Cheating on post op full liquid diet

[janelle0673]

Good afternoon, I had my sleeve done on 06/05/2013. The first week I did the clear liquid diet and became very weary, very fast. Like many of you, I tried the shakes and I can only drink one shake in a day. It's like my stomach won't hold that much. This past Friday, I went out and ate Chinese food. I tried the noodles and spicy chicken. To my surprise, I didn't feel nauseated or anything but I wanted a change. To add to this change, I have been suffering from diarrhea and I thought that eating something solid would help it go away.

[oncebanded]

ok going out for Chinese food 10 days post op, is a bit crazy! when you read ppl talking about cheating in their diet, most of them are talking about skipping to the next phase of their diet early. by a week or two. you are talking skipping ahead to week 8 and beyond before 2 weeks is up!

you are setting yourself up to continue bad eating habits.
such a shame.

[janelle0673]

I think you're missing the point of the post, oncebanded. I didn't say that this was the norm from that point on. What I said is that I cheated by going over what should have been a part of my diet. I don't think its a gateway for bad eating habits as long as I don't continuously repeat those steps.

[oncebanded]

really? 8 days after surgery you went out and ate "real" food which is 7 weeks ahead of schedule? SO you think from now on you will go back to your original diet and go back to liquids then soft foods then etc etc.
do you honestly believe that because you did it once 8 days after surgery that you wont do it again? I'm thinking you will, and probably with more and more frequency too. = equals opening it up to bad eating habits. History repeats itself. unless you change it. and you clearly, 8 days after surgery didn't change history.
why would you go through all the trouble and the pain and perhaps cost to hae the surgery, then totally just disregard how the tool works? I am just not understanding that at all.

[janelle0673]

Yes oncebanded, REALLY!!! I'm not even going to say that it was a mistake because I wanted real food. I didn't eat a whole chicken or Mongolian beef. I actually ate a piece of chicken with no skin and a couple of noodles. I was definitely careful about chewing before swallowing. As a matter of fact, I did go back to my liquid diet and as of today, my doctor placed me on the soft food diet. NO HARM, NO FOUL!

[brooklyn_mom]

Technically I am only supposed to be having broth. I am straining soups daily for dinner that my husband brings home from the diner he works at. That is the only thing I look forward to. I'm not supposed to add fruit to my smoothies either which means there is no way to cut that taste.

Can you double check with your dietician about adding a little bit of fruit to your shakes? She let me add a tiny fruit for flavor, and I strained it if there were seeds.the fruit and lots of ice really helped the flavor. I also experimented with different base milks- I used almond, soy, and rice milk.
I too got very sick of protein shakes, but switching protein powder brands helped.

Its very important to stay on the liquid diet while you are healing. It is annoying but for your heath while you heal. I haven't had any bad think happen to me while I have been introducing cooked food (not pureed or liquid) to my stomach and I think it's because my surgeon requird me to be on liquids for 3 weeks post op.
No vomit, etc. I read about that stuff happening to people as they introduce food and I am so grateful my surgeon erred on the cautious side for introducing foods post surgery.

But there must be an alternative for you.

[mlrisser]

A piece of cheese isn't on your approved list, either but you ate that!
If you are going to eat something other than a smoothie (or liquids) at least make it a soft food and not something like cheese. Like canned chicken or tuna (the cheaper brands are perfect as they are really minced), cottage cheese, pudding, mashed potatoes, refried beans. These are all things I ate around week two. Just take it slow and you should be fine.

Me too! The FF re-fried beans tasted amazing...

[kiwimor]

My doctor told me to be on liquid diet for only 2 weeks, and then pureed food... But i get it totally , because the thought of protein drinks makes me wanna vomit ;-D ...

[mlrisser]

This is my surgeons post op diet: each stage "should" be colored different...

