Hello @linsu,

I see that you recently joined Mayo Connect. You are asking good questions about the best way to eat after surgery! You are right, trial and error is one way to determine which foods will trigger your symptoms. You might also consider keeping a food journal where you list everything you eat and drink, along with the symptoms you have after each meal. While I have not had the particular surgery you had, I have had three surgeries of the upper digestive tract (duodenal bulb), and so I understand some of the problems you are experiencing. You do not mention what type of symptoms you have after eating. Are you experiencing nausea, diarrhea, or other digestive disturbances?

Until you see your doctor for more specific instructions, here are some thoughts that might help you. First of all, eat small, frequent meals. You might consider eliminating high-fat foods (like chicken salad and potato soup); instead, try a small piece of chicken without the bread. The potato soup is cream-based (therefore, you might avoid anything that is cream-based). Instead, you might try a broth-based soup, like chicken noodle. Instead of eating both of these at one sitting, try eating the protein first (like the chicken) and then a few hours later, a small bowl of soup.

I can understand your wanting to put on weight after post-surgery weight loss; however, eating too much (or the wrong types of foods) at once can trigger digestive problems that won't help you to gain weight. When you see your doctor, you might also consider asking for a referral to a registered hospital dietitian. I have seen a dietitian twice, and they have helped me to find the best eating plan after surgery.

Just a few more questions: how much weight have you lost since your surgery? Do you feel you are now underweight?