Gastric bypass is a type of weight loss or bariatric surgery typically recommended for extremely obese individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40. Gastric bypass can improve weight-related health issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Since gastric bypass shrinks your stomach and limits the amount of food you can eat, a half cup of food is usually enough to fill you up, according to the Mayo Clinic. Calories required to meet nutritional needs following gastric bypass generally don't exceed 1,500 per day.
Considerations
Gastric bypass is the weight loss surgery of choice for many surgeons because it has a lower risk of complications than some other procedures, explains the Mayo Clinic. The procedure can benefit severely obese individuals when conventional weight loss methods like diet and exercise have failed. Gastric bypass demands permanent changes in your lifestyle to ensure long-term success.
Post-Op Diet
Severe restrictions will be placed on your diet immediately following gastric bypass that will gradually lift over the first 12 weeks. No food is allowed in the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure to give your stomach a chance to recover. A liquid-only diet is followed by soft foods, and finally regular foods in small portions. Eating too much too soon can lead to vomiting or severe upper abdominal pain, reports the the Mayo Clinic.
Calories/Servings
Daily calorie intake of 1,200 to 1,500 is typical following a weight loss procedure, according to the University of Mississippi Medical Center. A healthy post-op diet should consist of a small amount of food from each food group. Suggested servings include four to six 1/2 cup servings of breads, cereals and starchy vegetables; three to four servings of 1/2 cup of fruit, or one small fruit; two to three servings of 1 cup milk; two to three 1-cup servings of vegetables; and 3 to 6 oz. of protein such as lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk and milk products like cheese. Eating protein first will ensure you get the recommended 60 g per day.
Outlook
Adjusting to a lower-calorie die can be well worth the effort. Gastric bypass surgery can improve your quality of life and help resolve a number of weight-related medical problems like high cholesterol and obstructive sleep apnea. Weight loss of 50 to 60 lbs. is possible within the first two years of surgery assuming you follow dietary recommendations and get regular exercise.
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