Why do diet plans vary so much??

I meant to ask my doctor this question this morning and totally blanked it out. My diet is two weeks clear liquids, two weeks full liquids, two weeks puréed and the I can start experimenting. Other here are eating fish and other things (healthy, of course) at tw weeks out. Envious?  Maybe a little. ; )

Surgeon's preference, no rhyme or reason.  Yes they vary tremendously.  I know mine did also and it was the surgeon's standard program because he saw more success with it for his patients than anything else.

Because they are largely based on a doctor's own experience and personal preferences, not on science.

Exactly!

What she said. Mine does two weeks liquid pre-op, then one liquid,two puréed, two soft, then on to new and different things. No grains, rice, or potatoes for six months because it slows weight loss. I'm floored by people who are told it's okay to eat mashed potatoes within a week or two.

On my surgeon's plan, I was allowed  mashed potatoes on pureed foods.  That was one week post op.  It did not slow my weight loss.  Well, I mean, since I ate it, I guess I don't really know.  Maybe I would have lost faster if I hadn't eating it.  But I lost 150 lbs in 18 months, so I don't think I lost too slowly.  I ate mashed potatoes at one week post op and I am perfectly satisfied with how fast I lost.  And seriously, I could only eat about three bites of them.  How many calories can their be in three bites of mashed potatoes?  How could three bites of mashed potatoes slow weight loss down that much?

Maybe they were trying to scare carbaholics like me. I would eat an entire package of Bob Evans mashed potatoes. I might have a spoonful at Christmas. I'm skipping Thanksgiving this year. It's my first one post-op and my favorite meal. I'm afraid of it, but I think I'll be over that in time for Christmas. My six months is on Christmas Day. That's kind of convenient.

You need to do what is right for you, certainly, but my husband was a month and a week post-op and we had a bariatric friendly Thanksgiving for him last year and it was 100% fine.  I am going to do so again this year and I'll be 7 1/2 months then and he of course will be into his 14th month. But know there ARE good Thanksgiving choices out there for you if you so choose. 

 

Mashed potatoes were on my plan. I still eat them in small servings from time-to-time. I've lost 171 pounds since my surgery in 11 months.  i'm at a normal BMI and normal waist/height ratio. It's all about moderation. 

Thanks. I was beginning to think I have the strictest doctor EVER!  I'll just follow her orders but what I wouldn't give for just a bite of fish.