My nurse (24 hr on call) tells me people have "trouble" with certain foods and not to eat them. IE rice for one.

What she doesn't say is why we should not eat it and what happens if we do. I have NO trouble swallowing anything but what I do have is br problems from a variety of foods. Is this why we shouldn't eat rice because we end up with diarrhea from it? I have other stomach issues so I never know if it's those problems or my band. Does anyone know?

There is no reason you can't eat rice or anything else for that matter. The only reason some stay clear of things like rice and bread is because they're common problem foods for banded people. Or, it's because they're on a low carb diet.

I eat rice regularly without an issue. Same with bread.

I have this fear that rice will puff up and get stuck going through the band. I also don't eat it because of the high carbs. And to be honest I don't really enjoy rice.

What Mis means as problem foods for banded people is that they are foods that commonly get stuck for people. Other examples may be eggs, dry meats, breads, Pasta etc. It's highly individual and requires experimentation to know what your problem foods are (if any)

For dinner tonight I had whole grain and wild rice. I buy the small Uncle Ben's or Minute Rice containers. I love them. I chew well. I have never had a problem eating anything just too much. I have had 3 different dietitians and the middle one (from a large Boston hospital) said there are no, no-nos. Just try to be good. That means i can eat fried clams. I ate 1 since the band. Oh, ya, I can't chew lobster or most meats. Filet mignon goes down great.

I guess you just have to try and see.

good luck.

You may have to learn for yourself, as I did...school of hard knocks, got stuck many times untill I LEARNED what I cannot eat....

it will change as you get your band adjusted...

I no longer eat rice, breads and flour products, melted cheese, Red meat, fruits with skin, anything breaded and deep fried, french fries, Pasta (flour product) and the list goes on....

I have a problem eating a lot of meats, steak, roast etc. I have to be careful with rice, pastas and breads. I can still eat them but small bites and waiting in between before I have my next bite so It doesn't get stuck or I get to full because it has expanded once in my stomach. You will figure out what you can and can't have. Good luck

There is no reason you can't eat rice or anything else for that matter. The only reason some stay clear of things like rice and bread is because they're common problem foods for banded people. Or, it's because they're on a low carb diet.

I eat rice regularly without an issue. Same with bread.

I don't have any issues, either. With rice and bread, if I chew it until it's liquidy, it goes down without a hitch.

I think one of the reasons we are warned against rice and small grains like couscous or orzo, is because if one were not to follow band rules, one could in effect experience a plugged up stoma as these little bits compact before they move thru the pouch.

I'm sure I could follow band rules and eat these things, but I know that I need to avoid white carbs as they are my gateway drug. So I just tell myself I can't eat bread, Pasta, rice, etc and that's that. Easier for me that way.