Gastric bypass, also known as bariatric bypass, is a weight loss surgery. Diet is a key part of the process. Some doctors may have their patients follow a certain meal plan before surgery to begin weight loss and/or achieve balanced nutrition. The diet after surgery is also important as it promotes healing and nutrient balance.
Considerations
The diet after bariatric bypass allows for small portions and provides nutritional balance. Since the stomach has been made into a smaller pouch, very small amounts should be consumed. The early diet phases allow for up to 4 oz. of food at a meal. The regular diet phase may allow up to 8 oz. for all foods at a meal. It is recommended that liquids not be consumed with meals but before or after meals.
Liquid Diet
Right after surgery, the diet is often nothing by mouth. The next diet phase is liquids, which may include sugar-free, clear liquids like broth, water, gelatin and protein drinks. This stage of the diet may last two to four weeks, depending on the doctor's plan. Full liquids are gradually introduced with foods, such as milk (if tolerated); soy, almond or rice beverages; sugar-free/fat-free pudding; and strained soups. The full liquid diet phase may be followed for one to three weeks and is often based on tolerance.
Solid Foods
After liquids, the diet progression is to pureed (blended) textures. This phase usually starts two to four weeks after surgery and may last until week six. The pureed stage may allow plain mashed potatoes, hot cereals, fat-free yogurt, and blended foods or even jarred baby foods. The soft foods stage may start about four to six weeks after surgery and may continue for one to two weeks. Soft foods include tender and moist meats, canned fruit with no added sugar, soft cooked vegetables, and other soft foods. Regular texture foods are added about three months after surgery but are much smaller portions than what was eaten before surgery.
Protein
Protein should be consumed to help with healing and give a balanced diet. The doctor will set the amount of protein to consume daily. Eating the protein item first at a meal is recommended in case the person does not feel like eating much. In the liquid phase, protein may be consumed in low-sugar protein drinks. The solid food stages should include lean protein foods that are moist, like baked fish, tender chicken breast or fat-free cottage cheese.
Warning
Because bariatric bypass creates malbasorption in the gut, some vitamins and minerals will be needed daily on a long-term basis. Key nutrients to supplement are iron in some patients, calcium and vitamin B12. Another issue with malabsorption is dumping syndrome. MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, lists the condition as food passing rapidly from the stomach through the intestines without being properly digested. Symptoms range from diarrhea to abdominal pain. A diet low in fat, added sugars and refined carbohydrates may help prevent this condition.
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