Gastric bypass surgery can be a helpful tool in the battle against obesity. It works by drastically reducing the amount of food that can be eaten at one time. The remaining stomach pouch will hold only a few ounces. Meals after surgery will be limited to small portions, and supplements are necessary to assure adequate intake of protein, minerals and vitamins.
Progression of the Diet After Surgery
Immediately after gastric bypass, only clear fluids are tolerated. The diet progresses to full liquids after a day or two. For one to two weeks, high-protein fluids are ingested in amounts of 2 to 3 ounces at a time with no solid foods allowed. Over the next week, pureed foods are introduced. Very soft foods like eggs and hot cereals are included along with pureed soft meats and vegetables. Five or six small meals are eaten daily. Only 3 to 4 ounces will be tolerated at each meal. Eventually solid foods become part of the daily diet, and will always have to be chewed well and eaten slowly to prevent blockage, pain, nausea or vomiting.
Meeting Water Needs
It is more of a challenge to meet fluid needs for hydration after the stomach capacity has been reduced from 4 cups to about 4 ounces. Fluids will fill the pouch quickly and should not be consumed with meals. The Jackson-Siegelbaum gastroenterology group guidelines for after gastric bypass encourage at least 6 cups of fluid per day. Each drink should be sipped slowly over a period of 30 minutes and there should be 45 to 60 minutes between each drink and each meal.
Preventing Protein Deficiency
Protein is vital for wound healing, replacing new cells in the body, and maintaining healthy organs and muscles. It is more difficult to get enough protein when food intake is restricted after gastric bypass. Each meal must include a good source of protein such as lean meat, eggs, milk, cheese or beans. If signs of protein deficiency appear, protein powders or supplement drinks can be added to the diet regimen.
Foods to Include
Medline Plus emphasizes meals focusing on protein-rich foods, vegetables and whole grains. Mashed potatoes and cereal are easily tolerated starches. Meats should be well-cooked and not tough or stringy. Soft fruits and vegetables are less likely to cause pain or obstruction than fibrous ones with tough skins. If a food causes vomiting or discomfort, it should be noted and tried again at a later date.
Small Portions for Life
Portion sizes will be limited for the rest of the person's life. The diet from the nutrition program at Highland Hospital Bariatric Center in Rochester, New York, lists portions sizes at 1 ounce for meats and half a cup for fruits, vegetables and starchy foods. Heeding the full feeling by ceasing to eat is an important part of the lifestyle changes that must be made after gastric bypass surgery.
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