If you are morbidly obese and other attempts to lose weight have not been successful, you may undergo gastric bypass, or bariatric, surgery to help you lose weight. If you are a patient at Hurley Bariatric Center in Flint, Michigan, the medical professionals can help you design a bariatric diet with adequate protein and other nutrients. Always work with professionals for a safe diet after weight-loss surgery.
Bariatric surgery can help you lose weight because it shrinks the size of your stomach and decreases the nutrients that you absorb from your food. To allow the staple line in your stomach to heal, you cannot eat for the first one to two days after surgery, according to the Mayo Clinic. For the next few days, you must follow a high-protein liquid diet. You can have high-protein beverages and clear liquids such as broth, juice, milk, clear soup and sugar-free gelatin.
Adding More Foods
After two to three weeks, your dietitian at the Hurley Medical Center will guide you in adding pureed foods, and choices may include beans or yogurt, according to the Mayo Clinic. Soft foods such as cottage cheese, fish, eggs, cooked vegetables and soft fruits may be appropriate within one to three months, and you can gradually continue to increase your variety as tolerated. Do not eat more than 3 oz. to 4 oz. at once, and chew your food carefully.
Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient for healing and maintaining a strong immune system, and many patients need about 60 g to 80 g protein per day. Hurley Medical Center states that you may need a protein supplement, such as a commercial high-protein nutritional shake or protein powder. Choose a product with at least 15 g to 20 g protein and no more than 5 g sugars and 3 g fat per serving. To avoid weight gain, stick to protein supplements with less than 200 calories per serving.
Other Information
You may lose about 30 to 40 percent of your excess weight within six months of gastric bypass surgery, but it is important to continue to eat small meals and take your protein supplements. Also, Hurley Bariatric Center warns that if you do not follow your customized diet and take your recommended vitamin and mineral supplements, you are likely to notice deficiency symptoms about nine months after your gastric bypass surgery. If your medical care team approves, include exercise in your regular routine.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Gastric Bypass Diet
- Hurley Medical Center: Protein: How to Get It in?
- Hurley Medical Center: Optimize Your Weight Loss After Surgery
- Hurley Medical Center: The First Year: What to Expect After Bariatric Surgery
- Hurley Medical Center: "Vitamins and Minerals: Do I Really Need to Take 'Em?"
Member Comments