Getting creative with foods after surgery
Dear Donovan,
I recently had weight-loss surgery and I’m in the process of recovery where I can eat only soft foods. I crush potatoes mostly and drink a lot of coconut water and tap water. I will dabble with soft fruits like melon and things void of acids. However, I would like to find creative ways to make these work for me. What are other mild soft foods that I may try?
After weight-loss surgery, your diet will be very crucial to your health, healing and transition to a regular diet. In general, your diet should allow your stomach to heal without being under extra pressure from eating large, heavy meals. In addition, it is very important that you become accustomed to eating small amounts of food that your smaller stomach can manage. The diet should also provide all the necessary nutrients needed for good health.Your new diet should also help you to lose weight and reduce the side effects of the surgery. It would have been helpful to know how long ago you did the surgery. However, the fact that you are eating crushed foods suggests that surgery might have been done over the last two weeks.There are certain tips which I can suggest to you. These include having small meals more frequently throughout the day, instead of one or two large meals. It is also necessary to eat and drink slowly. However, it is best not to eat and drink at the same time. This can result in nausea, pain and vomiting. You can drink a lot of liquids between meals. Avoiding foods rich in fats and sugar is also recommended during the healing process. Foods which should be avoided include nuts, seeds, fried foods, carbonated beverages, white rice, flour, and baked goods.You need to eat healthy and reduce complications from the surgery. You did mention that you would like to try new foods. I see that you are eating crushed Irish potato. You could add cottage cheese, fish, beans, etc. This will introduce some protein into your diet. However, it is important at this stage to make sure that your food mashes out to a pulp. In addition, thicker soups without any solid food can be eaten. Vegetable juices such as green juice will also help to soothe and promote healing of the stomach. Healthy solid foods can be blended with some liquid like coconut water, skimmed milk, etc. Small amounts of shakes can also be taken.If you feel that you need an extra boost, you could take a multivitamin. As much as possible, avoid acidic as well as hot and spicy foods. Keep monitoring your diet for at least four months after your surgery, and then you should be able to make a smooth transition to a healthy, normal diet. We will answer your weight-related questions.
Are you struggling to lose weight, or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, 39 Lady Musgrave Road. Call him at 876-286-1363. E-mail questions to clarkep@jamaicaobserver.com.
