Lettuce (May have already been answered)

[piuksmith 0]

I have a question. I am 1 year and 7 months post surgery. I am not doing as good as I had hoped, and feel like there are so many restrictions I'm not sure what to eat. My main question is about lettuce and salads. My nutritionist has drilled it into my head for so long, that I shouldn't eat lettuce (#1 rule) because it's the most common thing to get stuck, and could cause serious problems. I am a salad LOVER. She said I could eat spinach because it was more tender and less likely to get stuck as long as I chewed it well. Unfortunately when my family and I go out to dinner, many of the places do not serve spinach in with their salads. I have seen several posts where people say they can eat salads and lettuce with no problems.... I am very curious, and would love to try regular salads, as I LOVE salads, and think that if I could have them more often I would probably do better at losing weight, but I am so scared to try. I'm not sure what my question is, but would like some opinons..... Still in need of support....

[JanB23 23]

I have been encourage to eat salad and I eat lettuce nearly every day. I usually stick to iceberg lettuce and have been told the colored lettuce is more associated with stuck episodes. I have never been stuck on lettuce of any type. Just make sure you chew really well.

[cwm812 11]

I eat salad regularly and have never been stuck from it. The only problem I have with salad is if raw carrot are involved. Unless they are shredded, they get stuck easily. I'd give lettuce a try.

[Humming Bird 275]

That is the first time I've heard lettuce is the #1 thing that gets stuck. I've always heard that pills and meat top the stuck list. I do not eat salad often, but have no problems with the lettuce when I do. I do try to stick to the leafy types or spinach because it's better for me than iceburg.

[cheryl2586 3,053]

I eat salads for lunch every single day for a year and 3 months I have never had salad get stuck. Now try some frosted mini wheats and ooooooch

[reverie 49]

I use iceberg and romaine; I prefer romaine as it has a bit higher nutritional value. I love salads; I try to eat one everyday with a lite vinaigrette. I have never gotten stuck on lettuce. Just be sure to chew!

[TexasNurseMom 5]

I can eat lettuce and salad just fine. I thought bread was the number one thing to get stuck. Funny how everyones docs tell them something different v

[CheckYes 46]

I also eat salads - romaine and baby spinach go down fine for me.

[HeatherinCA 10]

Depends on your body. I can eat it, I just don't like it that much. Salads aren't a good calorie pay off IMO. I'd rather eat something to keep me full

[honk 780]

I believe that I am at restriction. Everyday for lunch I make a chicken sandwhich using a romaine lettuce leaf as the "wrap". No stuck episodes. Never been told not to eat lettuce. In fact I've read on this site many people consider it a slider.

[dlynn1635 1]

I haven't tried to eat lettuce since I first started eating solids again about 5 months ago! I could not get it to go down (iceberg, romaine, butter, spinach) the leafy veggies don't agree with my band and I was very disappointed because I LOVE SALADS!! So I compromise and eat all the raw veggies my band can tolerate without lettuce (cauliflower, cucumbers, beets, celery, corn, avacado, NEVER EVER RAW CARROTS). I think that the band is not the same for everyone. What one person can eat doesn't necessarily mean you can. All you can do is try it and see if it works for you.

[lakegirl88 13]

I eat salad with no problems.

[Mom-2-one 0]

I am able to eat salad without any difficulty however I do know people who have had problems. I would try it. You may find you'll have a new food option. 

[speeding02gt 3]

i also have a small chicken salad pretty much everyday. although ive only had 1 fill (4cc). usually romaine or baby spinach

[Acadia 20]

I haven't had issues with salads.

I'd suggest if you make them at home to chop the lettuce into smaller pieces (less chewing), use very fresh crispy lettuce, and at restaurants eat only a couple of pieces per bite and chew. You won't know until you try.

For me, things that get stuck: rice, Pasta, and bread. Stuff that doesn't get stuck: crunchy stuff (popcorn, nuts, chips) and liquids.

My guess is that the former bind together, even if chewed well, whereas crunchy stuff is able to be more easily chewed into tiny pieces and doesn't stick together as easily. Slimy lettuce may get stuck, but I imagine you wouldn't eat it if you saw it was all wilted, brown, and nasty. : )