Post-Op Liquid Diet Timeline

[AngelineB 1]

Hello,

I'm 2 weeks post-op with my band and my doctor has recommended a timeline of weeks 1-4 only Clear Liquids, weeks 4-8 pureed foods. Week 9, begin regular food. From what I have seen, this seems a bit longer than most. Did anyone else have a longer clear liquid time like me? If so, were you able to start pureed foods a little sooner with success? I did liquids pre-op for 10 days and have been on liquid for the 2 weeks post. Feeling good that the weight is coming off (27 pounds) but have little energy and am seriously sick of Jello, broth, strained thin Soups and Protein Shakes. Any advice?

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I had a very strict, long post op diet too.

I was on liquids for the first 4 weeks, then 2 weeks puree'd food, 2 weeks soft food, then finally back to normal food. Like you, it was 8 weeks before I had regular food again after being banded.

The way I survived it was finding liquids I liked. For instance, V8 makes Soups with no chunks whatsoever, so you can count them as liquids. They have great flavors like Potato Leek, Garden Tomato, and Butternut Squash. These soups helped me a lot because even though they were liquid they tasted like actual food. Plus, they have a full serving of veggies, so it helped with energy too.

Just keep reminding yourself this is a very short bump in the road that's necessary for you to heal properly.

Best wishes

[AngelineB 1]

Thanks so much for the advice. I'll keep staying the course. Just wish I could get to the puréed foods a little sooner. I definitely check out the V8.

[Lori45 70]

I sooooo feel ur pain!!! I was banded may 29th and I too had 4 straight weeks of liquids only!! I just alternated sweet ( protien shake) to salty ( chicken broth ) but to this day have to really "spice" up my chicken broth !! U will think cottage cheese and scrambled eggs never tasted so good!!! Hang in there by my last day of liquid I could barely gag broth down anymore. SF Popsicles helped think I was chewing stuff! I had alot of those. Good luck. It does get better!!!

[AngelineB 1]

It's funny you mention scrambled eggs and cottage cheese! I was just talking to my friend about how I wish I could fast forward 2 weeks so I could have those. I'm with you on the broth. I'm getting to the point where I don't even want it. I'm just so sick of Soup. I'm going to try the V8 suggestion, but I'm pretty done with this. I'd almost rather not eat than have another bowl. I'll stay the course, but I'm certainly counting down the days. Quick question, did you purée the cottage cheese too, or were the small curds ok?

[Lori45 70]

To tell u the truth I never puréed anything ( I am big on textures when I eat ) used small curd cottage cheese and just cut up my scrambled eggs "very fine". Hope that helps.

[Brittani87 30]

I just had my surgery July 30th and I'm over the liquid diet as well. I see my doctor tomorrow and hopefully he will move me to soft foods. I haven't had any broth since probably Friday. And I'm over Jello my mom gave me some and I was just like take it back. Popsicles have been my friend as well as my Protein Shakes. I'm so ready for eggs and tuna I'm just hoping he lets me go tomorrow ill be in heaven bc I have more choices with soft food

[angemc 85]

I was banded yesterday and my post op diet is first week thin liquids, second week thicker liquids, third week mashed food, fourth week eat normal.

[3mommy 52]

My doc puts his patients right on puréed foods. I was given scrambled eggs the morning after my surgery in the hospital after I had the X-ray thing that showed that my band was in place and I could swallow things easily. The first few days I couldn't handle much food like 2-3 bites, but 6 days post op I'm staring to be able to eat a little more and I'm doing fine.