Diet modifications are an important part of success after any type of gastric reduction surgery. As the Mayo Clinic points out, diet recommendations can vary depending on where your surgery is done, but the basic principles are similar. Diet progression after stomach reduction surgery is important to allow the stomach to heal, to get you accustomed to eating smaller portions, to maximize weight loss and to avoid complications.
Phase One
This is the liquid phase. According to GICare.com, it lasts for a day or two after surgery. The Mayo Clinic states that you will not be allowed to eat for the first one to two days after surgery, and the liquid diet is started while you are still in the hospital. GICare.com reports allowed fluids are water, broth, sugar-free gelatin and flat soda. The Mayo Clinic reports milk and strained cream soups are also allowed during this phase. Liquids should be room temperature and sipped slowly.
Phase Two
You will be discharged from the hospital on Phase Two of your diet. This phase can last from one to four weeks, depending on your tolerance and surgical facility. GICare.com and the University of Rochester Medical Center report you will be taking only liquids during this phase. You can take any liquids allowed during phase one, although more nutritious items are emphasized. Eight ounces of high-protein liquid supplements are encouraged three times per day; you are allowed sugar-free pudding prepared with low-fat or fat-free milk; and yogurt with no chunks, made with artificial sweetener. A chewable multivitamin can be started at this time.
Phase Three
This is a puree or soft-solid diet. The University of Rochester Medical Center states high-protein liquid supplements should be continued three times daily during this phase. The Mayo Clinic says foods should first be blended well without leaving distinct pieces of food. Allowed foods include egg whites, low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese, beans, fish, pureed chicken, turkey or tofu, mashed potatoes, mashed banana, applesauce without added sugar and pureed canned vegetables. Some patients choose to eat baby food for convenience. If you are able to tolerate pureed foods, you will be advanced to soft-solids including diced meat, cooked cereal, cooked vegetables and canned fruits.
Phase Four
This is the final phase and should be followed for the rest of your life. According to GICare.com and The Mayo Clinic, Phase Four starts about eight weeks after surgery, and it includes foods from all food groups. Foods are now a regular texture. Each meal should include a lean protein, and this should be eaten first. Different people might tolerate different foods, so introduce new foods slowly to determine which you can tolerate.
Other Considerations
The Mayo Clinic reports you should always keep your meals small, about one-half cup of food per meal, which means you need to eat several meals per day. The University of Rochester recommends chewing foods to the consistency of applesauce, and stop eating before you feel full. Avoid high-fat, high-sugar foods to prevent dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome happens when food leaves the stomach too quickly. It can cause diarrhea and make you feel weak or dizzy. Liquids should be drunk between meals to avoid feeling overfull, and drink 48 to 64 ounces of fluid per day. Food and liquids should be taken slowly. Take the recommended vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent malnutrition.
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