Hi everyone - I was banded on Aug. 1, 2007. I am in my 3rd to 4th week and supposed to be eating a stage 3 diet - pureed food - like baby food. I cannot eat food that way (gross) so I've been eating mushies instead. I feel fine but am wondering if i'm doing more harm than good. I've lost 13lbs. so far. I would appreciate any feedback from as many as possible.

Thanks.

Hi, Sweetpea!

First, congratulations on getting your band and your 13 pounds GONE! :-)

Now, for your question: I would never suggest that anyone go against the prescribed plan that their doctor gives them. But, having said that, I can tell you that there are quite a few differing views on how fast to progress the post-op diet. By week 3, I was already on mushies, as prescribed by my surgeon. I have followed his "rules" almost to a "T". I have had no complications or problems. And, I know for a fact that many surgeons do have their patients on mushies by weeks 3 or 4, and their patients do fine.

Best wishes to you!

Kelly

Hmm I never went through a pureed stage...Day after surgery I was put on liquids, next day mushy for two days and then regular...

Saying that I think that as long as what you are eating doesn't hurt or anything or make you throw up, then you should be ok. Sure it would be ideal if you could follow the doc's orders, they didnt go to medical school for nothing, but at the same time, have they ever tried eating baby food..YUCK! I doubt it. Just do what feels right to you. You know yourself better than any doctor

Good luck and Congrats!:clap2:

With my doc, the stage after full liquids was "puree/mushy", so I think you're fine, as long as the mushies you're eating aren't too thick. Mashed potatoes, oatmeal, cream of wheat, fat free refried beans with melted cheese on top, (YUM-O!), cottage cheese, that sort of thing should be just fine!

If your is like mine, it is mushies first and then puree - correct? I haven't hit pureed yet and I am dreading it. I will probably stretch mushies too. BUT I think the point of it is to increase your protein and see your tolerance to meats etc. It must be an important stage or they wouldn't have you do it. If you really have a tough time, contact your surgeon and ask for some advice.

My doc had us do liquids for the first few days, then purees, then mushies. Mushies are actually thicker than purees so if thats going well you might not have to go through the purees. You do not want to start on solids before your doc says so because your new stomach is swollen just from having the band around it even though there is not fluid in it usually at first. You are giving your new stomach a chance to start digesting without fighting too hard with what you put in it.