Gastric bypass surgery is done to help those who are severely obese. The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons defines severely obesity as 100 lbs. or more over your ideal weight. Gastric bypass alters your digestive system, helping you lose weight. This procedure also alters your dietary needs and requirements.
About Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass creates a smaller stomach that is capable of holding around 2 tbsp. of food. To accomplish this, the surgeon places staples across the top of your stomach, making it the size of a walnut. He then cuts your small intestine, sewing part of it directly onto the pouch. Bypassing most of your stomach and the first part of your small intestine inhibits your body's ability to absorb calories.
Significance of the Diet
The gastric bypass diet serves several purposes. First, it promotes weight loss and prevents weight gain. It helps you become accustomed to eating smaller amounts of food that your stomach can safely digest. The diet prevents stretching of your pouch, which allows the staples time to heal. Finally, it helps prevent possible complications from the surgery. Easy digestion and possible complications are the reason certain foods are prohibited. The diet has four stages: liquid, pureed, semi-solid and solid. It is important to remain in these stages as long as your doctor instructs to ensure proper healing of your stomach.
Pineapples
Fruits are an important part of the gastric bypass diet. They are full of vitamins and minerals, which can be difficult for you to get from your diet because of the limited variety of foods, explains West Shore Endoscopy Center. You must choose foods your stomach can easily digest, so when eating pineapple in the pureed stage, blend it into a smoothie. As you progress through the stages of the diet, and can eat semi-solid or solid food, chew the pineapple well. This prevents it from becoming lodged in your pouch, which may result in nausea or vomiting. The area closer to the base of the pineapple is softer, and may be a safer choice.
Considerations
Not every patient can tolerate all types of food. Even if you ate pineapple before your surgery, your body may not tolerate it after. Introduce one new food at a time. If you have a bad reaction, such as abdominal discomfort or vomiting, do not eat that food again. Although pineapple contains several vitamins and minerals, your body will require more. Take any nutritional supplements your doctor prescribes to ensure your body receives the nutrients it requires.
References
- West Shore Endoscopy Center: Gastric Bypass Diet
- MayoClinic.com; Gastric Bypass Surgery Diet; October 2009
- Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons; Patient Information for Laparoscopic Surgery for Severe Obesity From SAGES; March 2004
- MayoClinic.com; Gastric Bypass Surgery; October 2009
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