The goal of a healthy diet for people who have had stomach reduction surgery is to support recovery and weight loss. The diet after stomach reduction surgery is different from a regular diet due to the small size of the stomach. Individuals who have undergone this type of surgery need to be very attentive to the quality of their diet to prevent complications and maintain overall health.
Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is another name for stomach reduction surgery. According to the Mayo Clinic, bariatric surgeries change the digestive system and limit the amount of food and person can consume to support weight loss and lower the risk of obesity-related medical problems. The risks of bariatric surgery include nutrient deficiencies, dehydration, gallstones, ulcers, food allergies, kidney stones and low blood sugar. Proper nutrition after surgery is essential for healing and weight loss. Individuals who undergo bariatric surgery and are unable to make permanent changes to their diet and lifestyle are at risk for medical problems and unsuccessful weight loss.
Post-Surgical Diet
According to the Ohio State University Medical Center (OSUMC), the initial diet after surgery is a clear liquid diet. A clear liquid diet only allows transparent liquids like water, broth, and plain tea or coffee. It restricts carbonated beverages, milk and juice with pulp. The diet advances to full liquids and pureed foods from two weeks to four weeks after surgery. This diet includes milk, cream soups and pureed foods that do not have to be chewed, such as applesauce, ground meat and mashed potatoes. The third step in a post-surgical diet may last up to 2 months following bariatric surgery and includes soft foods. A soft foods diet restricts all raw fruits and vegetables. Foods should be moist. Tofu, bread, soups and casseroles are good options.
Maintenance Diet
According to the OSUMC, a maintenance diet begins approximately two months after bariatric surgery and begins with small, frequent meals. Duke Medicine says a maintenance diet should include healthy foods like lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, fruits and vegetables. Foods that are high in fat and sugar-like desserts, sweets and deep-fried foods should be avoided because they have little nutritional value.
Protein
Protein is especially important following bariatric surgery because it supports wound healing and preserves lean muscle mass. According to Duke Medicine, patients should consume 40 to 60 grams of protein per day after surgery. Individuals who are unable to eat solid proteins like meat, poultry, fish or beans should add high-protein liquid supplements to their diet.
Tips
Thoughtful eating after bariatric surgery can support recovery and weight loss. Duke Medicine recommends eating slowly and chewing food well to ease digestion. Liquids should be drunk between meals to prevent premature fullness. Foods that are high in fat or sugar should be avoided because they can cause light-headedness, sweating and nausea. High-fat foods will also slow down weight loss.
Supplements
A normal diet can provide all the vitamins and minerals a person needs to be healthy. However, due to a smaller stomach and decreased food intake following bariatric surgery, a person may not be able to meet their vitamin and mineral needs with food alone. As a result, Duke Medicine says bariatric patients may need a multivitamin that contains iron, calcium, B vitamins and vitamins A, D, E and K.
