1. Take It in Stages
Be aware that your diet after gastric bypass is a progression. Right after surgery, you will not be allowed anything. After two days, you can start on a liquid diet consisting mostly of clear broth, juice and water. After a few days, you can move to pureed foods. This stage may last about four weeks. The next phase is to try soft foods such as mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables and soft fruits. This stage usually lasts about two months. If you did well on the previous stages you may be ready to include various types of foods into your diet.
2. Meet With a Nutritionist
Because part of your stomach is now bypassed, you will need to learn completely new eating habits. It is essential to learn how to read a nutritional label and understand what your body needs. Before or after surgery, you will likely meet with a nutritionist to help you understand what types of foods are acceptable and what is off limits. This is a very important step to be sure you start off on the right foot.
3. Pay Attention to Nutrients
You will not be able to eat anywhere near what you did in the past. Your stomach will be unable to hold as much food. Therefore, it's important to not waste calories on foods with little nutritional value. Stick with foods high in protein such as fish, and egg whites. Protein is especially important to help your body heal and gain strength after surgery. Also, be sure to eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
4. Out With the Old, In With the New
Whatever bad eating habits caused you to become overweight need to be changed. It's time to develop healthy ways to eat to be sure to not only lose weight but keep it off. Keep in mind you need to eat slowly and chew your food completely. This will lead to easier digestion. Only eat when you are hungry. Drink plenty of water, which helps keep your digestive track working efficiently. Drink water between meals instead of while you eat.
5. Limit Fats
Eating foods high in fat will not provide you with the vitamins and minerals you need. Another reason to avoid high fat foods is they can make you sick. Dumping syndrome can occur after having gastric bypass surgery. It is caused if food is eaten too quickly or if foods high in fat and sugar are ingested. Dumping syndrome causes vomiting and diarrhea. Skip sweets such as cake and candy and stay away from fried foods and snacks such as potato chips.
Member Comments