After Surgery Diet

We will give you a detailed post-op diet, but this will give you an idea of what to expect for the first few weeks following surgery.

Your first week
The first and second week you will be on a liquid diet.

During the first week clear liquids are recommended. (water, apple, grape, Tree Top, Ocean Spray and Welch's juices)

From fourth day on - natural fruit juices (strained) and gelatin can be added if well tolerated.

The largest volume that your stomach can accept is 2 fl. oz. at a time, let it rest for 2 hours before serving this quantity again. Have all the clear water that you can in between "meals". Miscalculations may lead to nausea.

Room temperature during the first week is most recommended, slightly cold gelatin is acceptable. Eat gelatin in small chunks and chew and dissolve.

NEVER:
- Keep on eating if you are already satisfied.
- Try to eat more than your stomach can handle.

Your second and third week
Keep in mind that you now have a new stomach, much smaller than a couple of weeks ago; the volume needed to fill your stomach is now 2 oz. It is time to include variety and a few more consistent foods to your diet.

On your second week continue with clear liquids and gelatin and add:

Whole natural fruit juice, use synthetic sugar to sweeten.

The first and second week you will be on a liquid diet.During the first week clear liquids are recommended. (water, apple, grape, Tree Top, Ocean Spray and Welch's juices) From fourth day on - natural fruit juices (strained) and gelatin can be added if well tolerated. The largest volume that your stomach can accept is 2 fl. oz. at a time, let it rest for 2 hours before serving this quantity again. Have all the clear water that you can in between "meals". Miscalculations may lead to nausea. Room temperature during the first week is most recommended, slightly cold gelatin is acceptable. Eat gelatin in small chunks and chew and dissolve. Keep in mind that you now have a new stomach, much smaller than a couple of weeks ago; the volume needed to fill your stomach is now 2 oz. It is time to include variety and a few more consistent foods to your diet.On your second week continue with clear liquids and gelatin and add:Whole natural fruit juice, use synthetic sugar to sweeten.

• Pear and Apple pure
• Soups (broth):
  • Potato
  • Tomato
  • Lentil
  • Vegetable
  • Chicken

On your third week add:

• Chopped fruit (very small pieces)
• Whole vegetable juices

At this time you should be able to handle your new stomach capacity correctly. But always remember to let it rest for 2 hours before repeating the serving of more food.

Measuring is a good idea because miscalculation may lead to nausea and stomach ache.

Food temperature:
Fruit juices are well tolerated cold (no exaggeration)
Warm soups.

Please Remember: - Chew, Chew, Chew! - Do not eat & drink at the same time - Always avoid drinks/liquids with calories - To avoid snaking/grazing, eat meals that fill your pouch - Choose solid foods over liquid/soft foods The best analogy that we have found to help explain to patients why these rules are important is the “Sink Analogy”. We compare your operation to a sink. Think of your new small stomach (pouch) as a very small sink. Imagine pouring liquid into such a sink – if you pour the liquid too fast it will overflow, but if you pour it slower or wait for a minute the liquid will eventually drain through the sink hole. Now imagine putting thick, dense sludge into such a sink – the sludge may never make it down the sink hole unless we add water and stir. NEVER: - Keep on eating if you are already satisfied. - Try to eat more than your stomach can handle.

Take care of your new stomach!

Keep in mind that you now have a new stomach, much smaller than a few days ago, the volume needed to fill your stomach is now 2 oz. During the first week of Bariatric surgery, you will be experiencing not only the adaptation to your new food habits, remember that you will also be recovering from a minimally invasive surgery, symptoms like mild pain and soreness are normal.

Long Term Weight Loss Surgery Guidelines for Success

Eat 3 meals/day

Always eat protein foods first

Do not eat and drink at the same time 

Do not drink 15 minutes before a meal

Do not drink at least 90 minutes after a meal 

An average meal should last approx. 20 minutes

Put your fork down between bites of food

Eat slowly, reduce bite size, chew very well

Avoid gulping foods or drinks

Liquid and soft foods are less filling

Stay away from sugar and fat

A baby spoon/fork and plate can help control portion size

Drink sugar-free beverages (no calories)

Eat a minimum of 70gm of protein per day

Take your vitamins and supplements daily

Limit juices, soda, and alcohol

Avoid carbonated drinks

Buy better quality meat – more tender cuts

Eat until you are full, this will eliminate the need for snacking

Frequent snacks slow weight loss

Your body needs 60-70gm of protein/day to avoid muscle and hair loss

Dry foods may cause discomfort

Eat moist foods – but do not eat and drink at the same time

High fat foods can cause diarrhea

Try new foods one at a time, if not tolerated try again in one week

Always start with one teaspoon of a new food

Shop on the perimeter of the grocery store

Marinate meats with soy sauce, tenderizer, vinegar or wine to soften and moisten them

Intermittent nausea early on – are you overeating or drinking too fast?

Bake, broil, or grill – avoid frying

60% of each meal should be protein

Read food labels carefully

Drink clear liquids constantly (sugar-free)

Hair loss peaks at 4-6 months – this is temporary!

Crab and fish are usually well tolerated

Well cooked dark chicken or turkey are well tolerated

Do not get pregnant for at least 18months until active weight loss stops