Here are the lists that my nutritionist gave to me for the different stages of eating after having surgery. The moderator may want to make this thread a sticky for those who don't get defined lists, as I've noticed a lot of questions about this topic in the past.

*STAGE 1 - liquids

START: When you return home from your surgery

DURATION: For 2 weeks post surgery, or until your next dietitian appointment.

DIET: Clear and full liquids

GOAL: Aim for at least 64 ounces of Fluid for the day by continuous sipping.

LIQUIDS RECOMMENDED:

Water

100% fruit juice (No sugar added)

Bouillon

Strained Soups or broths

Skim or 1% milk

Soy milk

Milk shakes - thinned

Gatorade or equivalent sports drink

Yogurt smoothie drinks - not including homemade

Crystal Light

sugar free beverages

Herbal or decaffeinated tea or coffee

Popsicles (Pedialyte)

LIQUIDS TO AVOID:

Citrus juices (orange, grapefruit, pineapple)

Acidic liquids (tomato juice, tomato Soup, buttermilk)

Caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea)

Carbonated beverages (any soda pop, seltzer, or tonic water)

Homemade fruit or yogurt smoothies

Anything that seems liquid but is not (Jello, yogurt, pudding, ice cream) *Do pour test*

*STAGE 2 - MUSHIES

START: 2 weeks post surgery

DURATION: Up to 2 weeks post liquid stage

DIET: Soft food

GOAL: Aim for a meal capacity of about 1 cup (8 ounces) for 3 meals per day. Aim for fluid intake of 48-64 ounces per day.

FOODS RECOMMENDED:

Milk (skim or 1% only)

Cottage cheese

eggs (poached, scrambled or soft boiled)

Blended cream soups

Yogurt

Low Fat Cheese - unmelted

Peanut Butter

Tofu (silken only)

Pudding

Applesauce or other fruit sauces

Canned fruits

Mashed potatoes

Cream of Wheat or oatmeal (diluted with milk)

*STAGE 3 - SEMI SOLIDS

START: 4 weeks post surgery

DURATION: 2 weeks post mushies stage

DIET: Semi-solid food

GOAL: Aim for a meal capacity of about 1 cup (8 ounces) for 3 meals per day. Aim for fluid intake of 48-64 ounces per day.

FOOD RECOMMENDED:

Deli cuts of meat

Canned flake meats such as tuna or chicken

Ground meats like ground beef or ground turkey

Beans

Tofu

Baked fish or crab meat

Pasta, rice, and corn

Fresh fruit - eliminate skins

Cooked vegetables - avoid celery, asparagus or broccoli stalks

Low Fat melted cheese

FOODS TO AVOID FOR MUSHIES & SEMI SOLID STAGES:

Caloric beverages - sweetened tea, soda, lemonade, juices

Ice cream, frozen yogurt, milkshakes, & smoothies

Regular Jello

Dry solids like breads, cereals, crackers, high Fiber foods

*STAGE 4 - SOLIDS

RECOMMENDED FOODS & SERVING SIZES:

Protein GROUP:

1 ounce lean meat, poultry or fish

1/4 cup yogurt

1/4 cup pudding

1/4 cup cottage cheese

1 egg, 2 egg whites

1/4 cup egg substitute

1 tbsp. peanut butter

1 ounce tofu

1 ounce cheese

1/4 cup canned flake meat

1 slice deli meat

2 tbsp. grated cheese

1/4 cup shredded cheese

1/2 cup beans

1/4 cup hommus

GRAIN GROUP:

1/2 slice toast

1/4 bagel or english muffin

1/2 cup Cereal (cooked or dry)

1/2 cup broth-type soup

1 oblong graham cracker

1/4 cup rice, pasta, or potato

1/2 small baked potato

1/4 cup corn

4 crackers

FRUIT GROUP:

1/4 cup canned fruit (in its own juices)

1/4 cup grapes

1/2 piece fresh fruit

1 tsp. jelly or jam

1/4 cup dry fruit

VEGETABLE GROUP:

1/2 cup cooked vegetables

1 cup raw vegetables

1/2 cup tomato juice

1/4 cup tomato sauce or salsa

OTHERS GROUP:

