How Many Calories per Meal Should a Gastric Bypass Patient Eat?

How Many Calories per Meal Should a Gastric Bypass Patient Eat?
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During gastric bypass surgery, the size of the stomach is significantly reduced in an effort to encourage weight loss. After this form of bariatric surgery, the gastric bypass patient must follow a specific calorie-restricted diet.

Immediately After Surgery

Immediately after gastric bypass surgery, your diet will be limited to liquids only. Initial meals typically involve unsweetened juice, broth and sugar-free gelatin. After a few days, your diet may progress to include milk, creamy soups and yogurt. During this time, your daily calorie allotment will be extremely limited.

Types Of Foods

As you progress through the second and third month after gastric bypass surgery, your diet typically expands to include pureed and soft foods. These types of food include applesauce, mashed potatoes, soft fruits, cooked vegetables and pasta.

Calorie Restrictions

After three months, most gastric bypass patients can resume a regular diet. However, the diet is generally restricted to between 1000 and 1200 calories per day. This reduced calorie count is essential for successful weight loss following bariatric surgery.

Considerations

To ensure you are receiving proper nutrition for your specific body type, work with your physician or dietitian to formulate a gastric bypass diet plan. A professional can formulate a diet specific to your body's needs and weight loss requirements.

References

Article reviewed by SarahP Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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