I am 7 days post op. I was told by my lapband mentor at True results that I could go to the mushie phase on day 4.

So today I took 2 bites of watermelon and no problem. I also took 2 bites of chicken and ate tuna and crackers (chewed chewed and chewed) and there wasn't a problem. Kinda scared to try it again. I feel as if I have failed.

I'm so surprised they told you that. My doctor and dietitian have me on a liquid diet for two weeks after surgery. All I can have is sugar free Jello, popsicles, yogurt with no seeds, sugar free natural applesauce, Soup with no chunks of any kind or strained, broth, crystal light and slim fast. They told me that this liquid diet was required at first because of the swellling after surgery. It gives your stomach a chance to heal and prevents the pouch from stretching. They told me that any solid food early on could stretch the band or cause slippage of the band. The third week I can start a soft food diet. If you have any discomfort at all I would go to a liquid diet for a few days. Maybe ask your surgeon or dietitian to clarify what you can eat. I know that different offices have different rules and mine is the Realize band so maybe that makes a difference. Good luck with everything. Don't worry about failing. You are just beginning and it's a learning process. You may be feeling down due to decreased calories giving you a low energy level but you have to give yourself more time to recover.

I'm surprised too, they told you to eat chicken at 4 days post op? x_x; That food should not even be touched until 5 to 6 weeks out minimum. The mushy stage usually starts at 2 to 3 weeks. I would go ask if you have the correct information again, as that sounds like a good way to have a slip in your band.

Thanks I am worried about slippage. I think I am going back to liquids. I don't want to stretch anything. Also what are the symptoms of a slip band? I am so hungry that my stomach growls and wakes me up.

Edited July 16, 200917 yr by showgurls

Wow! I keep hearing about other methods of when to eat, what to eat, how long after. I am rather confused! lol...perhaps it really does depend on your doctor and the facility's practice. I can tell you what I have been doing and I have had no problems except that stomach growl...I'm afraid it's all part of it. All in all, I feel like I am doing really good! Yes, I am hungry but it's nothing like that first week! I call it "hell week". Week one, I had jello, popsicles, chicken broth, tea's, water, Ensure (with fiber). Week two, Cottage cheese, jello, popsicles, tuna, potato cheese soup (once), sweet potatoes and squash mashed style, beans, yogurt, pudding, banana’s, peaches and pears (baby food). I am now on week three and I am having chicken (no skin), pot roast, had a half of sandwich and did really well…I am only on day 3 of week three. I will be eating spaghetti tomorrow night. I tend to eat my soups. I love Lipton’s Chicken Noodle soup (just the broth and noodles) and I find I get full with it. It is really hard to tell but I just keep within the range they say to eat and trust they know what they are talking about.

Symptoms of a slipped band include throwing up and not even be able to swallow water. But just because your not doing that, doesn't mean you should eat chicken : / Since a slip can happen at anytime and then it's too late.

whatever the timing, I certainly wouldnt call tuna and crackers a mushy food. Tuna can be quite dry and "sticky" in texture so unless its packed in oil or doused in mayonnaise (which kinda makes it a high fat food) thenn its going to be hard to eat. ON crackers, wow, surprised you managed to swallow it and keep it down.

Mushy foods should be soft and moist. Especially so soon after surgery I'd really be focussing more on very thick soups, blended up things, pureed fruit and yogurt and staying away from stuff so solid for a week or so yet.

My Doc. Said I was fine and since I took 2 bites and chewed very well - it was going to be okay. Doing good so far. 12 lbs down.

I think just about everyone on here is told something different by their doc. I just had my post op appointment today (15 days out for me) and I was given the OK to start mushies....

When we had the nutrition class, she told us either anything that is already pureed or that can be CHEWED to puree form before swallowing.

She also told us that as we first start eating (both mushies and solid food) it will be foods that are higher in fat/calories while we are in the first stages...and that it was ok because it's such a small amount. But that once we get filled, that's when we really need to start being mindful of fat/calories in food. This was by no mean a "free for all, eat all the shit food you want"...obviously. But one of the things that my doc recommends right away on mushies is tuna/chicken salad w/low fat mayo....

I had 1oz refried Beans w/ 1/2tsp each light sour cream, & mashed avocado...it was heaven!!! Bean burrito w/out the burrito shell :thumbup:

Snack was 2 3/4oz Babybel light cheese w/4 saltine crackers...wasn't sure about them but i bit off the corner of the saltine to see if i could chew it enough (or if not then spit it out)..and it fricken MELTED! I had no idea saltine's did that. But I didn't want to overdo it so 2 per piece of cheese..that's it and it was PLENTY.

dinner was 2oz Tilapia and some green beans (again, chewed to puree)...i've never even liked fish but I LOVE it now!

Like I said...it's interesting what each doctor allows at each stage and when that stage begins...