Hi. I just moved into the mush stage yay!

I'm struggling to find ways to make it taste good. I'm told no fruits or vegetables. So I can't make anything like spinach artichoke dip or that ricotta bake I hear so much about. I managed to make an egg salad that I can get down but I'm gonna need variety soon or I'm gonna go crazy. I also cannot eat fish or seafood so nothing with tuna either.

Does anyone have any tasty puree recipes that can fill the void that for that criteria?

No fruits on veggies at all? Wow, that's really restrictive. If you also can't eat any seafood, then really about all that's left is dairy, meat or grains.

About all I can come up with would be:

• Yogurt, especially Greek style (Make sure to avoid any flavors with chunks)
• Protein supplements /drinks (duh)
• Mashed cottage cheese (small curd)
• Ricotta cheese
• Mashed beans like lentils or alternately low fat or fat free refried beans. Add some grated cheese if your plan allows this. (Of course culinarily we classify these as vegetables, so maybe they don't want you eating this either???)
• Pureed meats like beef, chicken, or turkey (I personally couldn't stand this)
• Canned chicken breast, mashed up well. May also need to add something to make it moister?
• Cream of wheat
• Grits
• Baby oatmeal (since it's all ground up)
• Mashed potatoes (or do they consider this a vegetable too?)

Edited June 6, 20251 yr by SpartanMaker

Wow so restrictive on the veg, did the doctor tell you why? I have never heard of that before, I was made have veg from day one on liquids by way of soup.

If your bariatric team are not going to allow you veg (fruit I can understand being a no) then surely they should provide you with a bit of a menu guide, my team gave me recopies and food lists for each stage, and veg and even fruit were allowed throughout by way of a slow reintroduction.

In the puree stage I had a homemade bolognese (though it had tomatoes and bit of carrot) and chili con carne (again has tomatoes but pureed right down so might be ok for you depending on why you are so restricted) and the kidney beans are a good protein, dhal. What about some hummus, can get different flavoured ones to kick up the flavour a bit? Omelets that you can then add seasoning/spices to?

Add gravy or stock when you puree any chicken, beef, etc. It will help keep it to at least a nice dollopy texture and will boost the flavour.

Honestiy for the two weeks I ate mostly the same things. It was only two weeks so I could put up with to the limited variety. I pureed a few things but many tasted quite repulsive to me. Plus I wasn’t all that interested in food or eating. I mostly survived on instant oats, yoghurt, extra soft scrambled eggs & soups.

I’m surprised by the no fruit or vegetables too. Coarse or fibrous ones are a big no as are any seeds or skins but certainly any you can blend to a smooth puree are usually fine. Think apple sauce, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, potatoes, tomato puree (for flavour) etc.

Plans can be different but may be ask for more clarification from your team.

All the best.

I was on a liquid diet then a full liquid diet. Followed by a soft protein only, so you are not weird about the no fruit and veggies. I have had no fruits or veggies yet and I'm only 5 weeks out from surgery. I'm still taking in soft protein. I did reward myself on Friday with a Pretzel and I made sure I softened it and chewed it a bunch before swallowing it, but having the crunch was so satisfying. That's the thing I miss most is the crunch. I had no puree diet following surgery. Soft protein, my go to is Ricotta Bake, and my husband makes it with spices and uses pizza sauce for further flavor. It is creamy and cheesy and really filling. So, just wanted to chime in that you are not alone in the no fruit/veggie department.

Honestly the variation in post op dietary advice never ceases to amaze me.

I had very few rules - 2 weeks liquid, 2 weeks puree were I think the only guidance I was given. I got most of my information here!

I am an outlier in that I adored the puree phase. My first proper food, not yucky protein shakes, for about 2 months. My pre-op 800 calorie a day diet had to be extended when my surgery date was cancelled and I had to be in a state of preparation for a cancellation (that took weeks!)

I made family dinner and then just pureed that in a blender with extra gravy. No fibrous veg but I had everything else.

I hope you can make it through.

Oh for crunch. Toast up some pepperoni in the air frier or bake them till crispy. Use the “chips” to scoop some hummus or mashed black beans or whatever. Or eat plain. But watch calories :). They are addictive.

I think the soft food stage might be a tiny bit early for crispy pepperoni? But it sounds so lovely and it IS a long time since I was at that point. I was super wary about troubling all my staples and stitches back then.

You've got to get creative after WLS for sure ?

23 hours ago, Spinoza said:

I think the soft food stage might be a tiny bit early for crispy pepperoni? But it sounds so lovely and it IS a long time since I was at that point. I was super wary about troubling all my staples and stitches back then.

You've got to get creative after WLS for sure ?

We can buy these at M&S. I love them. 16 grams of protein and 99 cals a pack

@summerseeker Where did you find these? Can they be ordered? They look like they are really good.

Yes, any crisps or crisp like foods such as pepperoni crisps or Serrano ham crisps mentioned above are all a big no for the purée stage. Sure look at them for when you’re much further out but ensure serve the portion recommendations. They can be moorish and before you know it you’ve eaten 2 or 3 serves and there’s 200, 300 calories. (I’m looking at you those pork crackling/scratchings.)

It takes at least 6 weeks for your tummy to heal. (Think of all those sutures and staples holding it together.) The staged diet of liquids, to purées, to soft is all to protect your tummy/digestive system and not damage your it or impeded your recovery.

Remember too any desire for crunch is a craving and thus a head hunger. It’s got nothing to do with real hunger. The first weeks after surgery are stressful and emotional & naturally your head tells you to seek something to comfort you: food and often crunchy or salty food. Look for distractions at these times: craft, read, play a game, call family or friends, sip a warm drink, go for a walk, etc. It does help. You will get through it and learn to better manage cravings in the future.

10 hours ago, WendyJane said:

@summerseeker Where did you find these? Can they be ordered? They look like they are really good.

They are from a UK store called Marks and Spencers. They have a few stores in Europe but I am unsure about the US. I have heard that you can replicate it in the Airfryer/dehydrator. They are so satisfying, crunchy, salty and meaty all in a guilt free packet