The "no-no" List... - ThinnerTimes

CiCi · 05-05-2008, 06:42 AM

Another thread raised this question for me...

What foods and/or drinks has your doc told you are permanent (never can have them again) no-no's after surgery? And why are they on the no-no list?

For instance, I'm reading that some docs have said no nuts... and no coconut... why are these restricted, per your doc?

What are some other things (besides the obvious, like gum & soda pop) that you have been told are completely OFF LIMITS (and why are they OFF LIMITS)?

Happy Monday, all!

MiladyB · 05-05-2008, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CiCi

Another thread raised this question for me...

What foods and/or drinks has your doc told you are permanent (never can have them again) no-no's after surgery? And why are they on the no-no list?

For instance, I'm reading that some docs have said no nuts... and no coconut... why are these restricted, per your doc?

What are some other things (besides the obvious, like gum & soda pop) that you have been told are completely OFF LIMITS (and why are they OFF LIMITS)?

Happy Monday, all!

Great question, CiCi and I think this could be an interesting thread. For me it wasn't any more than the obvious: No caffeine and no carbonated drinks

I must admit that I do drink caffeine now but I am 2 years postop and I tried to stay attuned to how it might be effecting my body. I know the danger with the caffeine is the increased risk for an ulcer. The carbonated drinks? Well lets see I can tell you that I have had 3 in 2 years and the carbonation didn't make me feel very good. Intitally the doctor said that the carbonation can hurt a new and healing pouch but for later? Well I suspect it is because there has been extensive scientific information out there that drinking a lot of diet pop can make you more prone to weight gain. I never was a big pop drinker so for me it really was no biggie to not drink it.

Other than those there were only the early foods that it was suggested I stay away from like rice, white breads, etc...but at the stage I am now basicly the instructions are anything in moderation...general rules are to try to stick with the low fat, low calorie, high protein type foods.

I'm curious about the reasons behind some of the foods people have mentioned too. So thank you for asking the question.

'thann · 05-05-2008, 12:51 PM

I had my surgery at Barix, and they have a manual all patients get called Gastric Bypass Surgery Guide to Good Health. I've read it through several times, and it says clearly that eventually I would be able to try any foods -- absolutely nothing was called out as "never, ever again." They did say that there are many foods that people simply cannot tolerate, but that varies from patient to patient.

They stress proper eating (quality and quantity of food), so they're not endorsing pigging out on Mallow Bars or a pound of bacon or whatever.

In the other thread I mentioned that the guide says that nuts are an excellent source of protein, and that carbonated beverages can be tried 6 months out. Also, chewing gum can be tried 6 months out. They do have the caveat that these things cause gas.

I will specifically ask the nutritionist about popcorn and coconut -- she's probably sick of my calls by now!

It's so interesting how doctors vary widely in what people can/can't have.

'thann

Momof3 · 05-05-2008, 01:03 PM

I heard popcorn, for obstruction risks..

rice, white bread...basically any white pasta.
I forget why. But the whole world is anti-white bread now for the same reasons..so I guess it makes sense

CiCi · 05-05-2008, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'thann

I had my surgery at Barix, and they have a manual all patients get called Gastric Bypass Surgery Guide to Good Health. I've read it through several times, and it says clearly that eventually I would be able to try any foods -- absolutely nothing was called out as "never, ever again." They did say that there are many foods that people simply cannot tolerate, but that varies from patient to patient.

They stress proper eating (quality and quantity of food), so they're not endorsing pigging out on Mallow Bars or a pound of bacon or whatever.

In the other thread I mentioned that the guide says that nuts are an excellent source of protein, and that carbonated beverages can be tried 6 months out. Also, chewing gum can be tried 6 months out. They do have the caveat that these things cause gas.

I will specifically ask the nutritionist about popcorn and coconut -- she's probably sick of my calls by now!

It's so interesting how doctors vary widely in what people can/can't have.

'thann

Hey, 'Thann, my doc's office/seminar was the same as yours... we can try anything eventually, but we may find an intolerance for certain things. It's a test kind of thing, from what I understand. All of this 6 months or longer post-op, of course.

I guess that's why I am interested to hear the list and the reasons. Obstruction-wise, the doc said no gum ever again but I have ignored that and thus far haven't had an issue. I'm such a rebel! I've never been a gum swallower anyway.

It's very interesting to see the different things people have been told they should never eat again.

monkeygrly · 05-05-2008, 03:00 PM

Dr. Callery didn't really have a list of things you would never be able to eat again. Instead he talked about foods that you may not be able to tolerate ever again, as well as foods that could be introduced back into your diet as your pouch healed. I personally really like this approach.

mistymee · 05-05-2008, 03:32 PM

Though no specific reason was given, I was told I'd never be able to drink carbonated drinks again. I think later on, I might try a seltzer water anyway.. I LOVE lemon/lime seltzer. I'm just in no rush to push my pouch on that one, though.

White breads, rice, pasta and high fat foods were all in the 'you'll never be able to tolerate them again' but I don't think I was given a flat out DO NOT eat them.

Gum and hard candy were on the DO NOT eat... said if I swallowed either, I could end up in the ER, needing open abdominal surgery.. and I tend to swallow that stuff without a second thought so those two I'll definitely adhere to, just to be on the safe side.

And also, I was told that I would NEVER be able to take pills that were any bigger than then diameter of a pencil eraser.. VERY annoying when you have a headache and I see that many here are able without any problems as long as they're not NSAIDS or time release so I think I'll question that next visit.

VanessaSFL · 05-05-2008, 03:43 PM

Hi Cutie Traci,

My Dr never gave me the "no no's" but stressed moderation and portion size.

So far so good here...however...I struggle with what I can tolerate.

BillH · 05-05-2008, 03:58 PM

Somewhere in this thread, gum's mentioned as a 'no-no'...my doctor had no problem with gum, as long as you don't swallow it. Otherwise, most of what everyone else said about moderation, pills no larger than the head of a pencil eraser, no carbonation, etc. is what I've heard too...

JumboJulie · 05-05-2008, 05:46 PM

This is a great question ... I hope many more people respond.

I was told no gum just in case you swollow it. But if you do, and it gets stuck, it's not that big a deal ... they just stick something down your throat to pluck it out. Maybe that other surgeon said you would have to have "open abdominal surgery" just to scare you???

I was also told no citrus. I understand it can irritate the new pouch. But does this mean I can't have it EVER?

I was told no grapes for a year. Why? I have no clue.

Anyone else heard of this?!