Your Diet Following Gastric Bypass Surgery

 After gastric bypass surgery you will need to change the way you eat for the rest of your life. The surgery will initially educe the amount your stomach will hold from 1000 ml (4 cups) to 30 ml (about the size of  2 tablespoons or a hardboiled egg). By time your new stomach "pouch" will expand to allow you to eat almost regular meals.  At the beginning the small pouch reduces the amount of food you can eat at any one time and you will feel full after eating very small meals. Your overall food intake is therefore lowered. You must also take your vitamins and minerals every day for the rest of your life to avoid nutrient deficiencies.

The gastric bypass diet is designed to help you lose weight and keep it off. Most patients will lose up to 40-70% of their excess body weight within two years. However, if you do not follow the nutritional guidelines, you can develop health problems and even gain the weight back. The information provided will help you develop new eating patterns to ensure a healthy weight loss.

The gastric bypass diet is broken down into four stages and moves from liquids to solids over a 6-week period. These stages are detailed to help you understand the new eating habits "Diet Stages".  At first, you will only be able to eat a few spoonfuls of food.  Protein will be an essential part of your diet.  You must take your time while eating and drinking and recognize when you are full. Stop eating at the very first sign of fullness. One more bite can cause stomach pain or make you vomit.

Tips for optimal weight loss

• Take your time while eating or drinking. Allow 45 minutes for each meal.
• Stop eating at the first sign of fullness.
• Sip at least 48-64 oz of calorie-free and non-carbonated fluid each day.
• Wait at least 30-45 minutes before or after meals to drink calorie-free liquids (i.e., water, Crystal Light).
• Take small bites and chew your food well before swallowing.
• Choose low fat foods.
• Avoid concentrated sweets and sugar.
• If desired, use a sugar alternative like Nutrasweet (aspartame), Sweet 'N Low (saccharin), Splenda, and Stevia.
• Do not chew sweetened gum. Choose sugar-free gum.

Food You May Not Be Able To Eat

Most patients upon reaching Stage IV they discover that food intolerances vary from person to person. Here are some ideas on how to deal with certain foods.

1. Tough meat – Use a marinade or tenderizer
2. Fresh bread – Toast slices
3. Stringy vegetables – Use a blender and strainer to separate undigestible fiber
4. Membranes of oranges and grapefruit – Remove them
5. Skins of fruits and vegetables – Peel apples, pears, and potatoes
6. Coconut – Avoid altogether
7. Dairy products – Use soy milk or low lactose milk