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.

Remember, every doctor is different from case to case due to our own physical and mental health. Read a lot but always ask your personal doctor because they know your history.

I was just banded on Monday, Nov. 8th...but also they found a hiatal hernia and fixed that during the band process. So, I think I may be sore from that procedure more than the lapband. I am also on clear liquids and in fact couldn't get myself to drink anything but water the day after the surgery and caused myself to get dehydrated and kind of out of it. I feel better now and I learned so much over the last month from just reading all of the bander's posts. It was a great help, thanks.

I go through four phases.

Phase 1

---------------------------------------------------------

Day 1 Post Op to Day 10 Post Op

Sugar free liquids including: clear no sugar added juices (no citrus), diluted with 1 pt water for 1 part juice, max of 3 oz juice per day. Clear broth or bouillon. Herbal tea or coffee. Sugar free gelatin. Sugar free Kool-aid, Crystal Light, Carb Solutions, Wyler's Light. Sports drink with fewer than 50 calories per 8 oz (Gatorade). Sugar-free Popsicles. Skim milk with protein powder or protein drinks up to 16 oz per day.

4-6 oz liquid hourly

Multivitamin

Iron

B12

B1

Phase 2

---------------------------------------------------------

Day 11 Post Op to Four Weeks Post Op

Foods allowed include all of Phase 1 and: cream of wheat, cream of rice, blended oatmeal, cheese with less than 5 g fat per oz, cottage cheese, yogurt (no fruit chunks), potato, pasta or noodles soft cooked, blended soups, sugar free pudding, scrambled egg, canned fruit no sugar added, soft cooked veggies ( but no beans, peas, onions, cabbage, broccoli, or cauliflower), and crackers with less than 3 g of fat per serving.

Phase 3

---------------------------------------------------------

4 Weeks Post Op to Six Weeks Post Op

Everything from Phase 1 and 2.

Plus: low carb protein bars, deli shaved chicken or turkey, seafood, tofu, smooth peanut butter, chicken or turkey noodle, vegetable soup, cooked crumbled hamburger or turkey, crackers.

Phase 4

---------------------------------------------------------

Six Weeks Post Op and for Life

All foods from previous phases.

Regular bread and other foods as tolerated including 1-2 oz of poultry, fish, meat, or cheese.

No drinking 15 minutes prior to meals or 30 minutes post meal.

ps Anybody tried that "bullet" blender they advertise on tv?

My husband bought a "Bullet," but he is a gadget boy, so I was skeptical. I didn't use it until getting banded -- it actually works very well for making shakes, smoothies, and protein drinks. And it cleans up super easy! The plastic cup and the blender peice can just be rinsed off with water and left out to dry. We only run it through the dishwasher if my husband makes something in it that leaves an odor (some protein shakes do this). The "Recipe Book" that comes with the Bullet has all kinds of other things, like guacamole and soups, but it really just works well for blending drinks -- they always come up with silly recipes to try to make it look like the machine can make everything. The blades turn too fast for things you would typically make in a food processer.

HI,

My dr. and nutrionist told me that lite jllo was a good source of protien and to start eating it from day three on but to make certain that I liquify it in my mouth before swollowing. When I learned that I had to take vitamins, calicum and B12 I found liquid vitamins and B12 thin strips which made taking these supplements much easier that the calcium. Hope this isi helpful.

Does anyone know how to get that fish oil into their diet since the gel capsules are sooo big?

Thanks:

I go in two days for the surgery. Mon. 3/7/11. Down 20 lbs. in 11 days...70 to go ! A little nervous, but there is only going forward for me. I am a male 60 yrs old this April. 287 lbs--5,10 1/2 . How was your experance? Painfull ? How was your recovery ? Hunger ?

My wife ( Thankfully is going over over my meal plans for me....as there isn't much from the dietation....So again thanks Steve

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.

My son takes it (he is 8) it comes in liquid form thats lemon flavored, they sell it at most nutritional stores.

Does anyone know how to get that fish oil into their diet since the gel capsules are sooo big?

Here's a recipe I got off the biggest loser it would be used in phase 4(6wks/maintance) I thought it was really good

2 teaspoons canola or olive oil

3 cups sliced portobello mushrooms (about 2 large portobellos, stems and black gills removed)

2 tablespoons chopped shallots

3 cups 1 1/2-inch asparagus pieces, from about 1 pound (see note)

1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce

3 (1/2-ounce) slices nitrite-free turkey (or pork) bacon, cooked until crisp, drained well, and crumbled

1 tablespoon grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

In a nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for about 3 minutes, or until they just start to soften and release their liquid. Add the shallots and cook for another minute.

Add the asparagus and cook for 3 minutes longer, or until the asparagus is just crisp-tender.

Drizzle the soy sauce over the veggies and sprinkle with the bacon crumbles and cheese. Toss well and serve hot.

MAKES 4 (1/2-CUP) SERVINGS

Per serving: 60 calories, 1 g total fat (<1 g saturated), 20 mg cholesterol, 110 mg sodium, 7 g total carbohydrates (2 g sugars), 2 g fiber, 6 g protein

This is really excellent, much better then the one I have. Thank you.

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 am so glad I found this thread. I started my pre-op diet yesterday. My surgery is Sept. 15. I have been worried about eating after the surgery. In fact I had decided to just stick with Protein shakes until my first fill because I am scared to eat after the surgery because you have to be so careful. Thank you for your food ideas and suggestions.

Lisa

Im getting banded on Sep 29, I want to know what are some really good puree recipes that are good for my diet.

Any suggestions

Wow thank you so much for this..i am one of those who was never given a plan and i was kinda scared that i would be thrown into it without having an example of a structured plan..Thank you soo much im 2weeks pre-op and this really gave me more confidence that i will be able to do this.

yes this list is completely different from what my surgeon said im on my first stage after surgery being liquids but im aloud to have jello, pudding, tomato juice or soup, creamed soups, sugared drinks ( just watch calorie intake), caffenated drinks, etc. I thought i had it hard but this list would suck to have to do.

I agree, my doctor had me on full liquids the first week just like yours. I don't think I would of made it on that long list. Everyone needs to make sure they follow what their surgeon mandates because evry physician is different & since they are responsible for your care they are the ones who should be providing this info. These posts are great as a reference or to open discussion with your own physician.

i totally agree lol