Bariatric Diet Plan Post Weight Loss Surgery

The objective of all bariatric surgery procedures is to help morbidly obese patients or those at life-threatening risk from any obesity-related condition to lose enough weight so as to get as near as possible to one’s normal weight. People with a Body Mass Index of 40 and above, which translates to roughly about 100 pounds excess weight of in men, and 80 pounds in women are considered morbidly obese and candidates for bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery works provided the patient is committed to certain lifestyle changes which include a lifelong dietary change. But if the patient reverts to bad eating habits or a sedentary lifestyle then the benefits of bariatric surgery will be negated and will have no lasting benefits. According to reports, many patients regain their lost weight within 3 to 5 years after a bariatric procedure.

The Gastric Bypass Diet

This diet has been customized for patients recovering from gastric bypass surgery as a healing diet and to get them slowly accustomed to new, lifetime eating habits. The diet which will be prescribed at time of your discharge will specify exactly what type of food you can eat at each meal and in what quantity. If you observe this diet closely it will help you reach your target weight slowly and be able to maintain it.

Objectives of the Gastric Bypass Diet

This diet has been designed with multiple objectives in mind:

• It allows the staple line in your stomach to heal without the risk of being stretched by an excess quantity of food
• It helps you get accustomed to smaller meals which are more easily digestible and better suited to your reduced stomach
• It helps you lose weight safely and maintaining your weight loss as you progress
• It helps avoid complications and side effects

Stages Of Bariatric Diet Plan After Gastric Operations

Post bariatric surgery diets or Postoperative Diet Plans vary according to the type of procedure performed, but in general the principles are the same. A side effect of weight loss procedures is that you might develop an aversion or intolerances to certain kinds of foods. Within three months of surgery you should be able to eat regular foods with a firmer texture. Post-surgery, your diet might be broken up into four phases.

Phase 1: Liquid Food

For a day or two immediately following surgery you will not be given any food so that your stomach can begin to heal. After that you will be started on a liquid diet and possibly semisolids to observe your reaction. You should sip slowly and confine your intake to no more than 2 to 3 ounces at a time. Caffeinated beverages and carbonated drinks are disallowed. This phase should last a week.

Phase 2: Pureed Food

The next stage, which might last from two-to-four weeks, is eating pureed foods of a smooth, paste consistency completely free of solids. Your diet could consist of foods like fish, lean ground meat, yogurt, cottage cheese, soft vegetable and fruit. You could dilute the food with fat-free milk, juice without sugar, water, broth or fat-free gravy. Be careful with dairy products and spicy foods which might aggravate your system.

Phase 3: Soft Solids

When you are comfortable with pureed foods, and if your doctor approves, you can progress to soft solids. You should stick with foods that can be mashed with a fork. Try soft fruit, finely diced or ground meat, and cooked vegetables. Stick with soft solid foods for about 8 weeks before proceeding to the next phase.

Phase 4: Regular Food

Make a slow start with regular foods to see how well you tolerate them. Take care with spicy or crunchy foods which might trouble you. Make a note of the foods that do not agree with you which you might be able to eat at a later stage.

If all goes well you should be able to resume a normal diet about three to four months after surgery. There are however some dos and don’ts.

• Always eat several small meals through the day and sip liquids slowly. Never eat more than the recommended quantity of food and stop before you are full.
• Take prescribed mineral and vitamin supplements. In most bariatric procedures part of the intestine is bypassed which limits the ability of the body to absorb the amount of nutrients it needs from food.
• Avoid drinking liquids with meals rather, drink them between meals. Liquid with meals could cause nausea, vomiting and pain as well as dumping syndrome. Your liquid intake must be between 6 and 8 cups a day to avoid dehydration.
• Chew food thoroughly and eat slowly, the same with drinks. Be careful with foods high in fats and sugars, like ice creams and candies, which are best avoided. Stay away from deep-fried foods and look for sugar-free options.
• Be cautious when trying out new foods.
• Try to eat more high protein foods which are a good long-term option.

Following a strict dietary regime is crucial in determining the success of your weight loss operations. You do not want to waste your effort or money after going through all the difficulties only to fall at the last hurdle. Consult your Bariatrician regularly and ensure that you are on the right diet track.