People who have gastric bypass surgery should follow some recommended dietary guidelines after the procedure. Bariatric feeding is required for all patients who have undergone gastric bypass or gastric band surgery. Eating the right foods in the right amounts is the key to a successful surgery. After surgery, patients must follow a special diet and change their eating habits, as both surgical procedures place a physical limitation on the amount of food they can eat.
Why is bariatric nutrition important?
Patients need to assess the role that food plays in their lives and how they use it to deal with stress, emotions, anxiety, boredom, and other feelings. After surgery, they can no longer use food for comfort or coping. The doctor will guide you through each phase of the diet plan. Successful weight loss depends entirely on making good food choices and being as physically active as possible.
After surgery, most people experience a “honeymoon period” for about four to six months when they have no appetite for food. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and pain. Studies indicate that gastric bypass surgery affects at least eight metabolic pathways, which can reduce cravings and cause the body to burn more fat.
Portion sizes for meals should be no more than eight ounces. Bariatric nutrition helps patients stay healthy and achieve their desired weight.
Dietary guidelines after surgery
People who have weight loss surgery gradually progress through four or five phases of the diet. Dietary recommendations vary depending on the type of procedure. In general, patients are not allowed to eat for a day or two after surgery. They can only consume clear liquids such as broth, strained soup, unsweetened juice, water, tea, soy milk, artificially sweetened noncarbonated beverages, and diluted fruit juices. The doctor may also prescribe protein drinks.
Within a week of bariatric surgery, patients can add full fluids to their diet. This category includes skim milk, protein shakes and shakes, cream soups, yogurt, vegetable juice, and sugar-free desserts. Carbonated drinks are not allowed.
In the third phase of the diet, patients can eat pureed foods. They are allowed to consume oatmeal, applesauce, scrambled eggs, sugar-free popsicles, low-fat cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, egg whites, diced peaches, cooked vegetables, and baby food. Six weeks after surgery, dieters can gradually transition to solid foods.
Drinking plenty of fluids is recommended to prevent dehydration and replenish normal water loss. Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass. Patients are encouraged to drink high-protein beverages. Eating large meals can cause problems. It is advisable to eat six small meals a day. White bread, rice, sweets, high-fat foods, and alcoholic beverages should be avoided.