Apparently I don't know how to eat soup....?

[Sleeve_Me_Alone 656]

I am 2.5(ish) months out and on a "regular" diet per my programs plan. All is well, no issues with recovery or food so far. However, I went to a Mexican restaurant with the husband for date night a few nights ago and realized upon order my very favorite Albondigas... I don't know how to eat Soup now?! Obviously, I ate more than my fair share pre- and post-op in the liquid/mushy phases, but I haven't had any since then. Given that we aren't to mix food & drink, how does that apply to broth based Soups? ? Do I drink the liquid, wait, then eat the "guts" and if so, how long do I wait? Do I skip the broth and just go for the good stuff? Do I ask for a blender and relive the liquid diet nightmares?! Any suggestions are appreciated. I'm likely overthinking this, but I'm also trying to be compliant and set myself up for success, so I'd love to hear how more experienced folks handle stew situations!

[lizonaplane 1,612]

I am also 2.5(ish) months out. My surgeon doesn't require me to wait after drinking to eat, so I would normally eat the broth first. However, sometimes it might be hard to eat the Protein component after drinking all the liquid. I didn't find that to be the case for me. If you have that issue, maybe just eat the protein/veggies and don't drink the liquid.

When I eat Soup as a side, it's been pureed soup (carrot or mushroom) and so I think of that as liquid(ish), and I drink it with my meal. I didn't have any issues, but it was just about 1/2 cup or less.

[OutdoorsGirl 93]

Glad you asked this question! I’ve been thinking about Soup too and wasn’t sure what to do.

[Sunnyway 344]

Don't overthink this. Soup is the meal. Just spoon it up normally. There is no prohibition from swallowing your soup any more than there would be for swallowing your Protein Shakes.

[Esi 179]

I asked this same question to my nutritionist! She said she would eat the Soup alone and count it as one of my liquids.

[Arabesque 7,240]

I love Soup & made it quite regularly while I was losing (especially if I had people over for a meal). I tried to make thicker Soups so closer to a purée than a liquid at first. I’d add pearl barley, Beans or lentils as they tend to make the soups thicker & add Protein. When I ate a chunky broth soup I’d eat the chunky solid pieces first then sip on the broth component. It would take a long time to eat a serve though. If I sipped too much of the broth with the chunks, my restriction would kick in so was worth the longer eating time for that price not to happen. And yes it does count towards your Fluid intake too.

Edited December 4, 2021 by Arabesque