Hi all - It's not clear in any of the material given to me but when can I start adding fresh or frozen fruit to a protein smoothie?

Thx

It depends on the fruit. 6 weeks, typically, but some fruits are off the table. In moderation, you can do strawberries, raspberries, blackberries. Apples and bananas are a no go. Blueberries are healthy but should be very limited. No pineapple, peaches, pears. Mango, papaya, grapes are also no. Coconut is ok but should be in limited quantities. This is all according to my nutritionist. I tend to stick to strawberries, coconut, and rarely I add in some blueberries. But mostly strawberries and coconut. And I don't have those all that often, either. In general, fruit has a lot of carbs and sugar, so there's not a lot that are technically ok for bariatric diets.

Check with your team because as @SleeveToBypass2023 said it depends on the fruit. And it depends on the plan your team has you on. For example blueberries were fine but not strawberries because of the little seeds on their skin for me. I was also allowed watermelon which you’d think would be a no so … ??‍♀️Also ask about their portions recommendations too.

Day 1 after surgery - 2 weeks I could have unsweetened applesauce.

2-5 weeks I could have canned fruit packed in water or if packed in juice drain and rinse before eating (no skins, peels, seeds, dried fruit or fruit juice).

5 weeks on I could have raw fruit. No restrictions on type.

Definitely check with your bariatric team. I was told nothing with coconut because that can get stuck. The literature they gave me says to avoid fruits with seeds, the skins of the fruits, and the membranes of citrus. Right now, I can eat 10 fresh cherries and have no issues.

Oh this is another area where surgeons seem to differ substantially! It will also be influenced by what procedure you had and when OP.

I was not told to restrict fruit in any way post op - food was only restricted by consistency/texture for the first 6 weeks. So I could have pureed any fruit at all if I had fancied it 2 weeks out (I didn't fancy it though - was too busy grubbing away at my lovely blended baby food-like dinners, LOL). After that I could eat as much of whatever fruit I liked, and I do.

Usually 2 or 3 portions of berries a day as snacks. In fact I like to get those in early before I start my protein/'proper' meal eating. I think they have useful micro-nutrients - for the same reason I eat a small handful of seeds and same of raw nuts every day. And cheese - couldn't do a day without it (although the micronutrient thing may not apply, it's just THE best) ?

Edited August 12, 20233 yr by Spinoza

There never is an easy answer here is there ??

I've got that on my list to check with the team as well, thanks all!

I couldn't eat fruit for the first three weeks, although I was told I could eat it after a week. I don’t know how to do it correctly, but it seems that some doctors themselves don’t know.