So I just started my transition to real foods and I have a question about salad. I can't find anything about it in my book or when I'm supposed to introduce it again. I have a lunch date with my friend this weekend at olive garden and I LOVE the salad more than anything there! I was wondering if it's safe to eat. I don't eat the peppers or olives. Just the lettuce, tomato, and onions. I like the croutons too but I will be avoiding those along with breadsticks. The bottom of the salad is usually soggy anyway so maybe it's safe? They also have light dressing. I had no idea but a friend of mine from college is a nutritionist and said that they do so I tried it last time I was there pre op and it was really good! Maybe I'm the only person that didn't know this. Anyway, do you think it wound be ok? Of course I will have to chew very well. Thanks!

I would think if you will just have a salad you should load up on protein earlier in day to make sure you will get enough that day...and be ready to lhave some later if need be. I love salad too but I can't eat it like I used to and just have that for lunch or dinner. Our days will have to be planned more than before to make sure we eat what we need. Are you keeping track of how much protein you get everyday?

Well I haven't been recording it but everything I eat has at least 5-6 g of protein. I need to record it. I keep up with it on the daily plate but I think that only shows calories. I'll definitely get some in that morning with eggs and cheese then a string cheese snack and probably baked chicken that night. If not I can have a shake (blugh!) I just didn't know if I was at the right stage or not for salad or maybe we should hold off until next weekend when I'm more used to eating solid food again.

According to my notes, you can't have fresh fruit and veggies until you're on the last stage. I suggest you take some Bean-O with you (better safe than sorry).

I use fitday.com-it will tell you how many calories and how much Protein. You can usee their list of foods and you can enter food information to get the precise amount if you can't find it in what they have. I put all my Protein shakes and bars in plus other food that has too much of a different food value than they have on their list. Once you enter it you can save it so it can be used over. good luck!

Well I haven't been recording it but everything I eat has at least 5-6 g of protein. I need to record it. I keep up with it on the daily plate but I think that only shows calories. I'll definitely get some in that morning with eggs and cheese then a string cheese snack and probably baked chicken that night. If not I can have a shake (blugh!) I just didn't know if I was at the right stage or not for salad or maybe we should hold off until next weekend when I'm more used to eating solid food again.

Good morning!

I front load my protein in the morning with a 60 gram protein shake. This way I always have the bulk of my protein finished by 8:30 in the morning. Whatever else I eat throughout the day will just contribute to the total!

One prorein drink in the AM will hold me easily to lunch! Occasionaly i'll have a yogurt around 9:30 10:00.

I love salad, but when I have restriction, salad doesn't love me! I would caution you to be very careful eating salad - or any new food - when you have restriction. (At the first sign of any "feeling" in your throat...STOP eating! LOL and give it a minute or two to pass through.)

My doctor's notes mentioned that the body only absorbs 18-23 grams of protein at a meal - anyone else hear that?

I love salad, but when I have restriction, salad doesn't love me! I would caution you to be very careful eating salad - or any new food - when you have restriction. (At the first sign of any "feeling" in your throat...STOP eating! LOL and give it a minute or two to pass through.)

Ditto that! I really miss salads and many of the vegetables that seem to get stuck. Be careful the first time.

I have always LOVED chicken caesar salads. Yes, I know, not the healthiest salad. I have been craving one for a couple weeks now. Next week I can eat whatever (you know the 3 oz protein, 1/2 cup veggies, and poss 1/4 cup starch) I may wait another week, not sure before I try a salad. I go for my first fill on the 25th. But I figure if I make sure to eat the chicken first I can have some of the salad, I hope.

Full food it's fine. I wouldn't on mushies. I had one the other day it's just not filling at all. Not my first choice.

I think you will be fine if you have not had a fill yet. Just try not to eat too much. I am 4 weeks post-op and I am able to eat just about anything, I just havent. i cant wait to get a fill so i can have some restriction

I think you will be fine if you have not had a fill yet. Just try not to eat too much. I am 4 weeks post-op and I am able to eat just about anything, I just havent. i cant wait to get a fill so i can have some restriction

I had my first fill last week and I had about 10 pieces of lettuce and two cherry tomatoes and I did fine. I really miss salad. Someone told me that you don't really feel so restricted until your 3rd or 4th fill. Anyone think that is correct? I feel a little more restricted my not much.

Corkee