Gastric bypass, a type of bariatric surgery, helps morbidly obese patients lose weight by reducing the size of the stomach and rerouting the digestive system. Gastric bypass patients who make long-term changes to their eating and exercise habits can expect to lose 50 to 60 percent of their excess weight within the first two years, according to MayoClinic.com.
Gastric Bypass Diet Principles
Although gastric bypass surgery helps you to lose weight, you must make long-term changes to your eating habits to maintain a healthy weight. During the first few months, you will progress slowly from liquids to soft foods to allow your body to heal. About 10 to 12 weeks after the procedure, you will begin adding solid foods in small amounts. For the rest of your life, you will follow a high-protein, low-sugar, low-fat eating plan for optimal health and nutrition.
Protein and Carbohydrates
After gastric bypass surgery, you will need at least 60 to 80 g of protein a day to prevent loss of lean muscle mass, according to Linda Aills, R.D., lead researcher in a study published in the September 2008 issue of "Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases." Accordingly, you need to eat high-quality protein first at every meal. If you have room for carbohydrates, choose nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
Calorie Recommendations
Some surgeons do not offer calorie guidelines, because the procedure limits the amount of food you can eat and blocks some of the calories you consume. Other surgeons recommend 1200 to 1400 calories per day for women and 1300 to 1500 calories a day for men, based on individual needs, according to Karen Meyers, M.S., R.D. and coauthor of "Weight Loss Surgery Cookbook for Dummies."
Eating Rules
Following a few rules will help you feel satisfied without overeating. Drinking fluids during meals can wash the food through your system, making you feel hungry too soon. Avoid grazing all day; instead, eat three meals a day and one or two planned snacks. Stop eating when you begin to feel full and wait no longer than four hours between eating episodes. Weigh and measure your food to control portions and record what you eat in a journal.
Foods to Avoid
Sugary and fatty foods have empty calories and also may cause dumping syndrome, an unpleasant set of symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating and abdominal cramping. Avoid carbonated beverages that may stretch your pouch, making it more difficult for you to feel full. If you find that some foods such as popcorn, doughy bread and tough meat are hard to digest, avoid them as well.
References
- "Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases"; ASMBS Allied Health Nutritional Guidelines for the Surgical Weight Loss Patients; Linda Aills, R.D., et al; September 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Gastric Bypass Diet; October 2009
- Highland Hospital; Post-Operative Bariatric Diets; January 2010
- Duke Health: The Recommended Diet Following Bariatric Surgery
- "Weight Loss Surgery Cookbook for Dummies;" Brian K. Davidson, et al.; 2010
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