Question:
I need some other ideas as to what I can eat now at 6 weeks post-op!!

I am 6 weeks post-op and the most daring I have been is this morning I had 1 slice of toast with cottage cheese on it, minus the crust. Technically according to my Dr. I am not supposed to have any starch until 8 weeks post-op. I am still on all pureed foods(protiens only). I am still not really sure when I am full, but I stop after about 1/3 cup of anything. I have lost 41lbs so far, so I am pleased with that!! But I need some Ideas!!!!!! What did you all eat at 6 weeks?????And how much at one time???? Thanks everyone!!    — Lauren P. (posted on November 2, 2000)

November 2, 2000
Al had a great suggestion with the crock pot. It makes your meat really soft and moist and that is what we want. I am also a chicken eater only if its not dry. I like Cottage cheese in the morning too. I cannot really do eggs. I have had some oatmeal in the morning too. I really shouldnot recommend it but it really sticks to the ribs and it makes my pouch feel good. I like deviled ham mixed with a little light miracle whip on a cracker. I also like Pork chops, again cooked slow to keep in moisture. Meat loaf is good, I make the same way I did prior to sugery just much less of it and of course I eat less and no sides. I am making chili this weekend, my surgeon suggested it. Kidney beans are full of good protein, hamburger or ground turkey will work. Check out Victoria Bowens Recipes too. Good Luck
   — Courtrina Amur W.

November 2, 2000
I think i live of of meat and meat alone. I have not tried the crockpot idea, but i sure will, normally i broil or grill everything, mainly fish and chicken. I have ate all the meats, but i chew them like crazy, I have not got sick yet (thank goodness)It's so hard to get the amount of protein you need everyday, I think it will take me years to get to that point. I am at this time can eat a chicken breast in a day, i will have some of it for breakfest,lunch and dinner, i do try to put some veggies in there somewhere along the line. I am going to try oatmeal, i have to get used to the fact i can only have the plain. nothing beats the maple brown sugar we all grew up on. but i will get over it. good luck to you. and remember the only way you will find out how you will do when it comes to eating new things is "just try it". I am about 6 wks postop also and have lost 40 lbs. Good luck to you
   — Barbara R.

November 2, 2000
I'm at 9 weeks post-op so I understand where you're coming from. I am still mixing a lot of things in the food processor. I like to blend tuna, canned chicken or eggs with a little lite mayo to make like a pate and eat it plain or on a cracker. I also eat hard boiled eggs and sliced deli turkey. I would guess that my diet consists of 90% protein foods. For a snack I will have some pretzels or some cheese crackers. I found that after eating soft foods for six weeks I was really missing the "tactile" part of eating - the crunch. Last night for dinner we had macaroni & cheese which was really good after eating basicly meat for three weeks. This morning I tried fixing my protein drink hot like hot chocolate - it turned out really lumpy and I ended up having to throw it out. As far as feeling full you'll know when you really reach that point. You will start to feel uncomfortable behind your breast bone. When that happens, STOP eating or you'll be sorry. Good luck!
   — georgiacarol

November 2, 2000
Another way to cook meat so it is moist and tender is to use a clay roaster. You soak the cooker in water and as the meat cooks the steam from the terra cotta keeps the meat very moist and the drippings can be used to make stock for soup.
   — Nanette T.

November 2, 2000
Have you tried homemade smoothies? I mix up 1 cup of frozen fruit (I keep a mix of frozen blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, peaches, and mango chunks in the freezer), 1 cup light yogurt (vanilla), and 1 to 1 1/2 cups of orange juice and whirl it all up in the blender. I usually share this with my kids--so I can drink about a third of this. Refried beans are also a staple of my diet. I buy the low-fat, vegetarian ones. I warm them up and top with a bit of grated cheese, some diced tomato, a few olives, and some non-fat sour cream.
   — Polly F.

November 2, 2000
Now at 61/2 months post op, one of my favorites is still cottage cheese with frozen blueberries stirred in. That and poached eggs are real staples for me. I enjoy oatmeal occasionally, too. As you get a little farther along you might try nachos...tortilla chips with grated cheese, hamburger and/or refried beans, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, etc. Just in MUCH smaller amounts than before. I also really like 1 Tablespoon of Light Philadelphia raspberry cream cheese spread on 3 or 4 whole wheat crackers. This is not a high protein snack, but 1 Tablespoon has only 21/2 grams sugar & it tastes really yummy. I also liked sugar free pudding & Blue Bunny frozen yogurt bars (they have a little more sugar in them , tho, so be careful with them!).
   — Kathy W.

November 2, 2000
Here is a good website with recipes you can download directly from the web, it's www.geocities.com/kathywls. The recipes are free and there are many to choose from. I am going to be making the chicken stroganoff today!!! Yummy!! She has recipes for appetizers, entree's, snacks, and desserts. Look for the one's highest in protein. There are some smoothy recipes in there too if your still on the pureed stage.
   — christine L.