I'm supposed to be eating mushy foods. I'm wondering if a soup with noodles counts? What about mac and cheese? I'm getting tired of mashed potatoes and refried beans. I could also use some suggestions on protein. I need something tasteless and not grainy at all. The powders I've tried, including Nectar, make me queasy.

Shelly

Can't help on the food part but I noticed that you used Dr. Barker. He's my doctor and will be performing my surgery next Wednesday. Nervous! Can I ask how everything went? How did you get through the pre-op liquid diet? I start mine tomorrow and am scared of not eating for a week. :(

 I drank lots of smoothies. I preferred the Yoplait smoothies, and the smoothie mixes that I found at Target in the fruit section. I added extra Greek yogurt to the smoothies. I also ate some of my favorite soups. And I kept my eye on the prize. Just drink all of the time.

 What does your paper work from the surgeon say you can have?  It should already tell you if you can or cannot have pasta, noodles or mac and cheese.  / 

 Cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, grounded cauliflower with some melted cheese. I would not go with Mac and cheese for a couple reasons but most because it is not a good nutritional food choice. Whatever you try, chew it very well ( if it is chewable) believe me, you will know if you can't handle it very soon after eating it. 

Hi Shelly,

I have an 82 page book from my bariatric centre.  It covers the pre-op diet, the vitamins post-op, the different food stages and what to eat, and the potential post op problems (constipation, gas, etc.).

What is on your list of acceptable foods on your mushy phase?

My stages were Clear Fluids, Full Fluids, Pureed Diet, Soft Diet and Diet for Life.  Each stage built on the last one. 

I have preferred the Premier Protein shakes from Costco.  They are premixed.  In Canada, we only have access to the Chocolate flavoured ones.  I usually drink it with 4-5 ice cubes.  I also drink it with decaf coffee for a cafe mocha type drink.  Another thing I do with it is puree a frozen banana and a couple of ice cubes with it....YUM, YUM.

A good site for eating ideas is The World According to Eggface:

http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.ca/

Good luck.

Judy

I'm queasy alot.  It seems like eating has become a chore since I spend all day trying to get all my protein in.  Mac n' cheese might not be the best thing but it does have some protein and a small serving actually sits well on my stomach.  I was told mushy foods are foods you can smash with a fork.  Noodles are okay.  GNC has protein pudding.  Not the best tasting but something different.

stop eating potatoes, and no pasta is not on the menu!!!  did you have appts with nutritionist and dieticians?  There are so many options for you right now.  Cottage cheese...I love friendship no salt added or low fat ricotta, then add herbs, hot sauce, salt and pepper for savory flavors.  Fage 0%fat greek yogurt( expensive but extra thick w/o any sour taste) to make parfaits with blueberries, unsweetened coconut, cinnamon, and slivered almonds for filling protein with just the right amount of sweet flavor.  I lived on spicy ff refried beans with hot taco sauce and an overeasy egg during mushies.  I also made protein shakes with optimum nutrition(various flavors) with water or almond milk with a small amount of xanthum gum(or other thickener) to make the shake like an extra thick milk shake so it would stay in my pouch for a long time.  I also loved a scrambled egg with a 1/4 can of tuna and a piece of cheese all melted together.  And homemade eggdrop soup, just whisk an egg or 2 and whisk into 1 cup of boiling unsalted chicken stock, ready immediately, add spice if nec.  I lived off these items from 1 week post-op til about 4.5 weeks post-op and I always felt like I was eating a real meal since almost all foods were not sweet.  Savory foods will stay with you longer and won't trigger  sugar/carb addictions.  Head hunger was also non-existent as long as I stuck with savory food choices and protein shakes that were not sweet tasting.  Try to be creative, sometimes just adding herbs and spices make a food that you are bored of new again.