What's the deal with white bread?

November 16, 2004

Hi,

I've noticed many of you long-time bandsters say that white bread, white Pasta or white rice is a problem to eat. Why is that?

leatha_g · November 16, 2004

Hi,
I've noticed many of you long-time bandsters say that white bread, white Pasta or white rice is a problem to eat. Why is that?

Well, for starters, it's high carb, high calorie, non-weight loss friendly food, but mostly because with the band you have a very small opening (stoma) which foods like bread, rice and pasta seem to swell and get stuck in. Any type of flour based products which have gluten, have the tendency to revert back to dough. These can be very painful in such a small opening when trying to swallow them.

That being said, some people report that they have no problems with these things and continue to eat them.

With the band, a person doesn't really have to 'diet', but one does definitely have to do their part in choosing high quality foods in order not to waste what little space they do have in their very small pouches. One bite of bread can end in a stomach wrenching regurgitation and cause the much needed Protein and veggies to be missed entirely.

New Hope · November 16, 2004

Very well said, Leatha!!

November 16, 2004

Thanks for the information. I guess I'll just have to wait until I get to the solid food phase to see (I'm in liquids). I have sucessfully used Pasta and rice in small portions when dieting in the past. Also, I have chronic colitis, which flairs up occasionally, so sometimes "white" stuff is the only thing in the past I've been able to eat. I can also eat mashed potatoes when in a colitis episode so I'm sure if that happened I could probably survive on that. But we'll just have to see what happens I guess.

hagerteresa · November 16, 2004

Hi Sue,

Its possible that you'll be able to eat them until your first fill. I will be getting my first fill in a couple of days after 6 months of being banded. I can and still do eat some breads, rice and Pasta but it is in much smaller amounts and I have to be extra cautious. I can only eat bread if it is toasted and very small bites. I'll be interested to see if I'll be able to after my fill. Best wishes, Teresa