Gastric Bypass And Pregnancy Diet

The foods you eat during pregnancy nourish both you and your growing baby. Unfortunately, gastric-bypass surgery decreases your ability to get the nutrients you need to sustain a healthy pregnancy because of your decreased stomach size and loss of part of your small intestine. Consult your obstetrician and a nutritionist to ensure you maintain proper nutrition throughout your pregnancy after gastric-bypass surgery.

Nutrient Needs

Your diet plan needs to consist of 75 to 100 g of protein, 1,000 mg of calcium, 27 mg of iron, 600 to 800 mcg of folic acid and 85 mg of vitamin C. Protein promotes the growth of your uterus and helps increase your blood supply. Calcium assists your body in regulating fluids and builds your baby's tooth buds and bones. With the help of water, potassium and sodium, iron increases your blood supply and prevents pregnancy-related anemia. Folic acid and folate help prevent neural-tube defects in your baby. Vitamin C helps heal wounds, develop bones and teeth and improve your metabolic process. Ensure you get adequate amounts of these nutrients by consuming a diet balanced made up of a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains and legumes. A nutritional consultation can help you set a meal plan that provides you with adequate nutrients.

Dumping Syndrome

Dumping syndrome, a common complication of gastric-bypass surgery, occurs when foods or liquids move through your stomach into your intestines too quickly. Dumping syndrome symptoms include vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. It often results after consuming too much or after consuming foods or drinks containing high amounts of sugar and may worsen during periods of morning sickness. The loss of appetite and vomiting associated with both dumping syndrome and morning sickness increase the difficulty of getting the vitamins and nutrients you and your baby need.

Meal Timing

Limit your experience with dumping syndrome by eating small frequent meals or snacks throughout the day and only drinking between meals. Aim to eat five to six meals throughout the day that consist of small portion sizes. For instance, consume 1 oz. of meat, 1/4 c. of vegetables and ¼ c. of fruit for a meal. Always eat slowly, and stop eating as soon as you feel full. Sip 1 to 2 oz. of water or other non-sugary drink between each meal to prevent dehydration, but avoid drinking anything 10 minutes before or 30 minutes after a meal. If dumping syndrome and morning sickness still prevent you from keeping most of your food down, consult your doctor about anti-nausea medications, and ask your doctor about dietary supplements to supplement your diet.

Considerations

The rapid weight loss that occurs after gastric-bypass surgery may increase your fertility by decreasing problems with irregular menses and polycystic ovary syndrome. Unfortunately, it may not be safe to become pregnant before your weight stabilizes, because continued weight loss may deprive your developing baby of vital nutrients, says Dr. Roger W. Harms, an obstetrician at the Mayo Clinic.