What is Bariatric Surgery? A Step-by-Step Dietary Guidelines to Follow Post-Surgery

Following weight loss surgery, following a diet plan is essential. Here are some health tips to follow after bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery includes gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and other weight-loss procedures, such as a non-surgical intragastric balloon. These procedures involve altering the patient’s digestive system to help with weight loss. Bariatric surgery is performed when diet and exercise have failed or when the patient experiences significant health problems due to their weight. Although there are numerous advantages to weight loss surgery, it is a substantial procedure with significant risks. To increase the likelihood of long-term success with weight-loss surgery, patients should make long-term beneficial modifications to their diet and exercise regularly.

Healthy foods that you can incorporate into your diet:

1. Foods rich in protein: Protein is a nutrient-dense food consisting of amino acids vital to the body. It is crucial for those who have had bariatric surgery, as some of the weight lost may be muscle. Sufficient protein intake can help someone build muscle mass. Additionally, protein helps build and repair tissues. Low-fat cuts of meat, eggs, and dairy products: cottage cheese, low-fat cheese, low-fat milk, curds, yogurt, etc. Soybeans, soymilk, tofu, soybean chips/pellets, sprouts, and legumes are examples of soybeans and soy products.
2. Non-Starchy Vegetables: Focus on non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, asparagus, and spinach after protein. You may feel bloated or gassy after eating starches like chips, rice, white bread, and pasta, so you should avoid them.
3. Fruit: Dietitians advise filling your plate with fruits in moderate amounts. Fruits help meet your daily needs for fiber, vitamins and minerals and prolong your feeling of satiety. These can be a healthy approach to satisfying a sweet tooth because they are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Berries, apples, and citrus fruits are examples of low-sugar foods to choose.
4. Fluids: Intolerance to water alone is typical after bariatric surgery, which can cause fatigue, dehydration, and constipation. Meeting your fluid needs with alternative low-calorie beverage options is best to alleviate these concerns. Liquids to think about after surgery include lemon water, buttermilk, vegetable juice, vegetable soups, green tea, and coconut water.

Post-bariatric surgery diet progression:

1. Phase 1 (clear liquid diet) four days to 1 week
2. Phase 2 (full liquid diet) from the 2nd to the 3rd week
3. Phase 3 (puree diet) from the 4th to the 5th week
4. Phase 4 (adaptive/soft diet) in the 6th and 7th week
5. Phase 5 (stabilization diet) at week eight and for life

At each stage of the gastric bypass diet, you must take care of:

1. Eat three modest meals a day and be mindful of portion sizes: Eat and drink slowly to avoid dumping syndrome, which occurs when food and fluid enter the small intestine quickly and in larger amounts than normal , which causes nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating and diarrhea.
2. Chew food thoroughly to a pureed consistency before swallowing once you have stopped drinking only liquids.
3. Drink fluids between meals, not with meals. Wait about 30 minutes before and after a meal to drink anything.
4. Replace high-fat, sugary, or salty foods with healthier alternatives, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat yogurt, nuts and seeds, whole-grain toast with avocado, a veggie omelet, or oatmeal with berries and walnuts.
5. Planning your meals is a great way to eat healthy after weight loss surgery. Doing this can keep you from making unhealthy choices like fast food when you’re in a hurry or away from home.

According to Dr. Aman Priya Khanna, co-founder of HexaHealth and a general, laser, bariatric and minimal access surgeon, “After weight loss surgery, it is crucial to engage a qualified dietitian or nutritionist to create a personalized eating plan that suits your specific requirements. They can support your weight loss efforts and help ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs. Take vitamin and mineral supplements daily as directed by your healthcare provider.”