Question:
This is kinda silly but........

I just had surgery on the 8th of Oct, how long before we can eat normal without following some special diet. I ask because with Thanksgiving coming up next month would I be able to eat something? being is such a food involved holiday!!    — Maribelle C. (posted on October 16, 2003)

October 16, 2003
OK..by Thanksgiving, you'll be around 6 weeks postop...you will probably be good with alittle mash potatoes and gravy (about a spoonful), a bite or two of *dark* meat w/gravy because it's easier to handle than the dry white meat and that will probably be it. You may not even be cleared for turkey by then depending on your doctor's post op plan. Your best bet is the discuss with your doctor. I wasn't cleared for a "normal" diet, albeit, until I was 8-10 weeks postop, and it was all experimental....Good luck! Denise 316/155
   — lily1968

October 16, 2003
I had my Open RNY November 29, 2001 and for Christmas dinner I had a couple of bites of turkey (white meat because that was all there was) covered with gravy, two green beans and some dressing and gravy. Of course, the amount was very small but I did fine.
   — Patty_Butler

October 16, 2003
You should be able to eat a SMALL amount with your family, be sure to choose the moistest part of the turkey. You wont be able to eat much, but can certainly feel like part of the festivites. Congratulations
   — ~~Stacie~~

October 16, 2003
I had lap RNY on 102902. For Thanksgiving, I was in Florida with a high school marching band, and we had Thanksgiving dinner at Planet Hollywood. I was able to eat some of the turkey breast with gravy, some dressing and a few green beans. It sure tasted good! Just remember to take your time and chew well. I think I even had a bite of the pumpkin part of pumpkin pie. Just follow the basic rules - get the protein in, then veges and carbs last.
   — koogy

October 16, 2003
I HAD MY SURGERY ON NOV 15, 2002 AND I WAS STILL ON PUREED FOOD FOR THANKSGIVING. I JUST BLENDED MY CARROTS, TURKEY ETC AND POURED GRAVY ON IT (I LOVE ANYTHING WITH GRAVEY LOL) AND IT WAS GREAT...DIDNT FEEL LIKE I MISSED OUT ON ANYTHING OTHER THAN NOT EATING A HUGE PLATE LOL.
   — sandrac131

October 16, 2003
You will most likely be on the pureed phase at thanksgiving and my Dr. said I didn't have to put everything in the blender as long as I chewed to the same consistency (think "applesauce"). It is not as easy as I thought it would and practicing that early on is my one regreat - that I didn't. Do the protein first, follow the rules and chew well...you wont care that you can't eat a lot because you will get full fast. have a happy thanksgiving!
   — Donya P.

October 16, 2003
Good question. There are many, many people facing their first holidays being post-op. . . .Thanks to the LOSERS who have "been there, done that", sharing your experiences is helping a lot of Newbies.
   — Marrilee M.