More than 250,000 Americans have heart bypass surgery each year, according to the Texas Heart Institute, making it one of the most common heart surgeries conducted. You may need bypass surgery to improve blood flow to your heart if the arteries that currently supply blood are clogged with plaque. After your surgery, you will need to change your diet to prevent further plaque build up, which includes lowering your cholesterol and maintaining a healthy weight.
Calories
Maintaining a healthy body weight is important after your heart bypass surgery. If you are overweight, you will need to reduce your daily calorie intake to get to a healthier weight. To lose 1/2 to 1 lb. a week, you need to reduce your daily calorie intake by 250 to 500 calories. For example, if you currently maintain your weight eating 2,000-calories a day, to lose weight you will need to decrease your intake to 1,500 to 1,750 calories. Everyone's calorie needs are different, and you should consult your doctor to determine your needs for weight loss. The following diet guide is based on a 1,500 to 1,750 calories.
Fruits and Vegetables
Your diet following your bypass surgery should be rich in fruits and vegetables, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Fruits and vegetables are high in heart-healthy nutrients such as potassium, folate and fiber. In addition to being rich in nutrients, fruits and vegetables are also low in calories and can help satisfy your appetite on your weight loss diet. You should include 1½ cups of fruits and 2 to 2½ cups of vegetables each day on your weight loss diet.
Grains
Grains provide your body with energy, and whole grains are an important source of fiber. You should include 5 to 6 oz. of grains a day on your diet plan, with at least half your grain choices whole grain. The fiber in whole grains, along with fruits and vegetables, lowers blood cholesterol levels by limiting your absorption. Healthy grain choices and 1 oz. serving sizes include one slice of whole wheat bread, ½ cup of cooked cereal, 1 cup of whole grain cold cereal, ½ cup of cooked brown rice or pasta or five whole grain crackers
Meat and Beans
You need to be careful about the types of meat you choose to eat after your bypass surgery. You need to include leaner cuts, such as beef tenderloin, pork chops, white meat poultry and fish, to limit saturated fat and cholesterol intake. It is also recommended that every week you aim to have two servings of fish, especially omega-3 rich fish such as salmon and tuna. Omega-3 fatty acids also help lower blood cholesterol levels. Beans are naturally low in fat and saturated fat, and high in fiber. For weight loss, limit your intake to 5 to 6 oz. of meat or beans a day. A ¼ cup serving of cooked beans equals 1 oz.
Dairy Foods
Dairy foods are also a source of saturated fat and cholesterol. It is recommended you limit saturated fat to less than 7 percent of calories, and dietary cholesterol to 300 mg a day. You can have 2 cups of dairy foods a day on your heart-healthy diet plan. Healthy choices and serving sizes include 1 cup of skim milk, 1 cup of low-fat or nonfat yogurt, or 1½ oz. of low-fat cheese.
Oils
Oils are a concentrated source of calories, and you need to be careful of your serving size to help limit calorie intake. You can have 4 to 5 tsp. of oil a day on your diet plan. Healthy oils include olive oil, canola oil, safflower oil and soy oil. Olive oil contains substances that may lower blood cholesterol levels, according to MayoClinic.com, and may be especially beneficial following your heart surgery.
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