Gastric bypass is an extreme treatment option of losing weight. It is most often only done on obese patients who are suffering from health problems. While it is an effective option, patients need to follow a proper post-operative diet to achieve desired results. This diet serves to allow patients to lose weight in a safe manner and avoid any complications.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass is a type of bariatric, or weight-loss, surgery. According to MayoClinic.com, it is the most common bariatric surgery performed in the United States. It is usually reserved for patients who are severely overweight and are unable to achieve weight loss through diet and exercise. Gastric bypass involves stapling your stomach to create a small pouch and a passage for food to bypass part of your small intestine.
Gastric Bypass Diet
Gastric bypass alters the structure of your digestive system. This means you will have to change your diet to successfully lose weight and ensure a healthy lifestyle. Alterations to your diet will include eating smaller meals, adjusting the texture of the food you eat, choosing healthier foods that provide your body with all the necessary nutrients and possibly using dietary supplements.
Purpose
A proper post-operative diet is important for several reasons. The diet will allow you to get used to your smaller stomach. This includes eating small meals that can be digested comfortably. The diet will also help you lose weight and avoid gaining pounds. Another purpose is to allow your stomach to heal properly and avoid any possible side effects or complications.
Phases
The gastric bypass diet consists of four phases: liquid, pureed, soft solids and solid foods. The liquid diet includes room- temperature liquids and semi-solid foods like broth, milk, unsweetened juice and sugar-free gelatin. After a few days, you can start the pureed diet, usually lasting two to four weeks. During this time, you can only have pureed foods or those foods with a similar consistency. Choose foods that blend well, such as lean ground meats, beans, yogurt and fruits. Phase three is soft, solid foods. As the name implies, this includes any solid foods with a soft texture like fruit and cooked vegetables, and ground meats. After about eight weeks, you can gradually resume a normal solid diet.
Considerations
Throughout the course of the diet, certain considerations should be made. They include taking vitamin and mineral supplements, drinking plenty of water, eating slowly and focusing on high-protein foods. Lean meat, fish and eggs are good protein options. Additionally, you should try to avoid high-fat and sugary foods. Fat may be difficult to digest after gastric bypass and sugary foods are high in calories, low in vitamins and minerals, and may cause unpleasant side effects.
Results
If you follow this diet, you can expect to lose about 50 to 60 percent of your excess weight within two years, according to MayoClinic.com. Additionally, you should be able to keep the weight off long-term. Remember that exercise is also an important part of maintaining a healthy weight.
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