Morbidly obese patients who choose bariatric surgery to help them lose weight must follow a prescribed diet after the procedure to allow their bodies to heal. In general, patients progress gradually from clear liquids to solid foods over a period of eight to 10 weeks, according to Linda Aills, R.D., lead researcher of an article published in the September 2008 issue of "Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases." Patients should always follow their surgeons' instructions exactly.
Bariatric Procedures
Bariatric surgery, also called weight-loss surgery, helps patients more than 100 lbs. overweight to loss their excess weight. Some procedures, including the adjustable gastric band or Lap-Band, limit intake by restricting the size of the stomach. Others, called malabsorptive procedures, block some calorie absorption by rerouting the digestive system to bypass part of the small intestine. Combination procedures, including gastric bypass surgery, restrict the size of the stomach and block calorie absorption.
Postoperative Diet Stages
The digestive system needs to rest after any type of bariatric procedure, so the postoperative diet plan advances the patient slowly through four phases before starting solid food. For the first two to four days, the patient drinks only clear liquids, then moves on to the second phase--full liquids--for the next 10 to 14 days. The third phase, pureed or blended foods, lasts 10 to 14 days and the fourth stage, soft foods, lasts at least 14 days.
Phase 1: Clear Liquids
Clear liquids, the first phase of the bariatric diet, consists of non-dairy liquids--including solids that become liquid at room temperature--that produce little residue in the digestive system. Appropriate liquids include water, decaffeinated tea, sugar-free gelatin, sugar-free ice pops and broth. Patients should sip fluids frequently, consuming at least 64 oz. of fluids during the day to prevent dehydration. Clear liquids provide little nutrition, so you should include low-residue protein supplements in your diet plan if this phase lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours.
Phase 1 Tips
To avoid a trip to the grocery store immediately after discharge, stock up on appropriate clear liquids before surgery. Avoid all drinks that contain sugar, caffeine, carbonation or alcohol, as well as any fluid that you cannot see through if you pour it into a glass. If you prefer flavored water, purchase sugar-free drink flavorings, or drink sugar-free bottled water with fruit flavorings. Since you will only sip tiny amounts at first, consider buying an insulated cup to keep liquids cold or hot. Some patients purchase children's spoons and bowls to make tiny portions look larger. A child's sippy cup--a two-handled cup with a special lid that allows only small sips at a time--may also help in learning to avoid gulping liquids, which introduces air into the stomach pouch.
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