I am posting in this in 2 seperate places in order to get a variety of opinions. I am just curious why it is that doctor's post-op diets vary so much from doctor to doctor? I am on clears still and going CRAZY, 7 days out. I notice the Cornell program discharges people on soft foods? Huh? Any insight, just for my own knowledge would be great! Thanks so much.

Not sure why they are different, but I was on 2 week clear pre op and post op I was 1 week clear, 1 week full liq, 1 week mushey, 1 week soft, then reg food.

I wish the diets were more standardized across doctors - at least among ASMBS surgeons. I think it's discouraging and tempting for some people when they know others who had the same surgery are far ahead in the diet stages.

I posted my postop diet in my blogs.

Hey Jennifer... hoping you are feeling well. I think there is variety in the post-op plans for lots of reasons, not just to drive us crazy! Once a surgeon has a great record of no leaks, I gather they go with what has been working. My surgeons took a more conservative route and I was on a very slowly progressing diet. They've had good success and the complications are minimal so they stick with this post-op plan.

Hope the recovery goes well!

Good question, I was on full liquids by day 3 per my docs orders and then after a week of fulls started mushies. I understand caution on getting to mushie or soft food stages as that is a drastic change, but I see no reason that anyone should be on clears so long--full liquids are very important for nutrition and healing of the body--they really don't put additional stress on the staple line over clear liquid. Its almost the opposite, I loved taking the full liquids slow and steady but tended to drink clears too fast. Just my opinion though--you got to follow your doc...

Hey Jennifer... hoping you are feeling well. I think there is variety in the post-op plans for lots of reasons, not just to drive us crazy! Once a surgeon has a great record of no leaks, I gather they go with what has been working. My surgeons took a more conservative route and I was on a very slowly progressing diet. They've had good success and the complications are minimal so they stick with this post-op plan.

Hope the recovery goes well!

This was my surgeon's exact reasoning for his conservative post-op diet progression.

His exact words were " why fix something that isn't broken?". It made sense to me. While researching, I also found that some of the top notch surgeons shared his post-op diet plan.

Also, keep in mind that different surgeons use different methods...that is, some use glue, some over-sew ect...so there will be differerences based on that alone!

I am 7 days post op, and Dr. Aceves has me on clears until 10 days post op. I'm sick of clears, but will hold the line...due to Dr. orders.

I can't explain the differences, but here is my diet fyi.

First two days at home – clear liquid diet.

Water, broth, light (non-sugar) juices, decaf teas.

Sip every 15-30 minutes slowly increasing from 1 to 2 oz. each hour.

Day 3-14 – full liquid diet.

Protein supplements, nutritional drinks (Ensure, etc.), milk, Clear Liquids.

Sip every 15-30 minutes slowly increasing from 2 to 4 oz. each hour.

Day 15-29 – puree diet.

Protein supplements, high protein foods blended to baby food consistency. Vegetables and fruit, also blended, as can be tolerated. Avoid high fat and high sugar foods.

Eat slowly, small bites over 30-45 minutes. Keep food journal. Eat 4 to 8 Tablespoons per meal.

Day 30-45 – soft diet.

Foods easily cut with a fork. Focus on Proteins followed by vegetables and fruit. Avoid high fat and high sugar foods.

Eat slowly, small bites over 30-60 minutes. Eat 8 to 12 Tablespoons per meal.

Regular diet -

Focus on proteins followed by vegetables and fruit. Avoid high fat and high sugar foods.

Eat slowly, small bites over 30-60 minutes. Do not drink with the meal or for an hour afterwards.

My doctor's recommendations include - never drink alcohol again, never eat rice again, never eat mashed potatoes again, never eat steak again, you will never eat a cheeseburger, etc. I am struggling with him to get his reasoning......is it staple tearing (sleeved 8/17/10), triggering ghrelin production, science based, bypass experienced based, etc.

Suffice it to say I have not followed his instructions. I have had a tablespoon of rice, two tablespoons of applesauce, a Snickers bar, and even chewed a burger without the bun. I have also had two glasses of wine, one of them with a few french fries. I've lost 54 pounds in 60 days ......way ahead of his expert expectations and with three times as many calories as his recommendation!!!!

Tomorrow is the town road race and I expect to beat my last year's time and I expect to hydrate more than a tablespoon every 15 minutes (hopefully you see my point).

It sure would be nice to know the true risks. Of course I don't want my staples to tear but every tear I have ever heard of here in CT (I know too many nurses and read too many blogs) are all related to a surgical issue, not a gulping or piece of steak issue.

I have found that sweets, e.g., a small cupcake, triggers more acid production and some stomach pain. Proteins, including beef and pork, are good for me.