During the "puree" period, try to stick with the program that was given to you by your Nutritionist and the advice of your Surgeon. Time will pass and please take it slow when introducing new foods to your menu. It's not easy in the beginning since you're usually around others, who can eat solid foods, but with the Bypass, I found that low-calorie fruit bars were good, and also the high protein shakes as well. I truly abstained from anything that would threaten my new pouch to stretch and become painful by eating foods my new pouch really was not ready for yet. Once you reach the place in this journey where you can have more of a variety of food to choose from, then and only then begin SLOWLY eating soft solid foods. Look at your pouch as if you're an infant and you are SLOWLY re-learning how to eat and you'll see the weight just melt off your body. It may take a few months to a year out to tolerate foods such as rice, chicken that's not very tender, pasta or steak. When you can eat solids try kidney beans, chick peas, lentil soup, cannolini beans with minced onion, garlic and some virgin olive oil and vinegar. Not only is it packed with protein, but also it's very filling and nutritious. Personally, for the first year I stayed away from bread, rice, pasta and lost a massive amount of weight. Due to my severe arthritis in both knees I was motivated to get as much weight off as I possible could in order to take the pressure off of my joints. Get down as far as you can and then SLOWLY introduce the breads, rice, and pasta, if you like to eat those items. Tenderize your meats and chicken and eat on very small plates so you don't feel you have to fill up a large plate of food. This tool has a time limit attached. Make the most of this gift, and you'll reap the benefits ten fold!
