Gastric bypass, weight loss surgery that makes the stomach smaller and diverts food around part of the small intestine, remains the most common weight loss surgery, MayoClinic.com reports. Gastric bypass is done on people with a body mass index greater than 40 or a BMI of 35 with other medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease that may worsen because of obesity. Most people lose 50 to 60 percent of their excess weight within two years of surgery, reports Dr. Frank Jackson of Jackson/Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. A strict diet after surgery is required.
Timing
The gastric bypass post-op diet follows a pattern of gradually increasing food consistency until solid food is allowed. The timing of the diet advances must be followed precisely, or complications may occur. Clear liquids are allowed the first few days, followed by full liquids for the next week or two. Pureed foods, soft foods and then finally solid foods are allowed after eight weeks or so, MayoClinic.com states.
Reasons
The progression through the dietary stages allows the stomach time to heal after the surgery and then to start working again. The stomach and intestines are irritated and inflamed after surgery and can't process regular foods.
Portions
The new stomach pouch holds only about 1/2 cup to 1 cup of food at a time, according to MayoClinic.com, a small amount by anyone's standards. The daily calorie intake goal should not exceed 800 calories, says Dr. J. Clay Wellborn, a bariatric surgeon. Start with six small meals a day, gradually decreasing to four meals a day. At least six to eight cups of fluid a day are required to avoid dehydration.
Restrictions
Drink liquids between meals, not with them. Avoid carbonated beverages in the first week after surgery, because they increase gas in the intestines, which causes pain. Drinking with meals can cause abdominal distention and pain and may keep a person from consuming food and required nutrients.
On the other hand, sipping liquids throughout the meal can wash food out of the pouch, allowing a person to eat several time more than they normally would, reducing weight loss. High-calorie liquids go down through the pouch easily and supply far too many calories; milk shakes, ice cream and sodas should be avoided. Dry, stringy, sticky foods such as rice, bread and pasta may go down poorly and can cause pain, nausea or vomiting.
Considerations
Eating again after gastric bypass is a slow process that must be followed or complications such as too much weight loss, too little weight loss or nausea and vomiting can occur. Food must be thoroughly chewed and eaten in small bites to avoid getting stuck and blocking the narrow opening from the stomach. Because the diet is vitamin deficient after bypass surgery, a multivitamin must be taken every day.
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