Chicken Broth & Potato Purée - Food for NEW Bariatric Post Ops

"To Purée is to blend, grind or mash food until it is a thick, smooth, lump-free consistency. A Purée is a soft creamy completely smooth food paste."

It is not arbitrary that you have been told to eat purées for a short period of time after your bariatric surgery - you have just had 85% of your stomach removed and have miles of staples creating your new stomach pouch. (okay so not miles but you get the point)

Scrambled eggs are not a purée, refried beans are not a purée unless they are completely smooth, chili is not a purée. You cannot 'make a purée in your mouth'. Don't laugh, as our Support Group on Facebook members write of doing this - then ask for help when they are writhing in pain after accidentally swallowing a chunk of food - and asking if they should go to the ER.

Smooth means SMOOTH completely silky smooth... no chunks or lumps. Carbs are okay in early stages as the purpose is to get your stomach used to simple digestion and accepting food after the trauma of surgery - so don't panic when you read suggestions of potatoes or pinto beans. These are in small amounts and are very easy to digest. You can also serve these 'purées' to your family while you are in this stage - a dish of potato 'soup' alongside sandwiches for the family is a happy thing in my house and will be in your house too.

Chicken Broth & Potato Purée

• Bring 2 cups Chicken Broth to a boil in a small pot.
• Remove from heat and whisk in Idahoan 100% Potato Flakes one tablespoon at a time until you have a nice smooth almost pourable texture.
• Add a little more broth if you have added too much potato flake.
• Season with salt and pepper so it tastes good.
• You can divide it in half and add a little Parmesan cheese and garlic powder for a second flavor.

This is delicious, soothing and very easy for your new tummy to handle.

Stick to your surgeons suggested time line and don't jump into 'real food' too quickly. Hang in these early phases as long as they ask you too and IF you have any trouble or discomfort, drop back to the last phase. This too shall pass.