Stepping into a new chapter of your life after bariatric surgery is an exciting and transformative experience. This transformative procedure reshapes the body and helps tackle obesity and lifestyle diseases. However, bariatric surgery needs a lifelong commitment to a healthy diet and paves the way for a new relationship with food.
As you embark on this journey, finding the right foods to nourish your body, aid recovery, and promote weight loss or maintain lost weight becomes essential.
We’re here to guide you through a selection of five foods to eat after bariatric surgery that can make a positive difference.
What is the Purpose of Post-Bariatric Surgery Diet?
The gastric bypass diet is designed to:
- Facilitate healing and recovery.
- Allow healing of your stomach without being stretched by the food you eat.
- Get used to eating the smaller portions of food that your stomach can comfortably and safely digest.
- Help provides essential nutrients.
- Prevent any complications from the surgery.
It’s important to remember that the specifics of your post-bariatric surgery diet plan will depend on factors such as your type of surgery, medical history, and nutritional requirements. Your healthcare team will provide personalized guidance to ensure you follow a diet that aligns with your unique needs and goals.
What to Eat After Bariatric Surgery?
After bariatric surgery, it’s essential to focus on foods providing the necessary vitamins, minerals, and protein while supporting your weight loss and healing goals.
Here are five things to include in your diet after bariatric surgery–
Liquids
In the immediate post-surgery phase, you will be on a liquid diet for about two weeks. It is essential to stick to the strict guidelines provided not to deplete your body of necessary nutrients and prevent dehydration.
The options often include:
- Broth
- Juice
- Gooey liquids
Gradually, after two weeks, patients can begin adding thicker liquid/ semisolid options high in protein and lower in fats and sugars. These provide more nutrients while still being easy to digest.
Some examples include:
- Refined hot cereals
- Low-fat milk
- No-sugar yogurts
- Low-fat soup
Supplements
You must include essential supplements to prevent nutrient deficiencies during the first few weeks after surgery. These supplements in your diet help you receive nutrients that you receive from foods but cannot currently consume.
The most common supplements include:
- Multivitamins
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Iron
Speak with your doctor directly to determine what supplements are right for you.
Pureed Foods
After two weeks of tolerating liquids, you may begin adding pureed foods or blended foods to your diet. Portion control and how slowly you eat are essential when adding new foods.
Only add one new food at a time and keep the portions small and the food options soft. Only take up to two bites every 20 minutes until you confirm your body can tolerate the newly added food.
The most common pureed options include:
- Applesauce
- Low-fat yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Cottage cheese
- Soft scrambled egg whites
- Lean meat or fish
- Canned fruit
Avoid foods with chunks or solid pieces.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of any balanced diet.
You may begin incorporating them back into your diet in pureed form around 2-3 weeks post-surgery. Avoid dried or skinned fruits, and ensure all vegetables are well-cooked and soft.
Milk and Dairy Products
Dairy is essential to a well-balanced diet if you are not lactose intolerant. You may begin adding dairy around two weeks post-surgery. It is important to choose options that are low-fat or non-fat.
Three servings a day is the goal, and some of the best choices include:
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cottage cheese
Your healthcare provider and registered dietitian will guide you through the specific dietary stages and recommendations tailored to your surgery type and individual needs. Regular follow-up appointments will help ensure your progress and address any concerns.
Additional Tips
Gastric bypass surgery reduces your stomach size and changes how food enters your intestines. After surgery, getting adequate nourishment is essential while keeping your weight-loss goal on track.
Your surgeon is likely to recommend that you:
- Eat and drink slowly.
- Keep meals small and eat several small meals a day.
- Drink liquids between meals. You must drink at least 8 cups of fluids daily to avoid dehydration.
- Chew food thoroughly.
- Focus on high-protein foods.
- Avoid foods with high fat and sugar.
- Take recommended vitamin and mineral supplements.
The gastric bypass diet is essential to recover from surgery while supporting your weight-loss goals. It’s important to note that if you return to unhealthy eating habits post-surgery, you may not lose all of your excess weight or regain any weight you do lose.
Considering Bariatric Surgery? Consult our expert Dr. Girish Juneja
Consulting with our experts at our weight loss surgery clinic in Dubai can help ensure you make the right decision for your health and well-being.
Dr. Girish Juneja is highly experienced in weight loss and bariatric surgeries, providing personalized care to his patients so they can enjoy a successful outcome from their procedure.
If you’re considering this procedure, schedule a consultation with us today.
