Gastric bypass surgery is a major surgical procedure that can assist in weight loss. Because the digestive tract is changed, anyone who has the procedure will have to alter his eating habits -- both in the short term and over the long term, according to the Mayo Clinic. Immediately after the surgery, for example, you have to allow your stomach to heal; your doctor and dietitian will design a structured meal plan for you to follow during the first two to three months. After that, a meal plan that is adjusted for your new stomach size will be designed for you.
Phase 1 - Liquid Diet
Immediately after the procedure, you will not be able to eat anything to allow the incisions in your stomach to begin to heal, notes the Mayo Clinic. You doctor will then start you on a liquid diet; your physician will give you more guidance depending on your unique requirements. Liquids that are acceptable during this phase are clear liquids like broth, unsweetened juice, water, and diet gelatin, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. You can only drink two to three ounces at time to begin.
Phase 2 - Ground Up Foods
After you have tolerated the diet of clear liquids for a few days, your doctor will advance your diet to ground up or pureed foods for two to four weeks, according to the Mayo Clinic. This phase of the diet contains high-protein foods like scrambled eggs or cottage cheese as well as other foods that have been ground up to the consistency of a thick liquid with no pieces. Foods that lend themselves to pureeing include lean meats like tuna, chicken or pork, soft fruits and vegetables and yogurt, notes Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. For some patients, eating strained baby foods may be easier than making purees.
Phase 3 - Soft Foods
According to West Penn Allegheny Health System Bariatric Surgery Center, you may begin to eat soft foods during Phase 3; your physician may begin this phase of the diet anywhere from three to six weeks after the surgery depending on your condition. At this point, you can add soft foods like baked fish, thinly sliced deli meats or tofu. If the food is soft enough to be mashed with your fork, it is soft enough for this portion of your diet, explains the Mayo Clinic. You may eat soft foods for up to eight weeks; this may vary according to your situation and your physician.
Phase 4 - Solid Foods
Your physician will let you know when you are ready to begin solid foods. You should start with high-protein foods first during each meal to minimize abdominal discomfort and to make sure that you get enough protein in your diet, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Trying cooked vegetables before tackling raw vegetables as these may be more acceptable to your stomach, notes the West Penn Allegheny Health System Bariatric Surgery Center. Spicy foods may be difficult to tolerate at this time but you may be able to gradually introduce them into your diet in small amounts. You also should drink liquids in between meals to get your daily nutrient requirements. During this phase, especially, work with a dietitian will be helpful in determining how to best distribute your new calorie needs throughout your day.
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