Since the gastric bypass surgery is the beginning of a more restrictive diet, following a diet for gastric bypass can be a challenge. But with proper planning and research, following a diet for gastric bypass can be just another step in a patient's journey to health.
The diet for gastric bypass involves proceeding through several stages. A diet for gastric bypass starts with clear liquids immediately following surgery. This stage of the diet for gastric bypass can last a few days and includes any liquid that a patient can see through, as well as diet gelatin, sugar-free juice, broth, and fizz-less pop ("flat"). The first step in the progression diet for gastric bypass involves sipping these liquids, only 2-3 ounces at a time. A patient will usually be in the hospital for this stage of the diet for gastric bypass.
As the clear liquid phase of the diet for gastric bypass is tolerated, a patient can move on. More substantial liquids will be added to the diet for gastric bypass before a patient leaves the hospital. High protein drinks can be taken as the progression diet for gastric bypass continues. This might include Ensure or Carnation Instant Breakfast as this part of the diet for gastric bypass.
The length of time for this part of the diet for gastric bypass can be up to 2 weeks, depending on how the patient can tolerate the diet. Another part of this phase of the diet for gastric bypass is the taking of a chewable multivitamin/mineral to compensate for any nutrition deficiencies that the surgery may have inflicted.
The next stage of the diet for gastric bypass is a soft/pureed diet. This part of the diet for gastric bypass will be approved by a doctor as some patients need longer to begin it. High protein, soft foods can be added into the diet for gastric bypass-eggs, low-fat cheese, cottage cheese, pureed fish, chicken, or pork. The main concern with this part of the diet for gastric bypass is that everything be as smooth as possible. Baby foods can help in this part of the diet for gastric bypass.
The final stage of the diet for gastric bypass involves regular food in smaller amounts. The doctor will normally approve this diet for gastric bypass at about 8 weeks after the original surgery. All five food groups can be included in the diet for gastric bypass now with liquids being consumed between meals.
Main things to remember for the diet for gastric bypass:
- 3-6 small meals should be eaten daily
- ½ cup of food at a time
- Chew foods slowly and thoroughly
- Do not over eat
- Gum can block the stomach if swallowed; best to avoid it
The new diet for gastric bypass may seem restrictive and difficult to follow, but with time, the new habits will take hold. Just as the unhealthy diet became a way of life, so will the diet for gastric bypass.
