If you're planning gastric bypass surgery, you're probably excited about prospects for improving your health, but you may be nervous about your nutritional requirements following the surgery. Gastric bypass patients need to follow a strict diet after surgery to maintain proper nutrition and avoid complications. Your physician likely will give you firm instructions on how to eat immediately following surgery and as your healing progresses.
Benefits
People who are severely obese may choose to have gastric bypass, a form of bariatric surgery, in order to lose weight and decrease their obesity-related health risks, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Gastric bypass surgery shrinks the size of your stomach, making you unable to eat as much and potentially unable to absorb all the nutrients in your food.
Initial Diet
Because you can't eat as much and may not be able to absorb nutrients, you need to pay close attention to your diet following surgery, according to Ohio State University Medical Center. In the day or two following your surgery, you'll consume a medically supervised liquid diet that will contain all the nutrition you need. Once your doctor says it's okay, you'll move on to a diet containing liquids and pureed or baby foods. You should make sure to consume at least 60g of protein a day, and avoid sugar. This diet will continue for up to four weeks after your surgery, and you shouldn't consume any raw foods or foods you need to chew during this time.
Second Phase
Once your doctor tells you it's safe to move to the diet's third phase, you'll be able to eat soft, moist foods such as soups and casseroles, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center. Again, emphasize protein and avoid sugar, and don't eat any raw fruits or vegetables. Also, stay away from fat, because it can cause problems in your new digestive system. The daily protein intake ensures your body can build and repair cells. To get enough protein, drink milk or soy milk, consider high-protein shakes, and eat well-cooked meat.
Lifelong Nutrition
Eventually, you'll be able to eat a regular diet, although you'll need to consume small, frequent meals, avoid sugar and emphasize protein for the rest of your life, according to the University of Mississippi Medical Center. You should consume many fruits, pure fruit juices and fruit vegetables to ensure you're getting vitamins you need, and emphasize low-fat protein sources such as poultry and fish. Also, try to cut your fat consumption in half from pre-surgery levels.
Considerations
Since many gastric bypass surgery patients develop vitamin deficiencies following surgery, you'll need to take vitamins for the rest of your life, according to the West Penn Allegheny Health System. Your physician may recommend you take a multivitamin, extra calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and iron supplements. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly or you'll risk malnourishment, even if you feel full, because your body may not be absorbing all the nutrients you need.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseeases: Bariatric Surgery for Severe Obesity
- Ohio State University Medical Center: Gastric Bypass Diet Progression
- University of Mississippi Medical Center: Gastric Bypass Diet
- West Penn Allegheny Medical Center: Bariatric Surgery Vitamin List
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