i am 3 weeks post gastric sleeve and have been following my diet to a T. I added chicken and rice to my plate. I am still supplementing Protein with PREMIER Protein drinks x 2/per day (30gm) protein per shake. I am still eating baby food pears/peaches at lunch. When can I advance to whole fruit? Lettuce? Thanks.

You don't mention what your surgeon's instructions are for his own patients. As for me, at week three I was starting soft foods like moist meats smushed in the processor to break them down, cooked soft fruits without the peel (like stewed apples or canned peaches mashed with a fork). I could have steamed veggies w/o skin (like mashed potato, but not baked with the skin). When you get to soft foods, you could pretty much take what would be a normal hot thoroughly cooked meal, and give it a spin in the processor with some broth to keep it moist.

Dry food will get hung up in your throat, and you will have a hard time washing it down because your new tummy will have such a reduced capacity from the surgery. So, in that respect, I could tolerate soft chicken in very small micro bits, but not tuna.

I was told to avoid raw fruits and salad greens until about six months. But just to be clear, not everyone's bariatric team approves of the fast track that I was on. At four weeks, I was approved for regular foods, and the first thing I ate after my appointment was 1/4 cup of Wendy's chili with cheese and I will admit, two French fries - and I have not had a fry since.

At 9 1/2 months out, I can eat raw fruit and greens with no problem. Be patient. We are asking a lot of our tummies - so be kind to yours. You have signed on for a new way of living.