1 tsp. oil, butter, or margarine

1 tsp. mayonnaise

1 tbsp. Miracle Whip

1 tbsp. sour cream or cream cheese

1 tbsp. salad dressing

2 tbsp. guacamole

4-6 almonds, cashews, or pecans

1 ounce cheese

2 tsp. peanut butter

1 tbsp. tahini

1/4 cup Cool-Whip

1 tsp. sugar, honey, or syrup

COMBINATION FOODS:

1 or 1 1/2 cup per meal

1/2 cup per snack

CORE PLAN:

BREAKFAST:

1-2 Proteins

1 fruit

2 grains

1 other

LUNCH:

2-3 proteins

1 vegetable

2 grains

1 other

SNACK:

1 fruit

1 protein

DINNER:

2-3 proteins

1-2 vegetables

2 grains

1 other

SNACK:

1 vegetable

1 grain

I hope that this helps those who are researching getting the band, with knowing what your eating habbits will be like after surgery. I also hope that this will help those who are never given a clear eating plan after surgery too.

Please know that this is just the plan that was given to me, and I do not expect all bandsters to follow this plan. It is simply a guidline for those who need one/are not given one.

Please remember to follow exactly what your surgeon/nutritionist says, even if it is different than this list.

I also have a sweet tooth. I have been sucking on hard sugar free candies and that seems to satisfy me. My favorite thing is licorice and I don't think that will go down well so I won't have to worry. I am not a chocolate eater thank goodness so no worry there either. I am trying to get over all that now while I am still on liquids. I am down 14 pounds now and looking forward to getting under 200 it has been about 15 years since I was there.

hugs Bren

Just wanna get in this thread for the tips Thanks

I find this to be great information. While not banded yet, I do have to have a colonoscopy done and I need to do a liquid diet 2 day prior to the test. Thanks!

This is the best list that I have found so far! I am to be banded on the 13th and both my husband and I were getting a bit concerned as I was not really getting the info that I wanted as to what I could have and how much. This list is such a blessing and we thank you for taking the time to post it!

I put this in the wrong thread-sorry!

I also bought the magic bullet and use it for all my soups to puree them and I love it. Anyone have a really good protein shake you recommend??

Bren

This list is just wonderful and since I am getting banded next Wednesday, I was getting a bit concerned that I just didn't quite have the hang of what all I could and couldn't have. Thanks for putting list out here for all to see!

Vegors good luck this week!!!! I see the doc tomorrow. My one month check up and then I can start chewing again LOL

Bren

Vegors just wondered how you were doing since you were banded Wednesday??

Brenda

Hey HarleyNana,

I got the Magic Bullet for Christmas, and I love it!!! I can't get it to chop onions -- they turn to mush -- which is great for bandsters. It does shakes and smoothies very well. Let me know if you get one!

Katie

BRENDAFRANCES,

I bought a protein drink mix from GNC called Nature's Best Perfect Low Carb Isopure. It's pretty good. I also tried one called Lean Body for Her. It gets really thick, and it tastes ok. EAS Advant Edge Carb Control is ready to drink, tastes pretty good, and you can get it at most stores. I tried Arbonne Figure 8 Weight Loss shakes, but I didn't care for the taste. But everyone has different tastes.

Katie

+

Thanks I will check out the gnc one.

Bren

There are so many variations on the "stages". I was banded on Monday, 2/11 and on a low fat full liquid diet. I can have up to 6 (1/4 cup) liquid "meals" a day. I can have the following: chicken or beef broth, strained cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, egg drop soup, sf ice pops, sf jello, sf Carnation Instant Breakfast, skim milk, soy milk or lactaid milk and protein shakes. In addition, I have to try to get in 30-45 ounces of clear liquids between liquid meals. This includes: water, crystal light, sf jello or ice pops, diet snapple, decaffeinated coffee or tea, or any non-carbonated calorie-free liquid.

What about adding extra protein with the protein powders you can buy at GNC, Add them to your drinks? Or oatmeal and such. How about baby food...like the meats? mix them with a drink they don't have much taste?

Glad I like some mushy foods LOL

Hope to be banded before July.

OK what about swimming, anyone know what you do about that?

We have a pool and spend 90% of the summer in and around it when it's very hot here, which isn't that often in New England, but we love it?

How soon after surgery can you go in?

Katie, I'm on my 3rd Magic Bullet, I love mine too