Fruits and Vegetables after WLS

Hi gang, I'm a vegetarian who is hoping to have RNY in July (fingers crossed) and I'm wondering how long after surgery one can start eating raw veggies again. Obviously protein is paramount, but I'm a big fan of fresh crisp salads and fresh fruit and am wondering how long they'll likely be out of my diet... i know the liquid, pureed fods stage lands a while, but once you start adding back "regular food" i'm wondering if fresh fruits and veggies are able to be a regular part of ones diet... i'm seen mention of lots of cooked veggies and some canned fruit... but seems not much about fresh fruits and veg...

I am still at the point where they are recommending canned vegetables cooked real soft. And pureeing canned fruit. Looking on my food schedule...fresh fruits and veggies are not mentioned and I go out to 6 month on this shchedule. It makes it tough when you love them so but it will be worth it in the end. And who knows our tastes do change after surgery and you may like the canned or cooked better. Good luck on your journey!

Hi there! This is my experience: About 2 months post op I tried salad, and I have not had any problems since. I first tried just lettuces, and they were fine. Then I added a little finely shredded carrot. Then that was ok too. So gradually I added more and more. I know a lot of people don't do well with salads right after. Even my NUT was very surprised that I was tolerating everything ok. As I don't like cooked veggies, I didn't do much of them after surgery, and still don't. I did/do have a problem now with apples, and I never did before. Even if I peel them, I always get some pain afterwards. I was adding fresh strawberries and banannas to my protein shakes about 3 weeks out. It's a good thing that you are thinking ahead!

I could have them at 8 weeks out. The ONLY problem I've had with eating fresh fruits and veggies, is the pulp and white "stuff" on oranges. They usually come back up, shortly after they go down. Other than that, no problems. I eat salads with chicken 4 or 5 days a week. Hope all goes well for you! Tina

Hey there, I am nearly 6 months out and still don't eat many veggies. It's not really that I can't, I am just too full for them by the time I get the protein in. I eat the meat or fish first, then the veggies if I have room, but usually I can only get a couple of bites down. I love them and miss them alot. Sometimes, I will drink an extra protein shake so I can skip the meat and have some broccoli instead. I was warned about raw veggies by my NUT. She said to be very careful with things like celery, broccoli, and cauliflower because they never really get mushy with chewing. Any skins should be removed from apples, cucumbers, eggplant, etc. I guess my best advice for a vegetarian would be to make sure you get your protein first (any source is good, even soy protein), then if you have room for your fruit and veggies, just peel them and chew, chew, chew. Swallow no food that is bigger than a pencil eraser. Good luck! KathyG

Of course protein is key no matter how you have to get it in. The fruits and veggies will vary on how soon you can eat them. I'm 3 yrs out and still have a hard time with apples. One thing you need to be careful of also is the sugar. The sugar in fruit may be natural but it can still mess with your pouch and you can dump from it. So you just have to try things slowly and your body will definitely let you know if you aren't ready. Holly W

Ask your dietician on the raw veggies, but I do not eat meat, however, I do not consider myself a vegetarian. The Garden veggie burgers, and other vegetarian meats are very good and have lots of protein, if you have not already tried them. I get all of my protein on soy products and cheese, peanut butter, and a very occasional egg. I eat a lot of fresh fruit, but I do not remember when I started. I think it was 8 weeks when I could start on a regular diet. Carol

Everyone is different and it seems to be trial and error. However, always listen to your dietician. I was able to have baby carrots (uncooked) about 6 weeks post op. I could and still can eat pretty much any type of fruit. Same goes for veges except lettuce. That always screws me up.

Hi Ralphie B., I wasn't vegetarian before surgery. I don't eat meat anymore because my body doesn't tolerate them anymore. I get most of my protein requirments from protein drinks. I am 16 months out and lettuce, pasta, and meat makes me sick. However I can and do eat most fresh fruit and veggies. I wasn't able to do the fresh goodies until I was about 14 months post -op. I make most of my salads form chick peas, edamame beans, bean sprouts, sunflower seed kernels, broccoli, red onions, cuccumbers, zucchini, shredded carrots and F.F. cheeses. Yummy. Everyone is different, it will be totally up to what your body will let you eat. Hope this helps. God bless, Annette

and dont forget the lentils.......good in salads and pureed for soups etc