Gastric bypass surgery can help you lose large amounts of weight in a relatively short time, up to 70 percent of your excess body weight in the first year or two after surgery, according to a 2005 article by Judy Dowd, MA, RD, LDN, in "Diabetes Spectrum." However, after surgery you will have to drastically change the way you eat.
Diet Features
There are four stages to gastric bypass diets. After your surgery, you will start on a clear liquid diet, then progress to a full liquid diet, pureed foods, and finally to solids. You will need to eat many small meals since the capacity of your stomach will only be about 1/2 cup of food or drink. You can't drink beverages with meals, and you must take vitamin and mineral supplements to avoid deficiencies. Avoid eating high-sugar or high-fat foods.
Recommended Vitamins
After surgery, you will be at risk for numerous vitamin and mineral deficiencies, including iron, calcium and vitamin B12. Because of this, the Western Pennsylvania Hospital Bariatric Surgery department recommends taking multivitamins, as well as calcium, iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin D supplements. These need to be spread throughout the day to improve absorption, with calcium and iron supplements at least two hours apart. In the beginning, chewable versions will be necessary.
Considerations
Chewing foods slowly and thoroughly can help you determine how much to eat and prevent vomiting from eating too much, as well as keep food from getting stuck in the smaller opening to the stomach.
Getting plenty of fiber from whole grains, fruits and vegetables can help you prevent constipation. These foods will also help you meet your vitamin needs.
Keeping calories at approximately 1,600 per day and exercising improve the chances that you will be able to maintain your weight loss, according to a 2010 article by Barbara Quinn in the "Seattle Times."
Warning
After having gastric bypass surgery, consuming too much food at one time, consuming liquids with meals or consuming food high in sugar can cause you to vomit, have diarrhea or experience a condition known as "dumping," which is extremely unpleasant, according to Dowd.
Expert Insight
Consume between 1,200 and 1,500 calories per day while trying to lose weight, consisting of four to six 1/2-cup servings of grains, three to four servings of fruits, two to three servings of vegetables, two to three 1-cup servings of milk, three or fewer 1-tsp. servings of fat and 3 to 6 oz. of protein, recommends the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
References
- Diabetes Spectrum: Nutrition Management After Gastric Bypass Surgery
- The University of Mississippi Medical Center: Your Complete Guide for Nutrition Following Gastric Bypass Surgery
- Seattle Times: On Nutrition: Gastric Bypass Surgery
- West Penn Allegheny Health System Bariatric Surgery Center: Vitamin Supplements After Gastric Bypass Surgery
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