I am going on vacation to Chicago next week. I will be a little more than 4 weeks post op. We will be going to my favorite restaurant and my favorite thing there is the BBQ shrimp with no breading. My soft food diet says that I can have fish but it doesn't ever say anything about shrimp. Did any of your doctors mention shrimp? Is it safe?

Also, what about rice?

Each post op diet is a little different depending on the surgeon. I could have shrimp (not fried) beginning a week after my transitional phase started (transitional phase started at week 3). There was a caution, however, in my plan materials. Many people list shrimp as one of the foods that tend to get "stuck".

I had shrimp and was fine...because I haven't yet had a fill. I did chew it to death, though.

You might want to check with your doctor to make sure.

The fish that is allowed in the soft food phase unfortunately does not include shrimp. It refers to flakey fish that you can easily cut with a fork.

As Rutiglius mentioned, shrimp is one of those foods that a lot of people have problems with. I cautiously ytried it when I was on solids, and did not have any problems. I cut it in very small pieces and chewed it thoroughly.

Rice, like Pasta, can also be a problem food, as if it is not well cooked, it can expand in your pouch and cause a problem. Sticky rice is a no-no. With other rice, proceed cautiously, and see how you can handle it.

When are you allowed to start on solids?

I just had shrimp for the first time at 8 weeks post and I had some issues with it.

My surgeon said that you want to chew until the food is the consistency of toothpaste. I don't think shrimp breaks down like that - it doesn't ever become complete mush no matter how well you chew.

I would avoid it, I think.

Thank you all for your advice...I think that I will avoid it for now! I don't need anything else to worry about :thumbdown:

I love and do not have any problems with shrimp. Now chicken is another story. I am sure I had shrimp a month out. It is one of my favorite. Every one is diffrent and you may not have problems. Just chew,chew, chew. Good luck

I have never had any trouble at all with shrimp...breaded or not. Call your surgeon and ask; let him decide for you based on how you're healing etc.

And...Linda bless you woman to chew to toothpaste consistency? I think that is probably a safe, good idea but ick! :thumbdown:

I'm lucky; I don't have any food issues and chew to a smooth (but not toothpaste-like LOL) consistency before I swallow...:scared2: Love my band.

I had shrimp for the first time about a week after banding, no problems. I still avoid rice though, because it's tougher for me to eat and also a lot of empty calories.

Every doc seems different, mine let's me eat and drink anything anytime after the first few days, he just made sure I understood that I could sabotage myself pretty quickly. His ONLY specific advice was to not drink for around a half hour after eating so that I could stay full feeling long enough for my body to decide it's not hungry anymore.

Best advice is probably to follow your doctor's advice, he's the one you'll end up calling if anything goes wrong.