the only comfortable thing to do is make yourself dump). Each doc has their own protocol. I don't think I could have lasted any longer on liquids or purees.
   — Toni B.

March 27, 2000
I too, began solids at 3 weeks. I did liquids until 5 days, then soft foods until 2 weeks... which included string cheese by the way. I had no problem with it whatsoever. After 4 weeks, I added hamburger and started some raw veggies. At 6 weeks I can eat just about anything. As for the difference in protocol, my doctor used to do NG tubes on everybody, but now they don't on all because they find that it isn't necessary. With food, I think that many surgeons have not seen a problem introducing "real" food earlier. I have had no problems at all and the other 2 surgeon's in our state likewise start regular food at 3 weeks.
   — Shar /.

March 27, 2000
My Dr. requests clear liquids (+ protien shakes) for 5-6 weeks post-op. I understand that he does this because the time period helps you resocialize with your relationship with food. It's like going "cold-turkey" from smoking. I've gone through a food-mourning experience, and am stronger then ever. I see the Dr. again tomorrow at which point he'll prob. take me off clear liquids and put me on "mushy foods". I'm sooo looking forward to mashed potatoes.
   — Brenda S.

March 27, 2000
Hi I just read your question and it's so funny because I was getting to ask the same exact thing. I'm also 3 weeks post op and my doctor also told me to experiment with solid foods. I was a little worried because most people on this sight have had to wait atleast 6 to 8 weeks for solids. I was on liquids for about 11 days then on a soft food diet for about 5 days and now I'm on solids. I have eaten various foods and so far I haven't had a problem. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one that was worried about this. Thanks for asking the question. Good luck to you.
   — Nicole B.

March 27, 2000
I have to echo the others - it all depends on your surgery. I will be eating solid foods before being discharged from the hospital.
   — [Deactivated Member]




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