Gastric bypass brings many dietary changes. Not only will you eat less after surgery, but you also have to restrict some foods, particularly in the first few months after surgery while your stomach heals. Corn, along with other fibrous vegetables, can be tough to swallow and may also have unpleasant side effects after gastric bypass surgery. Follow your doctor's recommendation about what you can and can't eat after surgery.
Post-Surgery Changes
After gastric bypass surgery, your stomach holds much less food than it did before surgery, usually around one cup of food, compared to a normal four cups of food, according to MedlinePlus. Corn provides bulk, which may take up more stomach space than your new, smaller stomach can handle. Because your stomach is smaller, it produces less stomach acid, which breaks down food and makes it easier to swallow. Less stomach acid may make fibrous foods harder to digest.
Intestinal Blockage Risks
Corn contains a large amount of fiber. The increased bulk in fibrous foods makes them more likely to get stuck in the stomach pouch. Fibrous foods could also get stuck in the passage between the stomach and small intestine, causing an intestinal blockage.
Potential Symptoms
If you do eat corn after gastric bypass surgery, you may experience abdominal cramping or abdominal distention if corn gets stuck on its way through the intestine. Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain can occur if you develop an intestinal blockage. Call your doctor if symptoms persist for two days, MayoClinic.com advises.
Considerations
It's hard to give up your favorite foods after gastric bypass surgery. Since everyone has different reactions, you may be able to eat corn once in a while. Chewing fibrous foods like corn thoroughly or eating pureed corn rather than fresh makes it easier to swallow and less likely to cause symptoms. If you can't chew foods to a smooth consistency, don't swallow them. Take at least 20 to 30 minutes to eat each meal; if you notice chest pain or vomit, you may be eating too fast.
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