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 have a question. I am so tired. I mean really tired. Like I said before I am on clear liquids for 2 weeks. I can't do this for that long. I am not hungry I just feel horrible. I want to make a protien shake so bad. I have read and it seems that skim milk is ok. So here is what I am thinking. 1 lowfat yogurt, 1 scoop of soy protien, some ice and some skim milk. Blend for a long time and drink slowly. How could this be so bad? I do not want to do anything to damage my band but I need something to make me feel alive. Please help me.

Hi, if it is the protein you are wanting, for the energy boost, you can get zero carb isopure. It is in glass bottles similar to the Sobe drinks, I bought mine at GNC. It is a 20 ounce bottle, and has 40 g. of protein. It also comes in several flavors. I tested it so I would know what to have for after surgery and I found it a bit tart, but I stirred in a bit of Splenda, and blended it with a few ice cubes, and it was fine! If you are going to be on the clear diet for awhile longer you can also order unflavored Unjury powder, and add it to broths, jello, or anything you choose, and it has 20 g. protein per scoop. From what I have read you don't want to stress your tummy as it heals, but you need your protein, so maybe these would help. I order the unjury at www.unjury.com I have tried the vanilla and the chocolate but never the strawberry. I order it and it is delivered in 2-3 days, very fast!

I hope you feel better soon!

Kat

well i was told to have slim fast im not sure where you are im in england , but im sure you get slimfast all over the world ???you need your protien , slimfast has everything you need in it not into messing quick and simple , vitamins and minerals they are essential in your diet especially at this stage the last thing you need it to be feeling like you have no energy i also got myself some liquided based minerals and vitamins by sevenseas ?? where are u from , marg xx

I have a question. I am so tired. I mean really tired. Like I said before I am on clear liquids for 2 weeks. I can't do this for that long. I am not hungry I just feel horrible. I want to make a protien shake so bad. I have read and it seems that skim milk is ok. So here is what I am thinking. 1 lowfat yogurt, 1 scoop of soy protien, some ice and some skim milk. Blend for a long time and drink slowly. How could this be so bad? I do not want to do anything to damage my band but I need something to make me feel alive. Please help me.

it will be fine , maybe just try the soy protien and the skimed milk and not the yogurt to begin with

Does anyone know if you lose more weight on solid foods with a fill then you do on the liquid diet without a fill?

Ahhh, you know, it's great to be able to read all this information about the Lap_Band and it's diet; please keep up the good work. And, DylansMom, thanks for the suggested foods, at least this way I will have an idea of what I should stock up on before I head to the hospital for the procedure. I have this feeling I am not going to be wanting to do much shopping AFTER the surgery.

Where does dairy fit into this awesome scheme of things. Like milk... categorized as a protein?

I have just registered and found your posting very interesting.

Unfortunately my dietician did not give me any useful info as what to eat - most importantly she did not emphasize the need to eat a good quantity of Proteins.

Coming from Europe I have a problem understanding what cup size means. Can you please translate it into ounces or Fluid ounces? :help:

Very many thanks,

Minnie

Minnie: A cup is usually 8 ozs.

Many Thanks

Minnie:)

Anyone try couscous? I've seen postings on problems with grits, but I can't find anything on couscous.

I know to keep it in very small amounts due to calories, but is it a big PB or golfball culprit like rice or grits sometimes are?:confused:

Shrinking Violet,

Your write that mean potatos, pasta, rice, bread and everything else that is good.

hey Guys,

I had my surgery in February of 2006 and there are times when I still have trouble eating solid foods and I seem to be throwing up a lot no matter how well I chew my food....the reason I'm concerned is that when i do throw it back up the food is not in chunks but very much like a liquid. Is this normal or should I go back to the dr. It's strange in that some days i have troubles and somedays I don't and it doesn't seem to have a ryhme or reason for the difficulties.

Welcome Bigjock2 this is very normal I am aalmost a year out and I still have this problem.

Pinkylee I have never heard of that , but have you tried watering it down a little. I do grits that way when I eat them which is not very often and I seem to have less PB.