Nutritional Guide After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Following an appropriate diet and exercise program is an important part of achieving weight loss success after gastric bypass surgery. A 2011 study published in the journal "Obesity Surgery" found that patients who underwent weight loss surgery had sustained their weight loss after two years and reduced their risk for obesity related diseases such as heart disease. Following an appropriate post weight loss surgery diet will help prevent complications and ensure effective weight loss.

Background

Weight loss surgery, or bariatric surgery, may be recommended for obese individuals. According to MedlinePlus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, gastric bypass and other types of bariatric surgery are usually recommended for men at least 100 Ib. overweight or women at least 80 Ib. overweight. Gastric bypass surgery significantly reduces the size of the stomach to a small pouch, which can hold much less food than a regular sized stomach. This, in turn, restricts the amount of food that can be eaten and digested at one time.

Basics

In general, a gastric bypass surgery diet consists of foods that are nutrient dense, low in sugar, limited in liquids and meals that are small in volume. Initially after surgery your new stomach pouch will hold about the size of a tablespoon and stretch out to hold about 1 cup of food, according to MedlinePlus. Liquids you drink should ideally be calorie free and should not be consumed with meals since they can fill up your pouch and make you feel full.

Diet Phases

A post bypass surgery diet is implemented in phases. Initially after your surgery, you'll start by eating liquid foods such as chicken broth, strained soups, Jell-O, juice and milk. When you're ready, you'll progress to eating pureed foods such as pureed meats, fruits and vegetables and yogurt. Soft foods are added to your diet next and finally after about eight weeks, regular solid foods can be eaten, according to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. During each phase, only small amounts of food should be eaten at one time beginning with only about 1 tbsp. and increasing to no more than 1 cup.

Important Nutrients

Since nutrient absorption is reduced following gastric bypass surgery, supplementation is often necessary to help prevent malnutrition. A health care professional will likely recommend an appropriate multivitamin supplement. Getting adequate amounts of protein will help you recover after surgery and may help reduce hair loss associated with a significant weight loss.

Foods to Avoid

Consuming a gastric bypass diet after surgery is a lifelong commitment. Certain foods should be avoided, such as foods low in nutrients and high in calories. These include foods that are high in fat and sugar. Avoid alcohol and other high calorie beverages. Chew your food well to prevent blockages in your new small stomach pouch.