Out of curiosity why is it we have to wait a certain amount of weeks to work our way back to solids? Why not just go from clear liquids to trying mushed food in small amounts etc?

I have no idea. I had my surgery on July 8th. And this past Wednesday I went to open a shake took one smell of it and started gagging. So I went and got some refried beans and took like 5 bites and can tolerate it. Im not going back. Technically I can go on pureed foods starting Tuesday. I take very small bites. If I take to big or take another bite to soon. I can feel it go down. Its getting better.

Same. I can’t take the shakes anymore but I’m good with soups and can’t wait for some fish and softer veggies

The staged return to eating solid foods is to allow your tummy time to heal. Remember you’ve had a huge piece of your tummy removed &/or had your upper intestines redirected & have lots of stitches & staples inside. Imagine if you had a big chunk taken out of your arm or leg & had lots of external stitches - you wouldn’t be out there running about, lifting things & general putting strain & stress in the wound. Same with the internal wound in your digestive system.

We all take different amounts of time to heal too which is why some people progress through the stages more slowly.