Gastric bypass surgery is performed on Americans to help them lose weight. This is done by shortening the small intestine or by making the stomach smaller. The procedure has many side effects after surgery. To prevent and reduce side effects, as well as regain weight, eating habits and food amounts are significantly altered. Most facilities will initiate a four-phase diet plan after surgery.
Phase One: Liquids
After surgery, the healing process begins. The first few days the doctor may not allow you eat anything to allow the stomach to heal. Upon the doctor's order, a liquid diet is started. Chicken broth, low-sugar juices, milk and creamed soups are a part of a liquid diet. Since the stomach is smaller, small amounts of liquids such as 1 to 3 oz. can be consumed at a time. This phase can last between four to six weeks.
Phase Two: Pureed Food
If a person is tolerating liquids after gastric surgery, the doctor will start a pureed diet. Smooth- to thick-texture foods are permitted such as applesauce, oatmeal, eggs, yogurt and beans. Foods can be blended with water to get a puree texture such as ground meats. Six to eight mini meals are recommended until the body can tolerate larger amounts. This phase can last two to four weeks.
Phase Three: Mechanical Soft Foods
This is an eight-week phase consisting of soft foods. Foods that are soft and able to be blended or mashed are allowed. Soft breads, canned fruit, fruit juices, cooked vegetables, ground meat, cheese, puddings, soups, noodles and rice are permissible. During this phase, liquids are not to be consumed with meals.
Phase Four: Solid Foods
The start of this phase can cause dumping syndrome due to too much food in the stomach at once. Symptoms of dumping syndrome include bloating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Solid foods should be introduced in small amounts. Eating small meals, more frequently throughout the day is best to avoid complications of dumping syndrome. It is recommended by the Mayo Clinic to avoid hard, fibrous, sticky and spicy foods. These include popcorn, tamales, nuts, lettuce, crusty breads, croutons and apples, until well tolerated.
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