Question:
How long after WLS can you eat a salad and what dressings can you have?

   — [Anonymous] (posted on April 13, 2001)

April 13, 2001
My surgeon allows plain lettuce and tomato salads at 3 weeks...no crunchy vegetables added until 6 weeks post-op. He also advocates regular salad dressings, stating that the low-fat dressings generally contain more sugar. Just remember the cardinal rule: eat slowly and chew thoroughly. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

April 14, 2001
I started with salads about 2 months after surgery. I started them after I returned to work. It was one of my safe foods that did not make me dump or throw up on.
   — Jan M.

April 14, 2001
I just had a salad for the first time last week. At about 9 weeks post op. It was SOOOO yummy! Had no problems. As for the dressing, try my little trick...I do not put in on the salad, I ask for it on the side. Then, I dip my fork into the dressing before I take a forkful of salad. This way, every bite has some dressing, but I am using WAY less and this way, I can have any kind of dressing I want, cause I am using so little.
   — Karen A.

April 14, 2001
I started salads about 7 weeks out with no problems. I always try to have a protein in them though. Like grilled chic salad or hard boiled egg, cheese, tuna etc. I use any dressing I want (bleu cheese is my favorite) but I use it very sparingly. The dressing on the fork is a great idea. Think I'll try that. I also found that I can eat a relatively large portion when I eat a salad, so if I'm really hungry or I go out for lunch with co-workers I usually order a salad. That way I won't be finished with my meal and full while my companions have only just begun, if you know what I mean. I also find that salads regulate my bowel movements and keep constipation at a minimum. Sorry if that's a little graphic LOL. Good luck...Kim
   — Kim F.