Stage 1: High-Protein Clear Liquids
(Saturday and Sunday)
Remember your protein goal 70-80 grams/day

What you should have…

• Flavored water
o Propel, Crystal Light
• Sugar-free Jell-O
• Light/diluted fruit juices (50/50 with water)
o Ocean Spray Light
o Diet V8 Splash
• Decaf coffee/tea
• Beef/chicken/vegetable broth
• Ice/sugar free popsicles
• Pre-mixed clear liquid protein supplements
o Prostat 64
o Vita 4 Life
o Isopure or Cytosport Liquid
o Isopure or Unjury Powder mixed in above liquids
• Non-Caloric beverages
o Crystal Light
o Diet Snapple



What you should avoid…
• Carbonation
o Fizzy/bubbly
• Caffeine
o Coffee, sodas, energy drinks
• Sugary
o >10 grams of sugar per serving*
• Alcohol


*Read the ingredients on the label


Tips…
• Sip allowed liquids throughout the day. Carry a water bottle with you.
• Sip every 5-10 minutes to avoid dehydration.


Stage 2: High-Protein Full Liquids
To be started on Monday (Day 3) following surgery, stage 2 lasts 2 weeks.
Remember your protein goal 70-80 grams/day

Note to Lap Band patients: You should return to a liquid diet for 1 day after a fill & gradually advance your diet to the next stages.

How to choose a protein supplement (per 8 oz serving or scoop)
• At least 15 grams protein
o Whey protein isolate, egg white, soy & milk (if you tolerate lactose) are complete proteins
• Less than 10 grams Total Carbohydrate after Gastric Bypass, less than 20 grams after Lap Band
• Less than 5 grams fat

Examples:
These protein supplements are available at multiple locations (GNC, Rite Aid) Powders may be mixed with water:

• Pro Performance 100% Whey or Protein 95 (soy)
• Met Rx Protein Plus
• Unjury whey powder
• Optimum (egg)
• Isopure Clear Liquid Supplement
• Cytosport Clear Liquid Supplement
• New Whey Protein


What you should avoid…

• Carbonation
o Fizzy/bubbly
• Caffeine
o Coffee, sodas, energy drinks
• Sugary
o >10 grams of sugar per serving*
• Alcohol


**Sip allowed liquids throughout the day. Sip every 5-10 minutes to avoid dehydration. Do not use straws.
SAMPLE STAGE 2
FULL LIQUID DIET (with protein)

Breakfast:
2 oz cream of wheat or rice cereal
1-2 oz milk or Lactaid (1-2 grams protein)
1 scoop Designer Whey powder (18 grams protein)

Snack: Isopure Zero Carb beverage 10oz(20 grams protein)

Lunch:
2 oz smooth, nonfat, no added sugar yogurt (refer to label)
1 oz pureed fruit

Snack: Isopure Zero Carb beverage 10oz(20 grams protein)

Dinner:
2 oz blended low fat cottage cheese (7 grams protein)
1 oz pureed fruit
1 oz Prostat liquid protein (15 g protein)

*This sample day provides 80-100 g protein


Stage 3: Pureed with Protein
Stage 3 lasts 2 weeks.

Protein goal 70-80 g/day
What you can have…
• Mashed bananas
• Thinned mashed potatoes
• Scrambled eggs/egg substitute
• Baby food
• Yogurt
• Applesauce
• Blended cottage cheese
• Low-fat cream soups
• Cream of Wheat
• Nonfat refried beans


What you should avoid…
• Anything with chunks, seeds, nuts
• Dry cereal, coarse cooked cereal
• Rice, noodles
• Peanut butter
• Bread

Eating Guidelines...
• Three meals and two snacks daily (one snack can be liquid protein)
• Schedule regular meal times and stick to them
• Start with 1/4-1/2 cup portions
• Do not eat and drink fluids together. Avoid liquids 15 minutes before and 30 minutes after meals.
• Eat slowly- try to take 30 minutes to finish a meal.
• Include protein at each meal. Always finish your protein first.
• Take your vitamin and mineral supplements.

How to puree…
1. Chop solid food into small pieces.
2. Place the food into a blender or a food processor.
3. Add a liquid such as milk, no added sugar juice, gravy or broth.
4. Puree to single consistency similar to thin mashed potatoes or baby food.

