"Full Liquids" stage about to start - any advice? - ThinnerTimes

HapBird · 10-02-2004, 11:20 PM

I'm nearly done with my clear liquids stage, and am ready to begin the "full liquids/cream soups" stage.

One concern here - if GBP can 'unmask' lactose intolerance, what's the most prudent way to start eating soups and protein shakes and sugar free puddings that all contain milk products?

I don't THINK I have lactose intolerance - I used to be able to gobble large amounts of cheese/yogurt/milk/ice cream and never had any trouble digesting it, so I'll probably be okay on this.

Any advice?

Also, while I'm at it - since this stage is only 5 days, do you have good tips for the soft foods stage that comes up next? Interesting things to do to eggs, for instance?

Will appreciate any input.

Phebius · 10-03-2004, 01:56 AM

First of all Phil...congratulations on your surgery, you sound like you're doing well. I didn't become lactose intolerant so I made my cream soups with the milk. If you find that you have become lactose intolerant, mix half water and half milk, or all water if you can't handle any milk at all. It's all about trial and error and everyone responds differently.

I rarely used the protien shakes, and I only used the ones that were premixed so I can't give you any advice on that. The EAS and Atkins shakes tasted pretty good...both the chocolate and vanilla.

When I got to the "mushy foods" stage, i tried egg salad on crackers, that was pretty good. I also had mashed potatoes w/a little bit of gravy and macaroni and cheese from KFC. Also and egg omelet with some cheese. I did cook zuchinni in the microwave w/a little bit of butter, salt and pepper until they were mushy...that was good.

I had my surgery over a year ago and it's hard to remember what I ate during each stage. I hope this helps a little bit.

Christina · 10-03-2004, 02:46 AM

Phil,

There are a lot of things you can do. If you find that you are lactose intollerant (which you will only know by trying it afterwards) then you can use soy milk to mix your protein shakes, puddings, etc. This is the BEST stage!!! Scrambled egg (not eggs) worked well for me.. but not at first.. it took a while for that one. Mashed potatoes were really good, and I didn't really do much of the creamed soups. KFC mashed potatoes do work real well. Also refried beans, you can experiment with cheese in them if you like. I did some mashed squash at this stage too. That turned out pretty good. Also my all time favorite for this stage had to be cream of wheat. I still enjoy that every so often as a meal. You'll do fine, Phil. Good luck to you and I sure hope this helps a bit. Congrats again on your surgery.. you seem to be doing great. How you post those long posts that soon after surgery is amazing to me.. no way was I feeling up to that. We all heal differently I guess. I'm very happy for you nonetheless..

All my best..

Blueyz · 10-03-2004, 10:43 AM

Phil,
Hi there. I had to make cream soups with water because the milk made me have the runs. I can eat cheese and yogurt and stuff like that , but when it comes to milk, eek. I don't know, that is just me. I did use the carb countdown milk in the sugarefree pudding and didn't have a problem, so go figure. "I am just wierd". Mashed potatoes were great and still are yummy to me. Got those at Boston Market or made some at home. Also, I love cream of wheat without any milk of course. It always makes the tummy feel great. Refried beans also went down well and boy did they taste sooooo good with every little bite.
I just had to experiment and I am still trying new things. I eat a lot of steak now, I am just a brat going for the expensive steaks. I can not eat hamburger, though. Chicken goes good with me, but I prefer steak and shrimp. Expensive little habit, huh? In no time, you too will be testing the meats and salad, etc. Good luck Phil!

HapBird · 10-03-2004, 07:40 PM

Appreciate all the advice and ideas - am looking forward to Friday, when I can start introducing actual food into my diet. Only downside is to start paying REAL close attention to quantity, and timing. The liquid stage seems pretty forgiving.

Here's an idea I had - wonder if anybody's tried it - get some unflavored protein powder and mix into mashed potatoes, sugar-free pudding, etc. to boost the protein... think it'd work? or just be yucky?

Butterfly · 10-03-2004, 11:06 PM

Don't worry Phil. You will know when you've had enough. Everyone has given you great advice! This is an exciting stage because you can add more to your limited menu.

One thing I did eat during my cream soup stage was creamed corn. I didn't eat the corn, but the creamy soup part. Another thing I tried was mashing up some au gratin potatoes. Fortunately, I have not become lactose intolerant, but I have been drinking non-fat milk. I didn't want to go for the 1% or 2% since I do enjoy the non-fat milk. The egg thing...you may think that the egg white in the skillet looks like a small amount of food, but trust me, you may not be able to eat the whole thing. I found it very difficult to eat my first egg. I had 3 bites and I was done.

Some great advice I received from one of the pre-op meetings was to use chicken broth instead of milk in the cream soups. My dear husband went to the store and bought me one can of each creamed soup he could find. I know he'll have a difficult time getting through this stage because he really dislikes soups. I guess when you're hungry, soup will sound good.

Have fun experimenting with your new nutrition additions.

Butterfly · 10-03-2004, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HapBird

Here's an idea I had - wonder if anybody's tried it - get some unflavored protein powder and mix into mashed potatoes, sugar-free pudding, etc. to boost the protein... think it'd work? or just be yucky?

Eeeewwww!

watergirl · 10-04-2004, 07:46 AM

I've heard of using non-flavored protein powder as a boost for protein in many different things. I've yet to try it though. Sugar free pudding for example was one of the foods I've heard it mixed with. If you try it, please let us know what you think about it. What a great way to get in some extra protein!

Bigbaldbuddie · 10-04-2004, 08:42 PM

Phil, the way I tested my self was to just try it.

(don't hate me guys...)

So far..(fingers-crossed) I have no problems with what a lot of you other losers have..lactose, sugar, new foods when triend since my re-birth, etc..

I really don't, and I was a MILK HOG post op...I can drink it with no problems but choose not to only because of the sugar content. Even though I have NO PROBLEM with sugar (ya know..dumping and what-not) I do stay away from it as it contributes to carbs and weight gain and is just plain bad for you.

Phil this is one sure way to see how much, if any, something like that will affect you. But only the brave (or stupid) should try such a direct approach.

Also..I believe it is better to have a problem with milk, sugar, etc.. so you will avoid it like the plague.

I have to rely on sheer willpower and I have no afflictions to that stuff.