Question:
Does anyone here have any experience with juicing?

I am still pre-op (surgery date Aug. 24th), but am trying to plan for nutrition and liquids after surgery. My boss is really into "juicing" and has brought in several juiced vegie drinks that tasted pretty darned good! I wondered if any of you have tried juicing and also wondered how it fits into your post op diet if you do. Would it be a clear liquid or puree, etc.?    — Pamela F. (posted on June 4, 2001)

June 4, 2001
I tried juicing pre-op as an attempt to loose weight, and learned the following things about juicing that may apply to post-op life. The juice is very concentrated, you may want to start with a very watered-down single food only juice at first so you don't overtax your system. Also, carrots are VERY sweet when juiced, and may cause dumping if you have an RNY. Tomatoes are very acidic, and may irritate your new anatomy, use caution. Watch the sugar content of all juiced foods. Finally, juice gave me diarrhea preop, so if you have diarrhea postop you might want to wait until your system settles down before introducing juice. You have to treat this new body like a new baby,because it is. Good luck to you.
   — Cara S.

June 4, 2001
Hi Pam, I juiced b4 surgery and asked my dr's assistant after and she really didnt recommend it because she said that when u juice u are only getting the sugar from the fruit verses eating it gives u more value. S.
   — Sena P.

June 5, 2001
Bah Humbug! Juicing is wonderful! I never dumped on juiced carrots and they are great! Especially if you also juice a green apple along with them. I did not have to water down my juices. Also, they help you to make some great creamed soups early on -- just add your juiced carrots to some skim milk and spice it up a bit and enjoy. A juicer is a good investment. The another is an electric wok/steamer. I use my Farberware steamer to steam meats and veggies. You can toss on a chicken breast and some carrots, potatoes, asparagus, whatever for a great meal. You can steam a whole cauliflower head in minutes and serve it with cheese melted over the top for a visually inspiring side dish. Also, a George Foreman grill is wonderful postop. I use mine for steaks, pork chops, hamburger patties, ham, whatever. The fat disappears as you cook. Best wishes and happy weight loss!
   — Cindy H.