Puree / Full Liquid Phase

Hi Everyone

I am a little over 1 week post op/RNY. I am in week 3 of the puree/full liquid phase. I've made quite a few adjustments to my diet and lifestyle during this journey that have been difficult. Adjusting to a low-carb diet, eliminating caffeine (my program is strict on caffeine during the first six months), and avoiding carbonation, among other things. T

Those were challenging as it is, but the puree phase has definitely proven to be the most challenging. I think it is in part due to how restrictive the diet is and how long it's required. An important note I've had to remind myself is that this is only 4 weeks of my entire life and will be worth it in the long run.

That being said, I don't see too many threads in here talking about how to manage during this phase so I wanted to drop down some of my go-to "meals" and some of the tricks I've picked up along the way. The sweet proteins like shakes, smoothies, etc. are pretty easy just because there's so much variety available that it doesn't take too much planning. The hard part is finding good savory options. I know that a lot of people recommend the protein added bone broth to sip, but I found myself needing a lot more variety and substance. I tried a lot of the canned soups from the store but I only lasted a couple of days on those before I started feeling depressed lol.

I've found that there is a lot of trial and error during this phase, and I just wanted to share what I've learned and hope that it helps anybody who may be struggling to find satisfying meals that are in line with the plan. Also as a preface, always make sure to follow your practice's specific guidelines, as they may be different. My program outlines that the full-liquid/puree diet is the same 2 weeks pre-/post-op.

Feel free to contribute your tips as well.

Tips:

• Serve your pureed items in a bowl. This sounds overly specific, but the first couple of times, I just poured it into a glass cup and sipped it. I've found that it is better, mentally, to eat it out of a bowl with a spoon. Makes it feel more normal.
• Canned chicken is very flexible for this phase. It is relatively cheap and it purees very well.
• Chicken, in general, I've found purees much better than other proteins.
• Canned tomato/pasta sauces are a lifesaver. Look for the low-carb bases. There are good marinara sauces and just plain tomato sauce.
• Ricotta cheese adds good flavor and texture to pureed recipes. You can make a puree/soup that tastes very close to lasagna if you add the right tomato sauce and protein.
• Refried beans (look for the high fiber/lowish net-carb options), when combined with "taco" ingredients (chicken, veggies, etc.) puree well and come out looking and tasting just like refried beans with more flavor and protein. You can also add sour cream, and that works well, too.
• Look for those pre-marinated and/or pre-cooked meats. The ones that can be microwaved. They're usually already pretty tender and puree well.
• Chicken stock adds a bit of protein and helps with pureeing foods
• Ground meats (turkey, beef, etc.) don't puree very well. In my experience, it comes out gritty and has an unappealing texture.
• Canned tuna - no, just no, don't even try it. It's not worth it. Promise.
• If somebody suggests "try a cheeseburger puree" Do not heed this advice; the results will make you cry.
• Cottage cheese can be added to a puree for texture and flavor, but tastes a bit..weird, by itself
• Variety, variety, variety. Mix it up, keep it fresh. The last thing you want is to get sick of something you enjoy while you are sustaining an incredibly restrictive diet.
  • If you have to, avoid your favorite protein shakes and whatnot one week before your puree phase. I guarantee you'll get your fill of them during this time.

Recipe Ideas:

Chicken Tomato Sauce Puree

• 1 can of low-carb tomato sauce
• 1 can chicken
• Choice of cheese
  • Mozzarella
  • Ricotta
  • Parmesan
• Combine all ingredients in pot, cook to desired temperature
• Transfer ingredients to the blender, puree, and then serve in a bowl.

Chicken Taco Puree

• 1 can chicken
  • Or marinated pre-cooked chicken
• 1 can high fiber refried beans
• Sour cream and/or shredded cheese
• Chicken stock for addded liquid to assist puree
• Combine ingredients in pot, cook until refried beans are smooth and desired texture
• Transfer ingredients to the blender
• Add chicken stock to assist in pureeing
• Puree contents, and then serve in a bowl