Nutrition After Gastric Bypass Procedure
A gastric bypass diet is a specially designed eating plan to properly help a gastric bypass patient avoid surgery complications and make the transition back to solid foods. The first 3 months after the stomach staple operation will be the toughest to get through due to drastic physical and emotional changes.
Many patients have a hard time dealing with the change in eating habits, some may experience various levels of depression, especially during the first 30 days. Once profound weight loss occurs, complaints of depression drop.
Alterations In Everyday Diet
The First Phase
Immediately after the surgery you will have to fast for 48 hours. This is essential to make sure the stapled area of the stomach heals properly.
After the first 2 days you will begin to ingest very small amounts of liquids. Juice, milk, and chicken broth are common selections.
During this time it is important that the newly stapled stomach does not expand and cause surgery complications. It will also help you get used to the smaller amounts of food you will now be having on a regular basis. This phase will usually last 2 – 4 weeks before your doctor advances you to stage 2.
The Second Phase
The second phase of a new gastric bypass diet will integrate blended or ground up foods into your plan. At this point you’ll be able to puree up various fruits, yogurts, and lean meats into tasty treats that could be squeezed out of a tube toothpaste.
Unfortunately this stage is mandatory so you don’t experience any serious complications. It is also necessary to eat your pastes in small portions to accustom your digestive system to your new eating habits. Avoid spicy foods at this time, as it may irritate your stomach more than before the surgery.
The Third Phase
The next phase will incorporate soft foods into your diet. Anything that you can manually mash up will be considered a soft food. Fruit, cooked vegetables, fish, and ground meat are typically acceptable at this phase. Your portions of these meals need to be very small to avoid overly expanding your stomach. This stage will last about 2 months before your doctor will allow you to move on to the final phase.
The Final Phase
In the fourth and final phase of the gastric bypass diet you will graduate to solid foods without blending them. Your portions will still be small, as they will always have to be, but hopefully at this point you will be starting to get use to the small meals. It is highly suggested that you continue to eat your food slowly and chew it thoroughly before ingesting it.
Living After Gastric Bypass
After gastric bypass surgery you should stay clear of high fat and high in sugar foods. Your doctor will also have you take nutritional supplements or multi-vitamins to make up for the food that you cannot eat.
You will need to take daily vitamins for the remainder of your life.
The tips given above will greatly reduce the risks of bariatric surgery complications.
Nutrition After Gastric Bypass Surgery for 24 months
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