Don’t forget about hydration!
• Continue to sip sugar-free liquids throughout the day
• Carry a water bottle with you.
• Sip every 5-10 minutes to avoid dehydration
SAMPLE STAGE 3: PUREED DIET
Breakfast:
2 oz low fat cottage cheese (7 grams protein)
2 oz pureed canned peaches (own juice)

Snack:
Isopure Zero Carb Liquid Protein Supplement (10 oz=20 grams protein)

Lunch:
2 oz cooked chicken pureed w/broth (14 grams protein)
1 oz pureed fresh or frozen green beans
1 oz unsweetened applesauce

Snack:
1 scoop protein powder mixed (will vary with brand of powder) with 6 oz Nonfat Lactaid Milk

Dinner:
2 oz pureed lean ground beef w/gravy (14 grams protein)
1 oz pureed cooked carrots
1 oz applesauce
*This sample day provides ~100g protein

Stage 4: Soft
Stage 4 lasts 2 weeks

Protein goal 70-80 g/day
What you should have…
• Moist and tender meats w/sauce or gravy (chicken and red meat lean ground) Fish and tofu
• Small amounts cooked vegetables (avoid tough skins)
• Scrambled eggs/egg substitute
• Soft fruits without skin
• Yogurt
• Blended or small curd cottage cheese



What you should avoid…
• Anything with chunks, seeds, nuts
• Dry cereal, coarse cooked cereal
• Rice
• Peanut butter
• Fresh bread
• Fried or spicy foods

• Beans, peas, lentils
• Boiled potato without the skin
• Crackers, toast


Eating Guidelines...
• Three meals and two snacks daily (recommend one snack as liquid protein)
• Schedule regular meal times and stick to them
• Half cup portions
• Do not eat and drink fluids together (should be 15 minutes prior to eating and 30 minutes after eating)
• Eat slowly- try to take 30 minutes to finish a meal.
• Include protein at each meal and snack.
• Eat your protein first
• Take your vitamin and mineral supplements

Don’t forget about hydration!
• Continue to sip sugar-free liquids throughout the day
• Carry a water bottle with you.
• Sip every 5-10 minutes to avoid dehydration
SAMPLE STAGE 4: SOFT DIET
Breakfast:
1 scrambled egg (use pan spray) (7 grams protein)
2 Tbs instant oatmeal w/1 scoop protein powder
1 Tbs fresh fruit (skinless)

Snack:
¼ cup low fat cottage cheese (7 grams protein)
1 Tbs canned peaches (light/own juice)
1 scoop protein powder
(12-25g protein/scoop- depends on brand)

Lunch:
2 oz tuna w/1-2 tsp low fat mayo (14 grams protein)
1 Tbs fresh or frozen cooked green beans
1 Tbs canned pineapple

Snack:
2 Tbs nonfat, no sugar added flavored yogurt (protein content depends on type of yogurt)
1 scoop protein powder (12-22g protein/scoop)

Dinner:
1 oz sliced turkey (7 grams protein)
¼ cup low fat cheese/soy cheese (7 grams protein)
2 slices tomato
*This sample day provides ~90g protein
Stage 5: Modified Regular Diet
Stage 5 lasts 2 weeks

Protein goal 70-80 g/day
Food Choices…
• Lean and moist protein sources
• Lean ground beef
• Fish and tofu
• Steamed vegetables
• Scrambled eggs/egg substitute
• Soft fruits without skin
• Low/non fat dairy if lactose tolerated
• Small amounts of low fat cheese
• Beans, peas, lentils
• Crackers, toast, pasta, cold cereal



Foods poorly tolerated…
• Tough
• Chewy/stringy
o Chicken and red meat
• Raw/fibrous/gassy veggies
• Gummy/doughy
• Greasy
• Fruit skins/seeds
• Bread unless toasted
• Rice
• Lactose unless tolerated
• Pasta unless al dente or wheat


Eating Guidelines...
• Three meals and two snacks daily (recommend one snack as liquid protein)
• Half cup portions
• Do not eat and drink fluids together (should be 15 minutes prior to eating and 30 minutes after eating)
• Eat slowly- try to take 30 minutes to finish a meal- 20 chews per bite
• Include protein at each meal and snack and eat your protein first
• Introduce new foods gradually in small amounts
o Be patient! If a food is not tolerated try again in 1-2 weeks
• Take your vitamin and mineral supplements
• Avoid gum or hard candy…if swallowed could get stuck
Don’t forget about hydration!
• Continue to sip sugar-free liquids throughout the day
• Carry a water bottle with you.
• Sip every 5-10 minutes to avoid dehydration

