I am almost 6 weeks post gastric sleeve. I am starting to slowly introduce ‘normal’ foods. I have managed to eat spaghetti and noodles fine but tonight I tried penne pasta and sauce. I only have about 2 tablespoons of pasta and a tomato sauce, I didn’t even manage to eat all of this. I have vomited shortly after. This is the second time to happen in the last week. Does anyone know why this could be? I don’t want to get scared of trying to introduce new foods but it’s putting me off eating!

Could be any number of things.

- The penne might be too big (are you chewing all the way to paste consistency before swallowing?)

- The tomato sauce could be causing too much stomach acid / acid reflux.

- You might be sensitive to the pasta now.

Pasta and starches (rice, bread, grains etc) are notorious for causing issues around that time period and often for months after. I’m 5 months out and only tolerate a small amount (1/4 cup cooked) or I start to get the “foamies”. I do find that the the protein pasta is easier to digest (I like the Barilla one).

It’s not uncommon for your tummy to be sensitive & fussy about some foods you consume in the first couple of months. If you eat too quickly or eat too much it may also react. The sensitivity does pass & what upsets you may be different to what upsets another. If something upsets you, leave it for a week or so then try again.

We are usually told to avoid pasta, rice & breads especially in the weight loss stage. They swell in your tummy & fill you more quickly so you are unable to eat anything else & can’t get your protein in. They can also sit heavily in your tummy causing discomfort. Also it’s important that we consume nutrient dense foods not foods like bread, pasta, rice & other processed carbs which have empty calories & are poor sources of essential vitamins & minerals we need.

If you want a pasta type meal, try fresh zucchini noodles with meat based sauces. Later you may like to try high protein vegetable pastas which some are able to include in their maintenance diets. Personally, I still don’t eat pasta, breads or rice in my third year - they still sit heavily in my tummy & fill me quickly.

Are you reaching your protein goal every day? If all you could eat was two tablespoons of pasta in a little tomato sauce you would have ingested little or no protein at all. Every meal should be focussed on protein & be the largest component of whatever you’re eating. So if you are eating 2oz of food, almost all of that 2oz should be a protein rich food.

Remember, eat your protein first then whatever vegetables you can manage.

Edited September 3, 20215 yr by Arabesque

pasta doesn't always sit well with me, even at six years out. And tomato sauce is acidic...

17 hours ago, rebeccalarnold said:

I am almost 6 weeks post gastric sleeve. I am starting to slowly introduce ‘normal’ foods. I have managed to eat spaghetti and noodles fine but tonight I tried penne Pasta and sauce. I only have about 2 tablespoons of pasta and a Tomato sauce, I didn’t even manage to eat all of this. I have vomited shortly after. This is the second time to happen in the last week. Does anyone know why this could be? I don’t want to get scared of trying to introduce new foods but it’s putting me off eating!

I'm not even allowed to have pasta until 6 months after surgery. I'm pretty sure there's a good reason why that is. Lean protein and veggies is my diet 7 weeks post op.

I’ve been sick again today, so think it’s actually just a bug. But thanks all ??