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.

Overall good. Challenging, has it's ups and downs like anything else. It's definitely a learning process. Stick close to those in the know of WLS. Every little tip / advise helps. Lots of luck with your surgery!!

Hi, My surgery date is Sept 17. I notice you are from Sou Calif too. I am having trouble getting my referrals for my Psyc and Stress EKG. The paperwork got lost in the fax. Let me know how you are doing.

Thanks for all the good food information, I am going to put together a little booklet of my own with ideas for stuff in it.

Now that they do have pasta that is less carbs and has protein in it I wonder if we can eat a tiny bit of that?

I like the idea of egg beaters in a drink

I am still at a loss as to what protein drink is best for me since I am type 2 diabetic, I can't have sugar. I wonder if I can make my own with skim milk, protein powder and vitamin supplements in it. And sue sugar free Quick chocolate and strawberry to make it taste good, has anyone done that here?

This is my first post and first I want to thank you for this wonderful list...the one I received from my doctor isn't nearly as comprehensive. I am also looking for information regarding maintaining since I am pretty close to where I want to be.

Hello

My doctors (I am not yet banded just so you know) have banned a lot of what is on your list. Corn, rice, pasta, in fact absolutely NO rice what-so-ever or Peanut Butter. It probably is person dependant. I would imagine that it also depends on the doctor. My doctor says peanut butter will get stuck as will rice because it puffs, corn because it is stringy and pasta because it's a carb. Good luck!

I am being banded on August 7th. We had a four week program (one meeting per week for about 2 hours) with the shrink, to learn new eating habits. We had exercises we did at home. We had eating diaries and we were taught to eat slowly and "purposefully" . I am doing it now while I am waiting for the surgery and I find I am satisfied earlier with less food. I think this will be a big help after being banded. The Lahey Clinic near Boston has a very excellent program that addresses all aspects of banding. You have to attend all four meetings in order to get a surgery date, and also to lose half of the pre-weight loss amount they give you.

Every doctor has his own protocol, but I can clearly say that many ban pasta bread pancakes rice etc, at least for a few months. Toast is much better than fresh bread as dough can get stuck. My doc bans all for 6. There is some flexibility but if one is newly banded, don't take the chance of getting food stuck. Sticky rice is especially difficult. Now, that said, two months later and I find I can eat rice, I am just very careful and chew and wait a long time between bites. I have whole wheat crackers and they are okay with everyone and fine with me. Add one new food at a time and do it days or even weeks apart. Just think about it.....even if you can eat bread early on......why slow down the weight loss and have the potential for uncomfortable sticking when it goes down. All I know if I've followed the advice from my doctor, who is very conservative, and I'm down 45 in 9 weeks. So for me, participating, and not leaving all the work to the band, is working so far.

Good luck

I was banded on June 30th and currently in the mushy stage. Funny how all Doc are different. My surgeon, as far as meat protein goes, wants me to start off with fish; no beef or poultry til after two weeks, then add them slowly, but continue to puree foods. He said sometimes it is easier to get baby foods and spice them to your taste. I have tried fruits only, but I don't think I could stomach anything else.

He also suggested using children's size plates, bowls, and utensils to keep from overeating.

I was banded on June 30th and currently in the mushy stage. Funny how all Doc are different. My surgeon, as far as meat protein goes, wants me to start off with fish; no beef or poultry til after two weeks, then add them slowly, but continue to puree foods. He said sometimes it is easier to get baby foods and spice them to your taste. I have tried fruits only, but I don't think I could stomach anything else.

He also suggested using children's size plates, bowls, and utensils to keep from overeating.

LOL. My doc say to use the same thing...smaller places and utensils. There is one thing similar. My girlfriend who was banded at the beginning of July is already able to eat chicken, granted it has to be extremely soft and she has to chew it to death, but she skipped right over the mushy stage. My surgeon has told me that certain fruits wouldn't be good, but I can't imagine why. Pineapple, peaches, etc. I was depressed over the peaches thing!

*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.

This is pretty similar to my docs recommendations, with the addition of thinned refried beans and scrambled eggs added to the full liquid phase. My question for those who are on similar restrictions for the first 2 weeks (once on full liquid) do you partake of any of the items below any time of day? My diet suggests the full liquids (1/4 c) only for 3 meals a day, with sugar free liquids the rest of the day. I AM STARVING!!!!

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)

Do you mean that your doctor approved adding the thinned refried beans &/or scrambled eggs to your diet or added to one of the liquids on your diet (broth?). I was banded less than a week ago and I'm already hungry, but never want to see another "sweet" drink again. Pam

As for the fruit I would get fresh fruit, and then if you need to cook it...cook peaches in some water with a bit of splenda. Then when it's soft, coll in the fridge then put in the blender and make a peach puree. Strawberries I think can be just pureed fresh. I would get pineapple in it's own juice, strain the juice and even rinse the pineapple in water to get off the sweet juice and then puree it.

I am on my own pre-op since I was told to just lose 12 lbs. before surgery. Eating one small meal a day and having protein shakes for lunch and breakfast. A small Fit and Trim Low carb and no sugar yogurt for a snack in the afternoon.

If we're on mushy phase and had a really, really easy time for the first 4 weeks but all of sudden start throwing up every time I try to eat - does that mean I need to go back to liquids?

your list of fluids for the first two weeks really helped. Im 4 days post oper. and not feeling good at all today. Ive only had 2 oz every two hours of water, broth and protein drink. Thank you so much maybe this will help me

Dylansmom... thanks so much for this! It was just what I was looking for. I came home from surgery over the long weekend with only a vague list and some contradictions between the info I got from my doctor and the one I got from the nutritionist. I know every doctor has some differences in their nutrition plan but this was the perfect thing for a guide until I can contact the doc with questions.

thanks for taking the time to put this out there ! :thumbup:

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.

Thanks...this will really help me, my surgery date is 10/27/08.