Gastric bypass surgery limits the amount of food you can eat by radically changing your digestive system, enabling you to lose weight quickly and lower your risk of the medical complications associated with obesity. According to Duke Medicine, proper nutrition is essential after bariatric surgery to "maintain lean body mass, hydration, and skin elasticity, as well as to minimize hair loss." Many doctors prescribe a four phase post-bariatric surgery diet, but you should follow the advice of your own doctor after any surgical procedure.
Need for a Post-Surgery Diet
MayoClinic.com explains that bariatric surgery shrinks the size of your stomach to the size of a walnut. Eating too much food may result in vomiting or intense pain, yet it's important to ingest enough nutrients for good health. During the first six months following the surgery, rapid weight loss may be accompanied by body aches, the chills, dry skin, hair loss and mood swings. Proper diet helps your body heal from the surgery and allow you to become accustomed to eating smaller portions.
Phase One
For the 48 hours following surgery, you won't eat or drink anything. Phase one is a liquids-only diet that begins after those first 48 hours and lasts from two to three weeks. Sip room-temperature liquids slowly, consuming between two to three ounces at a time. Broth, unsweetened juice or milk are usually recommended, but always follow your doctor's specific advice.
Phase Two
After your body has adjusted to the liquids, you may start to incorporate pureed foods into your diet. Phase two lasts up to one month and includes smooth pastes that have no texture such as yogurt or blended fruits and soft vegetables. You may even blend broth with well-cooked beans, fish or ground meats.
Phase Three
Mashed solid foods can be added to your diet during phase three. Continue to add soft foods such as finely diced meats or canned fruits for between six to eight weeks before moving to the final phase of your post-bariatric surgery diet.
Phase Four
Phase four includes firmer foods, without the need to puree or blend. Avoid crunchy foods such as nuts, seeds and granola and stringy foods such as celery. Your stomach will still be healing even as much as six months after surgery.
Post-Bariatric Surgery Diet Tips
After you start eating solid foods, it is important to eat slowly and chew food thoroughly - try to take at least 30 minutes to eat a meal. Eat six small meals per day and don't snack between meals. Stay hydrated, but don't drink 60 minutes before or after eating because filling up on liquids may prevent you from eating enough nutrients. Take any vitamins your doctor prescribes.
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