The American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery states that weight-loss surgery provides the most effective and sustainable obesity and metabolic disease treatment available. Unfortunately, finding a sustainable life diet following bariatric surgery is challenging. The best life diet after bariatric surgery maximizes weight loss, minimizes nutrient deficiencies, maintains hydration and limits symptoms of intolerance.
After Surgery Diet Progression
After bariatric surgery, your digestive track needs time to heal. Immediately following bariatric surgery, your body only needs clear liquids, such as water, broth and gelatin. You then progress to a full liquid diet for two to three weeks. Full liquids include breakfast shakes, protein shakes, creamed soups and low-fat milk. After the three-week mark, your digestive track may tolerate soft foods such as tofu, soft fruits without skins, pureed foods, scrambled eggs, tuna salad and well-cooked vegetables for another three to five weeks. Once you reach 10 to 12 weeks post-surgery, your digestive track may do well with a regular diet. Gradually introduce new foods in small quantities. MayoClinic.com recommends avoiding nuts, seeds, dried fruits, popcorn, carbonated beverages, granola, stringy vegetables, tough meats and breads, which may irritate your digestive track.
Hydration
Your first priority in any stage of your diet is to consume enough fluids to prevent dehydration. Sip on sugar-free, non-carbonated drinks regularly throughout the day to ensure you consume 48 to 64 oz. of fluid each day. Acceptable fluids include sugar-free popsicles, water, juice diluted 50/50 with water, broth and unsweetened, decaffeinated tea or coffee. Avoid drinking fluids within 30 minutes of eating to prevent filling up at mealtime and to limit discomfort caused by foods moving too quickly through your digestive track. Do not drink through a straw, because it will introduce air into your stomach.
Protein Needs
Protein helps you heal and maintains your lean muscle mass throughout your weight loss. DukeHealth.org, provided by Duke University Health System, recommends bariatric surgery patients consume between 40 and 60 g of protein each day. Focus on high-protein foods at all meals to meet these recommendations. Foods high in protein include eggs, dairy products, fish, legumes and tofu.
Eating Habits
Your eating habits may cause or prevent pain, nausea, vomiting and dumping syndrome -- the rapid passage of food through the small intestine. Limit your intake of foods containing high amounts of sugar or fat. Take small bites and chew them well. Pay attention to feelings of fullness and stop eating as soon as they appear. Limit your meals to approximately 1/2 cup of food. If you continue to experience extreme pain, nausea or vomiting after a meal, consult your nutritional consultant and your doctor.
Considerations
The best diet for one patient after bariatric surgery may not work well for the next. Your personal eating habits and food preferences dictate the best diet for you beyond the general recommendations for all bariatric surgery patients. Regular follow-ups with a registered dietitian may help ensure you meet your unique nutritional needs after bariatric surgery. Regular blood work also helps identify nutritional deficiencies and your need for dietary supplements.
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