Things Your Can't Eat After A Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery is a type of bariatric surgery used to treat severe obesity. Also known as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, this procedure reroutes the intestinal tract by connecting the middle part of the small intestine, or the jejunum, to a small pouch created from the stomach. Ultimately it reduces gastric capacity, restricts meal size and reduces nutrient absorption. As a result, there are very specific dietary guidelines after this operation.

Post-Surgery

Immediately after surgery, not only does the staple line need to heal, but your pouch's capacity is only a few tablespoons. As a result, you cannot eat for one to two days. Instead, you can drink about 2 to 3 oz of room-temperature liquids such as broth, unsweetened juice, milk, strained cream soup and sugar-free gelatin.

Diet Progression

You still cannot eat regular foods or foods with distinct pieces for up to two to four weeks after surgery. Pureed lean ground meats, beans, fish, egg whites, yogurt and soft fruits and vegetables are acceptable foods. You can slowly add soft, solid foods to your diet as tolerated. After about eight weeks, you can eat regular-consistency or firm foods.

Preventing Obstruction

The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding certain foods that can get caught or lodged in your pouch. These include nuts, seeds, popcorn, dried fruits, granola, stringy or fibrous vegetables like celery, asparagus, cabbage and broccoli, tough meats and breads. Meats contain fibers, or gristle, making it hard to chew and separate into small pieces. These pieces can obstruct the outlet of your pouch. Breads may form a dough ball and cause obstruction as well.

Other Foods to Avoid

Also, avoid dairy products and spicy foods because your stomach might be still be sensitive. If you eat dairy and have lactose intolerance, even the smallest amount of milk can cause cramps, gas and diarrhea. Fresh fruit and raw vegetables may be too fibrous, and rice and pasta are also ill-advised.

Fats and Sugars

You many not be able to handle high-fat and high-sugar foods after your operation because they can cause dumping syndrome, or the rapid emptying from the stomach into the small intestine, and can lead to symptoms of nausea, cramps and diarrhea. Sugary foods include cakes, cookies and pastries, among others, and high-fat foods include butter, salad dressing, mayonnaise, ice cream, pies, sour cream, cream cheese, whole milk, bacon, sausage and luncheon meats. Instead, choose fat-free or low-fat and sugar-free options.

Beverages

Avoid high-calorie drinks like soda, alcohol and milk shakes after you have gastric bypass surgery. The carbonated beverages may cause bloating and increase stomach gas, and drinking flavored drinks between meals, such as coffee and tea, may active your hunger mechanism.