How long did some of you stay on liquids even though you were cleared to eat food? I’m having some food aversion and just wanted to see what other liquids to try.

I want to try oatmeal smoothies maybe try a protein shake with spinach or another vegetable? Just to mix it up a bit. Like a banana premiere and cooked carrots? Or a banana premiere and some spinach/blueberries.

I went to my nutrition thing today and they told us no blending things into our protein drinks for several months because of indigestible fiber bits? I don't know. I was bummed out, I like adding things to shakes! But every program is different so you might ask your dietician about it?

They also said it is really important to progress the stages even if you have food aversion. To keep trying because the body needs more nutrition than you are getting in those shakes and the stomach needs to progress gradually towards normal foods. I thought that was really interesting. I hate pureed things so I figured I'd just keep doing liquids but after that I've spent the rest of the day thinking about things I can eat that don't have weird pureed textures. Like yogurt, protein puddings, sugar free puddings, blended soups and stews, instant oatmeal, more yogurt, etc... I think I can handle a week of that! Especially after all those liquids...

I've also found a lot of good pureed recipes in bariatric cookbooks too! Things I never thought of like sugar free custard, blended lentil soups, eating hummus by the spoonful, cold soups like cucumber soup (the cooked kind) and the ever famous ricotta bake!

Once the two week liquid stage ended that was the last protein shake I had. Food aversions (taste or texture) are pretty common but they pass & they’re usually just for a couple of foods (eggs, chicken breast & steak can be frequent culprits). Sometimes something you eat one day without issue is repulsive the next & then a couple of days later it’s fine again. This is also a great time to try foods you previously didn’t enjoy - you may find you lime them after your surgery. It’s related to the temporary changes to our senses of smell & taste & our tummy being a fussy tantrum throwing two year old while it’s healing. It can be a weird time.

It’s best if you start to introduce real foods as soon as you’re able & just supplement with shakes if you’re worried about your protein goals. (I ate high protein yoghurts & drank high protein yoghurt drinks instead.) We can’t live on protein shakes alone. Real food aids your healing, provides a broader nutritional sources & supports your digestive system to recover & get used to any changes in your system better. Also helps you to start working on & learning about portion sizes & making better food choices.

I appreciate the comments ladies. I will definitely try my best. Thank you!