Stomach bypass surgery helps many severely obese people -- those 100 pounds or more overweight -- shed excess weight. The surgery reduces the size of your stomach, limiting the amount of food you can eat. Although these procedures offer extreme weight loss and a reduction in your risk of health complications, they increase your risk of nutritional deficiencies. Following your doctor's dietary instructions after the surgery helps minimize this risk.
Significance of Proper Nourishment
Nourishing your body properly after stomach bypass surgery is essential to prevent nutritional deficiencies, healing, weight loss and development of healthy eating habits to aid in weight maintenance. Stomach bypass surgery creates a smaller stomach and bypasses a majority of your small intestine, which is responsible for absorbing the nutrients from the foods you consume. Although strict, the post-operative diet your doctor gives you ensures healthy weight loss and aversion of possible complications from the surgery itself. The diet breaks down into stages, the first of which begins in the hospital.
Liquid Stage
Immediately following your surgery, your doctor orders a clear liquid diet consisting of broth, water and sugar-free gelatin. If you can tolerate these items without nausea or vomiting, both of which can prolong your healing process, you can enter the second stage when you're discharged. DukeHealth.org explains this stage as a modified full liquid plan -- one you remain in for two to three weeks. Your first goal is staying hydrated, the second is getting enough protein. Aim for 6 to 8 cups of fluid each day and 40 to 60 grams of protein. DukeHealth.org suggests drinking 2 oz. of a high-protein supplement every hour, along with 2 oz. of no-calorie, caffeine and carbonation-free liquid every 15 minutes during that hour. Examples of liquids include ice pops, broth, water, clear juice and decaffeinated coffee.
Soft Foods
You typically consume soft foods for six to eight weeks, or until your doctor is certain your body can tolerate them well enough to move to the next stage. The transition from liquids to soft is slow, and the focus during this time is still on protein. You must avoid high-fat foods, or foods with a high sugar or fiber content. You may require protein supplements until you can tolerate enough soft foods to meet your 40 to 60 grams of protein each day. Acceptable foods include eggs, low-fat cottage cheese or yogurt, ground beef, pork or poultry, soft fish, tofu, oatmeal, potatoes and soft fruit without the skin. Chew your food well to prevent it from becoming lodged in your pouch, and chew slowly to allow your brain time to recognize when you are full. Do not drink liquids just before or right after your meal. This will flush the food through your pouch, causing you to overeat.
Solid Foods
This is the final stage and progresses over a period of six to nine months. At this point, you can eat most of what you did before surgery, but your choices should be healthier now. Your portions must be smaller; your pouch can only hold a few ounces of food at one time. Your protein should come from lean meat sources such as poultry or fish. If you choose red meat, opt for lean cuts. Vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli, are other healthy protein sources. Aim for 3 ounces of protein with each meal. Read labels carefully, choosing products containing less than 5 grams of fat and sugar per serving. Continue drinking 6 to 8 cups of fluid each day, and choose the light or nonfat versions of products such as salad dressings or mayonnaise.
Vitamins and Supplements
Following your surgery, your doctor will prescribe vitamins and supplements, usually for the rest of your life. A multivitamin containing iron, vitamin B-12, zinc, vitamin D and calcium are some of the more important. Each person is different, so your daily requirement of each vitamin and mineral may vary from someone else. In some cases, a multivitamin may contain all you need.
