Phases 1, 2, 3, 4.....Please Help Clarify

[TerriD68 0]

Good Afternoon,

This is my firs posting so excuse me if I am a little rusty at this.

I had my Gastric Bypass on March 19, and my Surgeon said to drink the Clear Liquids for the next 2 weeks. I go to him tomorrow for follow-up.

Yesterday my Nutritionist said I should start today with "Stage 3/4" eating solid foods.

My Surgeon had told me before my surgery that I would do the following:

• 2 weeks before surgery - clear liquids
• 2 weeks after surgery - clear liquids
• up to 3 months after surgery - thicker liquids
• after 3 months - introduce solid foods

Now both my Surgeon and Nutritionist have conflicting statements. My Nutritionist states Phases. Does anyone know what phases you consume what?

I thought It was - Phase 1 - clear liquid, Phase 2 - thicker liquid, Phase 3 - soft solid foods, Phase 4 - easier to digest full solid foods.

Any clarification would be Greatly Appreciated. Yes I will be asking my Surgeon tomorrow also.

Thanks,

Terri

[NickelChip 1,313]

I've never heard of phases taking that long to get through, so unless you have a very unusual case with special circumstances, I think there's been a misunderstanding. A week or two of liquids, which I assume included Protein Shakes, is normal. After that, some programs put you on purees and some will say soft Protein food that you chew thoroughly, usually once you're doing well with this, after a week or two, but certainly by week 6 or so, you will be told to slowly introduce veg, fruit, and finally starch and grain.

I had gastric bypass on Feb 21. I had one week of liquids, which included yogurt, cream Soups, and thin cream of wheat. At week 2, I was allowed to have cottage cheese, tuna salad, refried Beans, ground turkey, and flaky white fish. At week 3, I was allowed to start including cooked vegetables and fruits and told to slowly start incorporating other foods, but to wait until 3 months for pork and beef.

I had a setback with some vomiting, so I had to go back to liquids for weeks 4 and 5, but I had my 6 week appointment today and was told I was clear to resume a normal diet (minus beef and pork) and just needed to be cautious and keep track of/eliminate anything that caused upset.

I found this video very helpful, although I will point out this program's way of reintroducing foods is not quite the same as mine, (or most others).

[catwoman7 11,220]

I agree with Nickelchip. Programs vary, but that sounds like a misunderstanding. Most people are on solid foods at about a month out (after doing a week or two of liquids, then purees, then maybe soft foods). You're two weeks out - most people at that point are on purees or soft foods - and they start introducing solid foods about a month out, give or take...

or like she said, maybe you have some unique medical circumstances (?)

Edited April 2, 2024 by catwoman7

[Arabesque 7,414]

Yes, plans vary though generally the stages seem to be two week cycles: liquids, purées, soft, then more solid. Some stages are longer or shorter, some skip a step, some allow or advise avoiding different foods. Some plans are adjusted depending upon your progress & recovery.

Have to say I’d go back to the surgeon & ask for clarification before the dietician at the moment. They know your medical situation better than the dietician & it is your surgeon’s plan you’re following at the moment.

All the best & hope you get answers soon.