Eating Stages of Bariatric Surgery

The way to eat after one goes through bariatric surgery, can be confusing and misleading, which leaves post-operation patients frustrated and possibly sick. According to Linda Aills, lead researcher of a study published in the September 2008 issue of "Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases," after any type of bariatric surgery, patients progress slowly from clear liquids to solid foods to allow the digestive tract to heal. At BeliteWeight, JoAnne and her team are here to help and guide you during this process to a full recovery and let you shed those pounds off! So don't wait, BeliteWeight! :) 


Below are the different eating stages after the surgery. 

Liquid Stage:

After bariatric surgery, you will begin with water and other sugar-free clear liquids such as gelatin, Popsicles and broth, according to the University of Wisconsin Health System. After the first day or two, you will be allowed to drink or eat anything that forms a liquid at room temperature, including strained soup, pudding and protein shakes. These liquids provide nutrition while allowing your body to heal. If you had a restrictive procedure, such as a gastric band, or a combination procedure like a gastric bypass, the size of your pouch will limit the amount of liquids you can take in at any given time so you will need to sip liquids all day long.

After two weeks of liquid, you may begin to add pureed or mushy foods to your diet to allow your body to adjust to eating solid food. At this state, you may eat sugar-free food blended to the consistency of baby food, including small amounts of meat, fruit and vegetables, says Aills. Include a variety of healthy foods, including low fat yogurt and milk. Drink water and other sugar-free, caffeine-free fluids between meals to avoid dehydration. Add new foods gradually and, for restrictive procedures, avoid eating too much. Your pouch will hold about one oz. of food at a time, so keep meals small.

Soft Phase:

After four to six weeks, according to your surgeon's instructions, you may add soft foods, such as cooked or canned fruits and vegetables, cottage cheese, fish, eggs and tender meat, says the University of Wisconsin Health System. Avoid tough, stringy foods; soft breads; and other foods that do not digest easily.

Solid Phase:

When permitted by your surgeon, begin adding solid food to your menu plan. Eat a healthy, balanced diet but always eat your protein first because you will need 60 to 80 g per day to prevent losing lean muscle mass, says Aills. Add small amounts of fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your meals but stop eating as soon as you feel full. Continue to drink water between meals but drink nothing during meals to avoid washing the nutrients through your digestive system.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/284836-stages-of-the-bariatric-surgery-diet/#ixzz1Sfm3PNXP



If you have any questions or are interested in getting bariatric surgery, please call BeliteWeight at 1-800-215-6497.