Question:
At 5 1/2 weeks postop can I start eating lettuce?

At my 5 week check-up. Dr. said I could start introducing regular foods. I can eat chicken and ground meat--no problems. Is it alright to start with lettuce now--I forgot to ask him specifically about this. I am an open RnY proximal.    — jami G. (posted on January 19, 2001)

January 19, 2001
Jami, If your surgeon said to go ahead and introduce regular foods, lettuce is probably okay (but if you're really concerned about it, give your doc a call - that's what they're there for!). I was allowed lettuce at 6 weeks post op from my VBG. For some reason I had a terrible craving for it too! I've not had any problems with lettuce, though some people do. As with any new food, go easy on it until you have a feel for how it works for you. Start with a bite or two and see how it "sits". Good luck with your new food adventures!
   — BethVBG

January 19, 2001
Jami, my daughter and I had proximal RNYs and our surgeon allowed "plain" lettuce and tomato salads at the 3rd week post-op. We were allowed to add other veggies to the salad at 6 weeks and never had any problems. I had never been much of a salad person before the surgery, but for some reason, that first salad was the best thing I had ever tasted, and it's still my favorite! Funny how your tastes take a 180 degree turn after this surgery :-)
   — Diana T.