SAMPLE STAGE 5:
MODIFIED REGULAR DIET

Breakfast:
3 Tbs nonfat no sugar added flavored yogurt
3 Tbs blueberries

Snack:
Designer Whey Detour Snack Size Bar (7 grams protein)

Lunch:
½ cup lentil soup (5 grams protein)
1 scoop protein powder (12-25g protein/scoop)

Snack:
Isopure Zero Carb Liquid Protein Supplement
(10 oz=20 grams protein)

Dinner:
2 oz grilled fish (14 grams protein)
1 Tbs cooked vegetables
1 Tbs fresh fruit

*This sample day provides ~100g protein

[ChrissyT]

Wow mlrisser, thank you so much for taking the time and caring to post that amazing list. You are very kind to write that all out, so much more thorough than mine.

[Laura12]

I had my surgery on June 17th and started cheating after about 5 days. I started with cream soups, pudding, yogurt etc so not really bad cheating but pushing Phase 2 of the diet too soon. I was not supposed to eat these foods until after 2 weeks. I previously had a band that had to be removed and I lost a lot of weight with that so I do not have any weight to lose but had the surgery to maintain my weight loss. Now, I am sort of freaking out that I cheated but I couldn't stand the protein shakes anymore. I have not had any negative physical reactions at all but I'm just wondering if I have done something really bad or will I be ok?

[mbyers66]

I had my surgery on 6-21 I was supposed to start my pureed phase tomorrow. I was feeling pretty crappy all day and I thought I am going to try the cottage cheese for lunch....ate 1/3 of a cup with no bad effects...I can tell you mentally it helped and now I feel better...I wonder if it was all in my head! LOL I have been on a liquid diet since the 9th of June I never once cheated until now. The bad part is when I go into the nut's office she is going to SEE what I did. Hopefully not too much fussing will go on!!! Good luck!

[RRT]

Had my surgery Tuesday and I'm still in Hospital. Complications. Being discharged later today. I made mistakes preop. I shouldn't have worked 44 hrs in 3 days pre surgery. I did not get enough liquid in and was dehydrated in OR. Thats not good. So ended up needing 4 units of blood etc. post op.
My Dr made be drink as much as I could. Water, power aide, Isopure for the last 4 days. Minimum 60oz. I had my first sugar free popscycle yesterday and I was in heaven!
What I learned from this? FOLLOW WHAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO EAT/TAKE IN! If you can't manage 2 weeks of clear liquids or shakes then what was the point of doing this? Sorry your stomach is NOT healed two days post op. The first 7 days post op are the most important for stomach healing and you need protein for the healing process. It's major surgery.
Being in healthcare I know to follow the rules no matter how hard. And being fat I also know if you cheat now and defend yourself then you have failed.
I go home today and look forward to a protein shake. And pray that I don't end up back in Hospital.

[RHDB]

I had my surgery on June 17th and started cheating after about 5 days. I started with cream soups, pudding, yogurt etc so not really bad cheating but pushing Phase 2 of the diet too soon. I was not supposed to eat these foods until after 2 weeks. I previously had a band that had to be removed and I lost a lot of weight with that so I do not have any weight to lose but had the surgery to maintain my weight loss. Now, I am sort of freaking out that I cheated but I couldn't stand the protein shakes anymore. I have not had any negative physical reactions at all but I'm just wondering if I have done something really bad or will I be ok?

Your situation is a little unique in that you don't have as much to lose, especially after surgery. The things you are eating now were things I could have at that stage so you may be okay in eating them but it would probably be best to check in with your doctor or NUT about it.

I guess the thing that makes me worry the most about people who are really advancing their diet through the phases is that you only have one shot at getting those first few weeks right. That's the biggest time of weight loss for some people and it starts getting harder as each week/month passes. You're not just cheating on the diet -- you are cheating yourself out of some major weight loss by not following the plan. Nobody said this was going to be easy and living a few weeks on clear liquids or full liquids is not easy. You just have to do it though because it's going to pay off the most in the end.

[RHDB]

Wow mlrisser, thank you so much for taking the time and caring to post that amazing list. You are very kind to write that all out, so much more thorough than mine.

Chrissy -- the list that Monica posted is very similar to my plan if that helps you to know. I hate that you weren't given much of a guideline from your doctor. I hope things have gotten easier for you from the time that you first posted this. (((hugs)))