The aim of Bariatric surgery is to limit the consumption of food in order to facilitate the process of weight reduction. It is very essential to follow proper diet guidelines and lifestyle changes for achieving the maximum benefits. It is essential to minimize hair loss problem and to maintain hydration, skin elasticity and also lean body mass. These balanced meals help in preserving the muscle tissue and also prevents different nutrient deficiencies.

Benefit of Gastric Bypass Diet

• It allows a patient to eat small amounts of food that can be easily digested.
• A proper diet helps in eliminating all complications and side effects.
• To allow the staple line in the stomach to heal without getting expanded by the food eaten.
• To help lose weight and avoid gaining excess weight.

Diet Progression after Gastric Bypass Surgery

The patient should understand that size of the stomach after the surgery is very small. So it is essential to take 2-3 bites at a time and wait till ten minutes before starting any new food. In comparison to soft solids, liquid empties fast from the stomach. Quick or overeating can result in pain or nausea. Avoid eating creamy liquids such as ice creams, gravies and sauces.

Diet Regime in the Hospital

A patient is required to follow a specific diet post surgery. The patient will be given broth, juices and Jell-O which are high in sugar content. The food portions after the surgery will be very small and the amount will be gradually increased after a patient gets the power to tolerate it.

Diet for First Two Weeks After the Surgery

It is advisable to drink thick liquids that include -

• Sugar-free pudding
• 1% or non-fat milk, if the patient is able to tolerate milk
• Low-fat cottage cheese
• Refined hot cereals that are low in fiber like cream of wheat or rice. Add extra liquid for creating a soup-like consistency
• Optional low-calorie or high-protein liquid supplement drinks
• Soy-based or lactose-free low-calorie drinks
• Low-fat soups or blended broth-based soup
• Also do not eat oatmeal

Diet for 2-4 Weeks Post Surgery

It is advisable to eat soft foods and pureed after 2-4 weeks of the surgery that include -

• Tofu
• Hot cereals
• Applesauce
• Noodles
• Yogurt
• Mashed potatoes
• Lean fish
• Cottage cheese
• Lean ground meats or poultry
• Well-cooked, pureed vegetables
• Scrambled egg substitute or egg whites

Meal Plan for 2-8 weeks Until 2 Months Post Surgery

The calorie intake of the patient can be more than five hundred calories a day. All the meals should be divided into 6-8 small meals. The advisable portion size of liquids is 1/2cups and for 1/4cups for solids.

Meal Plan for 2-6 Months Post Surgery

It is recommended to consume 65-75 grams of protein and 900-1000 calories a day. The daily serving must include -

• Two servings of well-cooked vegetables
• Three servings of dairy products and milk including low-fat and non-fat products
• Three servings of starch while limiting to rice and bread
• One serving of fruit and avoid eating fruits with skin and dried fruits
• Three servings of meat alternative or meat including low-fat and lean meat

Meal Plan for 6 Months After Surgery and Beyond

• Patients should avoid eating dried fruits, popcorn, raw vegetables, red and nut meats, breads and fresh fruits with skin.
• High-protein liquid supplement drinks should be discontinued
• 900-1000 calories should be consumed in a day
• Increase the variety of low-calorie, low-fat and low-sugar foods
• Eat only 2-3 snacks per day and also decrease to 3 meals in a day

Specific Guidelines After Gastric Bypass Surgery

• It is advisable to chew the food slowly in small bites.
• Daily calorie intake should not exceed thousand calories.
• Eat balanced meals in small portions.
• Chewing ice or drinking carbonated beverages can introduce air in the stomach leading to discomfort.
• Follow a diet which is low in fats, sweets and calories.
• Avoid eating fruit juices, sugar-containing foods, sugar and beverages.
• Always keep a daily record of the food consumed in terms of protein and calorie intake.
• The daily calorie intake should be in between 300-600 for the first two months.
• Avoid eating fresh fruits, meats, bread, raw vegetables and rice. On the other hand, ground meats are generally better tolerated.

Protein Diet

A protein diet is recommended that include yogurt, meats, seafood, tofu, poultry, eggs, soy milk, cottage cheese, meats and other milk products. The protein diet helps in preserving muscle tissue. Minimum of 65-75 grams of protein in a day is recommended.

Supplements Required

In order to avoid any kind of nutrient deficiency, a patient must take different supplements. It is required to cut the pills into 6-8 small pieces. Whole pills cannot pass easily from the new anatomy.

Calcium Supplement : A daily requirement of calcium is 1,200-2,00 mg so as to avoid any bone disease and calcium deficiency. It is important to divide calcium doses into 2-3 parts of the entire day.

Vitamin B12 Supplement : It is essential to take 500 mg of vitamin B every day.

Multivitamins : It is required to take high-potency daily chewable mineral and multivitamin supplement containing minimum of 400 mcg of folic acid, zinc, copper, 18 mg of iron and selenium.

Vitamin D Supplement : It is essential to take vitamin D with a quantity of 800-1,000 IUs (International Units) per day. The entire amount should be into different doses of 400-500 IUs twice a day.

Other Supplements : Additional supplements may be required for some patients that include iron or folic acid supplements. These supplements are especially for women who are still menstruating.

Fluids Requirement

• Strictly avoid alcoholic beverages. The absorption of fluid is quicker than before that can make mood-altering effects.
• To avoid dehydration, drink calorie-free or low-calorie fluids. All the fluids should also be caffeine-free.
• Drink at least 64 ounces of liquid every day.
• Always sip about one cup of fluid in between every small meal, 6-8 times a day.