Question:
I am 7 weeks post-op. Can I eat those wonderfully fresh in season tomatoes?

   — Christine M. (posted on September 8, 2002)

September 7, 2002
I was able to eat tomatoes at 7 weeks post op. However, why not take it cautiously and have a small bite, wait a few minutes and see how it goes? If all goes well, try another bite, wait and if all is well, enjoy a small portion? Good luck.
   — Linda V.

September 7, 2002
You may want to peel the tomatoe at first.
   — faybay

September 8, 2002
Hi, I too am a little over 7 weeks post-op (open RNY 7/17). I had a couple of bites of tomato (with skin) yesterday with some Italian dressing with no problems whatsover. Tomatoes are wonderfully low in calories.
   — John Rushton

September 8, 2002
That would depend upon whether or not your surgeon has said that you could have things with acid in them. Tomatoes are high in acid.
   — Cathy S.

September 8, 2002
Hi, I think I would wait until you were cleared for fruits and veggies. I love grape and cherry tomatoes and have since my rny but I waited until I was about 4 mos post op to have them. Maybe you could first try the canned stewed tomatoes. They have wonderful variations...roasted garlic stewed tomatoes, basil tomatoes, etc. And maybe you could try salsa first. Seems as if we post ops like spicy food and of course, the moistness of tomatoes is very appealing as well. Just follow your surgeon's program to a T. You will do great! I made the mistake of telling my employees at work that I love tomatoes and now, I keep getting tomatoes fresh from their gardens. More than I can possibly eat, but hey! I am not complaining. I love them!
   — Mylou52

September 8, 2002
Of course, all surgeons are different, but my surgeon clears people for regular diets after 6 weeks post-op. Here's his section on the Fruit & Vegetable food group: <p>Fruit and Vegetables Food Group - 1) Add raw fruits and vegetables back into your diet, 2) Remove the skins or peels from potatoes, cucumbers, onions, and apples, 3) Remove membrane skin from orange and grapefruit sections, 4) Avoid celery, asparagus stems and string beans, 5) Fruits and vegetables increase the fiber content of your diet. This is advantageous for your health. It may also help relieve constipation. <p> I've been eating Wendy's chili off-and-on since I was on the end of my pureed diet (end of week 4). But you may want to double-check with your surgeon or nutritionist as someone advised to see if you are OK to eat tomatoes...
   — John Rushton

September 8, 2002
The only thing that I would think would be bad about eating the tomatoes would be the acid. I am only 13 days post-op and still on the "mush" diet, and I was told to stay away from tomato soup and such becuase it has a lot of acid in it. But, you can probably try them very slowly!
   — sammygirlwpc

September 8, 2002
Hi! I'm almost 6 weeks out and wasn't a huge tomato fan before surgery, but at this point, I can't seem to get enough. I started eating tomatoes at about 3 1/2 weeks post-op, and haven't had any problems. I've taken to mixing salsa with my cottage cheese since chips seem to be out (normal people thing I'm odd... LOL), drinking picante style V8 and eating grape tomatoes. Anyway, start slow, but I'm sure you'll be fine.
   — Kelly B.

September 8, 2002
I think it was around week 12 post-op that I tried tomatoes. I bought stewed tomatoes and things were OK. Now at 4.5 months post-op I shop my Farmer's Market right here and get the Early Girl and Shady Lady tomatoes...so good! I do peel them first as I still fear getting that skin caught in my stoma. They are so luscious right now the skin comes right off easily. Enjoy! But go slow, peel, and see how you tolerate a small bit first. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 8, 2002
I've always loved tomatoes. But since WLS I just CAN NOT get ENOUGH of them. Tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes... it's all I think of. lol I never did the pureed thing although I was supposed to. I never had any problems with tomatoes ether. The only veggie I can't seem to eat raw (even at 16 months out) is sweet peppers. They give me a belly ache. Anyway, I would do what one of the other posters said, just eat a bite or two and see how it sets. (And maybe it would be good to take the skins off). Personally I doubt you would have any trouble with them. But we all tolerate things differently so it's good to be carefull.
   — Danmark

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