The problem of excess weight is familiar to many! Losing weight is not always easy. That’s why people resort to gastric bypass surgery. It reduces the size of the stomach and changes how your body processes food. You will eat smaller portions, absorb fewer calories, and lose weight quickly. The result is impressive! However, after the surgery, it is necessary to follow a diet. And then everything will go in the best way. Let’s discuss the features of gastric bypass surgery recovery.
After gastric bypass for weight loss, diet supports your body’s healing, adapts your eating habits, promotes safe weight loss, and minimizes complications. Designed in conjunction with your healthcare team, diet ensures long-term success. Focus on nutrient-rich foods and mindful eating. Let’s take a closer look.
1-2 days after surgery, you can drink liquids. Include broth, unsweetened gelatin, unsweetened juice, and decaffeinated tea/coffee in your diet. All liquids should be completely smooth, without any pieces or lumps. Start with small sips. And if you feel comfortable, gradually increase the amount. Avoid large sips, as this can cause malaise, nausea, and regurgitation. It is important to stop as soon as you feel full. If you drink too much, you may get a stomachache. It can also provoke vomiting. It is important not to overload your stomach and to ensure proper water balance.
After 1-3 weeks, all food should be pureed and completely homogeneous, without pieces or lumps. Stock up on a blender to grind the food to the desired consistency. Strive for a homogeneous consistency.
Start with broths, unsweetened juices, protein shakes, and pureed foods. You can cook chopped lean meats and soft vegetables. This is tasty, nutritious, and will not put too much stress on your stomach. After 3-6 weeks, it is time to move on to soft foods. Gradually introduce scrambled eggs, Greek yogurt, mashed beans, or finely chopped lean meats into your diet. After 6 weeks, it is time to move on to solid foods.
Start with small, nutrient-rich meals. Your stomach pouch will initially hold only 1-2 tablespoons of food and will expand slowly. Be patient and careful. Avoid overeating to prevent stretching of the stomach pouch. At this stage, continue to eat 3 times a day and try not to leave more than 4-5 hours between meals. You should not overeat or go for long periods without eating. If you are hungry between meals, choose a nutritious snack, such as high-protein yogurt, a glass of skim milk, or a small piece of fruit. Very important! You should discuss your diet with your doctor. Each person’s body is individual. These are only general guidelines. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and adjust your diet as needed.
Be gentle with yourself. Chew your food thoroughly. Each bite should be chewed until smooth to avoid stomach blockages. Eat 20-30 minutes per meal. Never rush. And be sure to stop eating at the first sign of satiety. Frequent small meals are the best way to eat after surgery. Try to eat 6 mini-meals a day. Avoid unnecessary snacks. Do not drink liquids during meals. Wait 30 minutes after eating to drink water. Drink slowly.
We will discuss the features of the diet after surgery.
Give preference to skinless poultry, lean beef, fish, eggs, low-fat dairy products, and legumes.
Protein promotes healing and prevents muscle loss.
To prevent vitamin deficiencies in the body, take supplements for life. Of course, as prescribed by your doctor. Most likely, you will be prescribed a multivitamin with iron, vitamin B₁₂, calcium citrate (1200 mg/day, divided into doses), and vitamin D. Regular blood tests will monitor nutrient levels.
Hard-to-digest foods are not for you right now. Do not eat pasta, rice, dry meat, raw vegetables, popcorn, or nuts.
High-calorie foods should also be avoided. Sugary, fatty, or carbohydrate-rich foods are not suitable. Alcohol is poorly tolerated and contains many calories. Also, avoid carbonated drinks.
Drink 8 cups (2 liters) of water or non-caloric liquids per day. Skip the straws to reduce your air intake when drinking.
Be sure to monitor your condition. See your doctor to monitor your weight and nutrition.
Schedule an unscheduled consultation if your health has changed. Seek immediate help if you experience:
Temporary side effects may include fatigue, thinning hair, dry skin, and mood swings. Fortunately, these often go away as your calorie intake stabilizes. Review your protein intake and portion sizes, and exercise regularly as advised by your doctor. Take care of your mental health, too. And praise yourself for even the smallest victories. Dieting requires discipline. Keep yourself on track. And you can do it.
Why does hunger initially disappear after surgery? The fact is that the reduction in stomach size and changes in gut hormones (e.g., ghrelin) often suppress hunger signals. And this is great news. Now it is important to stick to a structured meal plan.
Avoid skipping meals. Even without hunger signals, your body needs constant nutrition to prevent malnutrition, muscle loss, or vitamin deficiencies in the body. Eat enough protein, vitamins (B12, iron), or minerals (calcium). Also, note that low-calorie intake increases fatigue and mood swings. Do not allow this. Use alarms to remind you of mealtimes, even if you are not hungry.
Take care of your health. Follow all the doctor’s instructions. And soon you will be amazed by the result. The main thing is to choose a competent bariatric surgery specialist. We perform three main bariatric surgeries: gastric bypass, gastric banding, and sleeve gastrectomy. We practice an individual approach to each patient. If you are ready to achieve weight loss, contact us! We are waiting for you.
