I'm confused. I see people on this forum talking about eating hard-ish foods very soon after surgery. Things like meat, cheese, fast food. Also, drinking sweet milks, pop, etc.

I was under the distinct impression you're on liquids for weeks to help heal and not damage the sutures/staples. I intend on doing the four phases of food consistencies. But why, or how do people get away with going off their plans and seriously risk damage or dumping?

Am I missing the boat here?

Lol! Good question. I'm 3 months out and down 73 pounds. Why do people smoke? Drink too much? Smoke weed? Because they want to. My dr moved me along the process pretty fast. I've been on an unrestricted diet since 5 weeks. Personally, I'm very careful except when I have a craving. I have my little taste then I'm good. We are all blessed to not have as many problems as we should because we all take risks. Your plan to obey your dr will help you succeed!

I think it's very hard for people to rid themselves of mind hunger. I know it was for me. I really struggled with only drinking. Luckily I did awesome and worked through it but I can see how easily it would be if you didn't have support.

I believe every surgeon and bariatric clinic has slightly different rules to follow. I've heard differences in "the rules" many times here and other places.

My bariatric center has tons of support in many different delivery systems and no one ever mentions bending the rules, so I plan to do my best to stick with what I've been taught.

Good luck

Every surgeon is different. My surgeon is very strict about pre and post-op eating phases and strongly advises against advancing your own eating. When I was in the hospital, several of the nurses saw who my doctor was and would say things like "Ohhh no wonder we can't give you ice...sorry." Or "let me read your orders again, Dr. Ellner is very specific."

Other people didn't have to do pre op diets. Other people didn't have to do a saline laxative before surgery. I had very strict instructions for my pre op period and have been given just as strict instructions for my first 6 months post op. I think the reason my doctor and the bariatric nurses at the hospital I had surgery at have these guidelines so that patients can have a better recovery. I'm amazed at how comfortable I am only 3 days post op.

Edited April 10, 201511 yr by blashlee

That's it, every surgeon is different and expects you to follow their instruction.

I am one of those who you are talking about. I had no pre-op diet and on day 5 after surgery I was on soft food. Mind that for 3 days I had nothing by mouth, not even water, day 4 water, day 5 soft, and day 10 I was allowed to progress to well chewed solids! It was a bliss, finally I felt restriction, and I did very well. My surgeon progresses all of his patients as fast as he can.

He is brilliant and I did everything he asked for.

It is confusing to see us having such different giudlines, it makes you question who is right or wrong, but I guess we all just follow our doctor's order. So do not be too quick to judge, your wrong can be somebody's right!

I've found in this process that if I worried about what everyone else was doing (and I was doing that) that it will drive you insane. Everybody is different, every body is different, and every surgeon is different. I had to not worry or compare and just follow what my surgeon says for me. I've lost over 100 pounds in 4.5 months so it's working and I'm working it!

No you're going about it the right way. Do what the Drs tell you & you'll be successful. Good Luck to you. I'm 4 months post op & have lost 100lbs & didn't cheat once. You can do it