A bariatric diet is one that is linked to bariatric surgery, where a patient’s stomach is surgically reduced to restrict the intake of food or control the amount of nutrients being absorbed by the digestive system. The whole purpose of bariatric treatment is to treat a patient who is overweight or obese because of which he or she is susceptible to life threatening conditions or already suffering from them. These weight loss surgeries include Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve and Vertical Banded Gastroplasty. A bariatric diet comprises three main stages:

• Pre-surgery to prepare your body for the procedure
• Post-surgery, to transit to normal foods at a controlled rate
• Post weight-loss to ensure the weight does not return

Pre-Surgery Bariatric Diet

After doing the necessary evaluations and when the decision is made to undergo bariatric surgery, you will be advised to maintain a pre-surgery diet for anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks before the procedure. The pre-surgery diet is designed to help you lose roughly 10 percent of your planned weight-loss target.

There are many reasons for a bariatric diet before surgery, one of them being to convince your physician and insurance company that you have the will needed to adhere to the dietary restrictions imposed, since bariatric surgery is a lifetime commitment. You have to accept the fact that the amount and quality of food you eat for the rest of your life will be restricted.

Another reason is to lessen the size of your liver, which is located near your stomach, so as to minimize the risk of accidentally incising it during the operation. Reducing body weight and limiting carbohydrate intake shrinks the liver. The size and condition of the liver will also help the bariatric surgeon determine whether a laparoscopic procedure or open surgery should be the preferred surgical approach in your case.

The pre-surgery bariatric diet would typically be restricted to between 800 and 1,200 calories a day which will include from 70 to 120 grams of protein. Protein helps decrease the size of the liver, protects tissue and aids in the healing process. About a fortnight before the surgery you might be advised a complete liquid diet which will consist of protein drinks, meal replacement shakes, fiber shakes and other liquid high protein supplements. Some physicians might recommend drinking broths as part of the diet.

Post-Surgery Bariatric Diet

This is the most critical phase which must be adhered to rigidly, as the success of the whole exercise rides on it. Deviating from the prescribed bariatric diet after surgery will result in failure with every possibility of additional health complications. The post-surgery bariatric diet comprises 3 stages.

• Immediately after the operation you will be restricted to liquids like juices, broths and water, as the reduced stomach cannot sustain pressure. You should sip your liquids at frequent intervals and never swallow full mouthfuls. This transition period lasts for about a week or so.
• During the next stage you will be permitted pureed and blended foods. These should be high-protein like cheese, yogurt and eggs. Ensure the food is smooth and well blended, without any lumps which your stomach will not be able to cope with. Chunks will make you vomit and induce pain.
• The third stage, generally a month after surgery, lets you eat soft solid foods which could be pureed if needed. Foods like fish, meat paste, cottage cheese, pasta, rice cereals, rice, eggs, noodles and canned fruits are recommended. The idea is to get you back to chewing soft mouthfuls of food and return to a normal diet.

Maintenance Diet After Weight Loss Surgeries

The final stage is to revert to normal solids. However, you will be advised to control your fat and sugar intake so that you do not add to your calories which will make you gain weight. Your dietician will recommend a daily intake of 1,400 calories. If needed, your dietician will customize a diet for you. The way to maintain your new, healthy weight is to eat as advised, exercise regularly and keep a constant check on your weight.