I am about to have surgery and I am trying to prepare myself! I'm looking over my materials and the internet and I was hoping for a little help. I guess I am a little bit of a "foodie" and would like help identifying some recipes, food ideas and tips for adding rich flavor. I love to cook and love real, fresh ingredients. In general, I am not a person who is fond of processed foods, canned Soups, artificial sweeteners, etc. (no judgement if you do). I also need to limit my dairy. Bonus points for recipes that you have been able to successfully (and tastily) been able to add Protein to!

Edited December 5, 20178 yr by meltingmagnolia

Hi there!

I am how you are with food. I tend to gravitate to fresh food as well (lately - not before as this is why I had surgery). The pureed portion of the meal plan is very hard. I am not trying to discourage you but want you to be prepared. My taste buds and senses have changed. Even the word pureed makes me sick. I stick to eggs, cottage cheese and the occasional tuna salad. Pea soup is good with lots of veggies and then puree.

When is your surgery??

I'm with both of you but I'm struggling with the full liquid diet post-op. I have no ideas so it's been protein shakes, water, broth, and sf popsicles on repeat. My doc requires 2 weeks of full liquids before purée and although the options are still slim I'm dying to be at that phase.

2 hours ago, MereBear23 said:

Hi there!

I am how you are with food. I tend to gravitate to fresh food as well (lately - not before as this is why I had surgery). The pureed portion of the meal plan is very hard. I am not trying to discourage you but want you to be prepared. My taste buds and senses have changed. Even the word pureed makes me sick. I stick to eggs, cottage cheese and the occasional tuna salad. Pea Soup is good with lots of veggies and then puree.

When is your surgery??

My surgery is the 11th.

Have you had issues with spices or seasoning?

I was considering going ahead and making/freezing some things that both I and my family already love like butternut squash soup, crab bisque, or tomato bisque (I make all with coconut milk because we don't do well with dairy). I'm just not sure how well we can do with spices/seasonings.

Have you successfully added unflavored protein powder to anything like mashed sweet potatoes/squash?

How fine are you having to puree your tuna/chicken?

That's exciting! Best of luck!

Each surgeon/program is different. In the first week or so - it's strict clear liquids and protein shakes.

Then you graduated to puree and they're pretty strict with that too. Squash and tomato seem OK but crab seems like it might be too much on your new pouch. Any spices are fine.

I am looking to buy some unflavored protein powder - haven't yet. It's so hard because it's so expensive and you can't try it before you buy it!

I score my tuna in the can and then with a fork - I've always done it that way. You just don't want large chunks.

It's easier in some ways and harder in some ways than I thought. If I were you - I wouldn't make up a bunch of stuff beforehand unless you know your family will eat it. Your taste and smell can change. What you may have liked before may not be your favorite after.

2 hours ago, meltingmagnolia said:

My surgery is the 11th.

Have you had issues with spices or seasoning?

I was considering going ahead and making/freezing some things that both I and my family already love like butternut squash Soup, crab bisque, or tomato bisque (I make all with coconut milk because we don't do well with dairy). I'm just not sure how well we can do with spices/seasonings.

Have you successfully added unflavored Protein Powder to anything like mashed sweet potatoes/squash?

How fine are you having to puree your tuna/chicken?

Yeah, I'd keep your things to the bland side and season to taste when you're past surgery, ready to eat them. I add Isopure Unflavored PP to soups and stews all the time with great success. All kinds of soups. I've even added it to V8 and warmed it to taste like tomato soup. I like it. I also sometimes add a spoon of cream of something with it.