Hi all, I am still pre-op and will be getting RNY in late July of this year. I am super excited and have been walking this path since last fall.

One question that I have but can't get an answer to is this: will I EVER be able to eat some of my fave pre-op foods again? I certainly am willing to make all the changes necessary to be successful and have 'mourned' my pop, Cookies, etc. however, when I ask this question in nutrition I am reminded of the importance of good decisions, etc...so I don't feel like I really have an answer.

A few of my family's faves include:

-my homemade enchiladas (I don't use a red sauce). I'm pretty sure i'll be able to whip up some version of them eventually that even I can enjoy, sans the tortilla, or VERY LITTLE bits of tortilla with some filling just for the effect

-nachos...there is a big question here. I already use turkey and healthy refried Beans and a little cheese and tons of veg (peppers, onions, tomato, etc). Does it seem likely that I could just take a little bit of the Protein and veg and maybe crush up a chip or two on top for the taste? (WAY better than the 1/2 bag of chips a stuff I have on them now)...

-Soups...chili, lasagna Soup and bean soup are my family's faves. maybe a little blended???

if ANYBODY would give me your thoughts on these things I would appreciate it. I KNOW that for the most part, I am changing my diet forever and that is ok. but these few things I listed, I really would like to find a way to SOMEDAY incorporate back into my new lifestyle!~

Most of these foods seem like they can be altered to fit your nutritional needs after surgery.

I did the nacho thing with taco seasoning and actually just crumbled a plain rice cake over the top for the crunch. All approved by my nutritionist. If u want more of a tortilla chip, is there a gluten free option? I haven't really looked as I've stayed away from chips altogether. Chili was allowed after 3-4 weeks for me as one of my soft food/puree options! I put "healthy" and protein packed tweaks on all old recipes and absolutely LOVE trying out new recipes I find here or interest that my family loves. Best of luck! It's truly a fun journey if you make it that way!

thanks so much for your input! I am truly looking forward to a new start, however the thought has occurred to me 'what if I eventually crave these things'??? I am really just thinking ahead and the positive affirmation of knowing that yes, I can work this stuff in, is somehow even more of a reassurance that I am doing the right thing!

A lot will depend on your tummy of course, but once your cleared for all foods you will be able to try some of your favs and make adjustments according to what your tummy wants. Your gonna go thru a 2 to 3 month detox and things may not taste the same after. I am 5 months out and love Mexican food, and that is easy to keep healthy and tasty... good luck on your journey

You most likely will crave foods you previously ate. I was craving mac n cheese, but like someone else said, it depends on what your stomach will tolerate and only being 5 months out, I refuse to eat any type of pasta lol so I decided to make my own with quinoa as a macaroni substitute, low fat cheese, cream cheese and ground lean beef. Obviously this isn't the BEST food option, but it hit the spot and was PACKED with protein. And absolutely no problem for the input, that's what we're here for, support!

I have found that those foods that are absolute favorites and you know you shouldn't eat, I get around by having two or three bites of my husband's. Things like cookies, ice cream, and cake I have done this with. I end up not feeling deprived, yet the amount of the treat that I have had is not enough to cause problems. It has really worked for me.

At ten months out I've eaten nachos made with ground chicken and beanitos (a higher protein tortilla chip-like option). I never use low fat or fat free cheeses - only the real deal works for me but I do limit my use of it. I've had burrito bowls, heavy on the beans, instead of a burrito. I have made lasagna with whole wheat pasta but can't eat very much of it - maybe a 1x2 inch square. Some things I used to mentally crave but when I make an acceptable version of it, after a bite or two I didn't really want it. Eventually those mental cravings for old favorites go away (at least for me). Some things I used to like I could care less about - I can sit and watch people eat them w/o a problem. You will develop a taste for new favorites. I love shrimp and can eat it for every meal (but I don't). Hummus w/jalapeños, Greek yogurt w/pecans, tilapia, asparagus, nuts, and my latest discovery Chike High Protein Coffee (made w/water and crushed ice - it tastes just like Dunkin Donuts Coffee Coolatta).

At ten months out I've eaten nachos made with ground chicken and beanitos (a higher protein tortilla chip-like option). I never use low fat or fat free cheeses - only the real deal works for me but I do limit my use of it. I've had burrito bowls, heavy on the beans, instead of a burrito. I have made lasagna with whole wheat pasta but can't eat very much of it - maybe a 1x2 inch square. Some things I used to mentally crave but when I make an acceptable version of it, after a bite or two I didn't really want it. Eventually those mental cravings for old favorites go away (at least for me). Some things I used to like I could care less about - I can sit and watch people eat them w/o a problem. You will develop a taste for new favorites. I love shrimp and can eat it for every meal (but I don't). Hummus w/jalapeños, Greek yogurt w/pecans, tilapia, asparagus, nuts, and my latest discovery Chike High Protein Coffee (made w/water and crushed ice - it tastes just like Dunkin Donuts Coffee Coolatta).

Terry, jalapeño hummus is ny fav!!! I've never made it but when I go to Phoenix on business there is a restaurant that has it and I look forward to that and their lentils. Also the chike coffee protein, I do the same thing and have used it since my surgery. Love it!!!

Honey you know what is really great? After this surgery you dont have that strong crazy urge for certain food anymore. Given, right after surgery you do, but it is in your head - you crave the comfort of these foods.

But after time of not eating it and getting comfort from other non-food options, you dont need the same fix anymore.

It is wonderful! So so so exhilirating!

I was a hectic emotional eater.

I was a zombie to go get a bacon and cheese sandwich and TEN samoosas every day at 11 at work.

I would hate myself and promise myself i wouldnt do it the next day - but in the end i would give in and go. I couldnt help myself. It was horrific.

And the coolest thing now, it is like shackles was removed - i have no craving or need for those foods whatsoever and dont even care that i dont eat it anymore. It is like a weird reprogramming that happened.

And can i just say - i am one of those women that have tried everything under the sun to lose weight and be healthy. Every diet, every gimmick, pills, everything. Nothing worked for me. This is the first time ever.

On another note, after about 6 months you will be able to eat those foods again. But only a little. And also test it one at a time, because people and their pouch react differently to certain foods.

Some things make me dump, and others not.

Good luck and enjoy the journey!

There seems to be a fairly common misconception that surgery patients have a long list of foods that they will never be able to eat again. That is simply not true in the majority of cases. A more important question than what you will never be able to eat is what foods will you choose to eat. Or not eat. With a very short list of exceptions (white rice, eggnog, and only small amounts of bread), I can eat anything I choose to eat. By whatever means, surgery profoundly changes the choices you make. It's amazing. And as Baconville pointed out, a bite or two of favorites is more often than not, totally satisfying. I can't explain it but that's what happens and when you get right down to it - how cool is that?!!

thanks everyone for your honest answers, and obviously each person has had varying experiences. one thing about bariatric surgery is that you don't REALLY know how you will react until after! I have friends who have had RNY and some do fine with anything, some don't.

it is good to hear that some favorites are likely still possibilities. that's good. since my hubs and kids obviously won't be doing surgery it's important that though MOST foods will change in our home, some old standbys will still come back around!

go to this webpage, she has some great revised recipes.

theworldaccordingtoeggface.com