i got banded on 7/9. im now doing cottage cheese, protein drinks, popsicles, etc. most of my meals are liquid. at my first post op appt on 7/14 i was told i could start oatmeal as well. im supposed to start soft food on friday, but last night i started instant mashed potatoes (instant because they were smoother and mushier) and i didnt have a problem. i just want to make sure im not going to fast and possibly hurting my band/stomach or my weight loss. i figure that the reason a lot of the weight dropped in the beginning is because of the liquid diet, but i am really struggling with that.

I think you're fine... each surgeon has different requirements post op.

Some even allow their patients to go straight to soft foods after the secon day of surgery.

YOU are the best judge on what you can and can't 'swallow' yet.

Good luck!!!!:thumbup:

My surgeon actually considered instant mashed potatoes part of the full liquid phase. *shrug*

When you start soft foods, just be sure to take small bites and chew everything really well. Does your surgeon recommend waiting between bites? Mine says to wait 5 minutes between bites. That's not easy (and I don't have enough restriction yet that I'm forced to), but waiting a couple of minutes can help make sure you don't overfill your pouch and end up in pain.

After the swelling from surgery goes down, that won't be much of an issue until you've had fill(s) and have some restriction.

Good luck to you.

id have to check and see how long they want me to wait between bites because im not sure. ive just been chewing like 50 times making sure lol. thank you for the advice guys :thumbup:

How many calories are you eating per day?

im not sure. i havent been counting. just counting protein. i know im not getting enough of that...im having a hard time with the protein shakes and the other stuff doesnt have a lot of protein.