I had a bad post-op experience with blood/bile that led to a slow build-up for my clear phase and every phase after.

BUTT, I'm 2 months out, and finally able to eat without nausea (well kinda) and want recommendations for actual well-balanced 'meals' that you have been enjoying.

Nothing I've had yet has remotely resembled a meal- I've just been doing one thing per sitting.

TIA.

Edited June 18, 20233 yr by brikadyjames

Really, this is something you should ask your medical team. It seems every surgeon has their own plan and, generally, that is what you should follow.

Once you know your plan, you can get help figuring out what to eat within it.

Good luck,

Tek

Edited June 18, 20233 yr by The Greater Fool

I've been cleared for the final solid food stage. More looking for what's been working for others.

Has food prep into micro-portions been successful? How many different foods at one meal are your personal limit? etc.

To be honest, "solid food" is pretty useless. Chocolate bars are "solid food." Your medical team should really define your plan.

My plan was 3 meals of 3oz protein and 1oz non-starch veggies, no starches, no snacks, and no protein drinks. Planning meals around that was pretty easy: A chunk of meat and a bit of veggies. For me, well prepared food with subtle or not so subtle spices or sauces were perfect. Almost by definition, each meal is more or less "balanced."

Everything was based on my preferred flavor profiles. Big flavor sated every craving I might have encountered. As I write this, I am munching on yellow curry chicken. Mongolian BBQ is another favorite I go for at the slightest provocation. Thai is another flavor I go hard for. Early on, chicken and steak were hit and miss, and as leftovers they were miss or worse.

Once I got to solid foods, I portioned my meals as 3oz protein, 1oz veggie. I often prepared meals in advanced. I rarely managed eating the whole package, but it was there in the rare case I did. Leftovers were discarded.

Sauces really make the meal. I'm sure you, like I, have favorite flavors. It takes an amazingly small measure of even the most caloric flavor to make your dish delicious. Personally, I like spicy (such as Thai) , or creamy (such as alfredo), sweet (such as BBQ), or no sauce at all like prime rib, ribeye, grilled chicken.

What do you like? Do it right and you are golden.

Good luck,

Tek

I agree to check with your team especially your dietician first & they’ll give you their recommendations, foods to avoid or include, when to introduce certain foods, any nutrient goals (maximums & minimums), etc.

Focus on eating your protein first, then your vegetables & finally & only if you are able, any carbs you are allowed. Some meals I only could eat my protein. Keep your proteins moist. As @The Greater Fool said sauces can really make a meal but also they can help to avoid the foamies from eating food that is too dry or coarse. I started with softer meats first (I ate lots of minced meat dishes initially as they were easier to eat & digest) & gradually added in denser proteins like steak. I loved leftovers & packing up single portion meals. I still do & my fridge & freezer are full of them. Great for nights you don’t feel like cooking, to take to work, etc.

Don’t be surprised if your tummy can’t tolerate some foods. This is usually temporary while your tummy is still sensitive & fussy & throws the odd tantrum (like a two year old). Though it can happen randomly in the long term or there may be odd foods you really can’t eat again. I made scrambled eggs yesterday. I eat eggs quite regularly but yesterday my tummy said nope & up they came. Don’t know why. I still can’t eat bread, pasta & rice, too heavy in my tummy, though I can eat small amounts of pastry.