How soon can we eat salad?

I know we have been discussing this food addiction issue at length lately and
I have a question about a healthy food.
Anyone who has ever been to Sweetwater Tavern may be able to relate. How
soon after surgery is it safe to eat salad in a reasonable post op portion
size? I am concerned about the possibility that the lettuce or corn kernels
might potentially get stuck in the stoma. I love salad, especially in the
summer and I know I read some post-ops still enjoy it because it has a lot of
water in it for hydration.
Sweetwater makes a GREAT salad with finely chopped romaine lettuce, fresh
corn kernels, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar and montery jack cheeses
(protein!), diced cucumbers and probably something I am forgetting all tossed
generously in a buttermilk dressing. Mmmmmmmm!! Okay, now I want one!
I am 2 weeks post op (I know, I know…why I am even thinking of eating solid
food so soon?) and have done well with the cottage cheese, yogurt, minced
tuna with low fat mayo, moist chicken in small bites and chewed to nothing,

black beans with melted cheese, soups, etc… What can I say? I love food
and I agree that only the best is makin’ past my new friend, the pouch!
Nancy E. Rankin
LAP-RNY

4 Responses to “How soon can we eat salad?”

  1. Neva Marjory Says:

    Nancy,
    Won’t get stuck if you chew your foods really well. lol. You seem to be
    doing well. Good variety.
    I ate salads at about 8 weeks. Remember though that corn is a grain so has a
    lot of carbs. You may dump. I still find I can’t eat much corn. The salad you
    describe sounds delicious. I still have to be careful with cheese. I dump
    with high fat foods.
    I can understand your thoughts about eating. Its hard getting through the first
    few weeks on liquids and purees. I was on liquidy for 8 weeks post op. That
    meant chicken pureed with a lot of gravy or broth. I was surprised that I had
    such cravings for “real” food. It felt like forever. I did eat melon but
    chewed it up very well. Pretty much disintegrated in my mouth. Just couldn’t
    bring myself to puree the watermelon or cantaloupe.
    Congratulations on the surgery. It is wonderful isn’t it??

  2. Fredric Leslee Says:

    I had salad about 2 1/2 to 3 months post op. I never had a problem with
    anything in the salad making me sick but everyone is different. I am almost
    7 months post op and I still can’t finish a salad from a restaurant. I take
    the leftovers home and have it later. Just remember to get the salad
    dressing on the side or it won’t stay crisp.
    Mary
    kernels

  3. lavern_1200 Says:

    Raw vegetables can be hard to digest. I think I waited about 8 weeks before
    trying any and I was fine. The only problem I had was when I didn’t chew enough
    and then it just came back up. But I do remember that I couldn’t wait to eat
    something that had some crunch to it.
    Judy
    Lap RNY 7/23/02
    54/5′3″/257/162/1??
    size 22/XXL - 12/M
    bmi 46/29
    -44 inches

  4. Dante Knox Says:

    I was not a big salad person pre-op, but found that post op, I love them, and
    can eat more salad than I thought I would be able to!
    Started about 10 weeks post op.
    Holly
    Lap RNY 10/3/02
    245/153/?
    I had salad about 2 1/2 to 3 months post op. I never had a problem with
    anything in the salad making me sick but everyone is different. I am almost
    7 months post op and I still can’t finish a salad from a restaurant. I take
    the leftovers home and have it later. Just remember to get the salad
    dressing on the side or it won’t stay crisp.
    Mary
    kernels

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.