Pureed foods are necessary following surgery to allow the staple lines in your stomach to heal and to prevent nausea and vomiting. You may start this meal plan five weeks following surgery. To prevent PCM, it is best to emphasize the foods on the protein list.
Meals are to be designed from the foods listed below. Remember that you are to eat three meals a day and 2 ounces at each one of these meals. Protein supplements and fluids are in addition to the meals. Sugar-free popsicles, sugar-free Jell-O, and broth are allowed between meals.
BREAKFAST
1 OUNCE PROTEIN
1 OUNCE FRUIT
LUNCH
1 OUNCE PROTEIN
1 OUNCE VEGETABLE
DINNER
1 OUNCE PROTEIN
1 OUNCE STARCH
Appropriate food choices are listed by category below:
PROTEIN:
Low fat cottage cheese, eggs, egg whites, egg substitute, low fat yogurt, chicken breast, turkey breast, pork chop, pork loin, pork roast, fish, beans, low fat cheese, canned tuna, canned ham, canned chicken, canned lump crab meat and tofu
STARCH:
Cream of Wheat, Cream of Rice, oatmeal, Malt-O-Meal, Cocoa Wheats, Grits, Farina, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas
VEGETABLE:
Green beans, beets, squash, asparagus, zucchini, cucumbers, mushrooms, water chestnuts,
carrots, cauliflower and broccoli
FRUIT:
Applesauce, peaches, pears, bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, fruit cocktail, watermelon, mango, papaya, kiwi, strawberries, cherries, blueberries, blackberries and prunes
Meats should be pureed in a blender or a food processor. It is recommended to add water or broth to the meat to prevent the meat from becoming too dry. Baby foods (Step 1) are appropriate for use on this meal plan. Avoid mixed baby food products and baby food desserts.
Remember to use healthy methods of food preparation including baking, grilling, broiling, boiling and steaming.
You may add flavorings and spices to foods including, but not limited, to margarine and salt and pepper. Sugar substitutes are preferred to sugar for sweetening. You may add other condiments to your food if they do not contain sugar. Pick the lower fat version of a condiment if it is available.