Gastric bypass is a life-altering procedure for those suffering from obesity and leading a compromised life. It has is health benefits and helps reduces the risk of co-morbidities associated with excess body weight. It helps one lead a socially fulfilling life and make people feel better about themselves, boosting their confidence and spirit. However, one needs to cautiously follow the gastric bypass diet plans to get desired results from the surgery. Here is a guide to an ideal gastric bypass recovery diet.
Pre-op Liquid Diet
Yes, you heard it right. You will have to follow a specific diet even before you undergo the procedure. This is done to reduce the amount of fat around the liver and spleen. Gastric bypass diet before surgery mostly comprise of liquid food, i.e.,
- Protein shakes or meal replacement shakes
- Sugar-free beverages
- Do not consume carbonated or caffeinated beverages
- Soup broth without solid food chunks
- V8 or vegetable juice
- Cream of wheat or rice
- Lean meat or vegetables once or twice a day if approved by your surgeon
Post-op diet guidelines
You would need to follow a very strict diet after Dr.Jalil’s Gastric Bypass Surgery. Here is a week-by-week guide:
Week 1
During the first week, you can consume only clear liquids at 1-2 ounces per hour. You can consume:
- Fat-free milk
- Fat-free broth
- Water
- Sugar-free jellow
In this stage, it is very important to be hydrated at all times.
Week 2 and 3
At this stage, you can consume protein shakes and pureed foods. Again, no solid food yet. Your diet would look like:
- Egg whites
- Protein shakes
- No-fat soft cheese
- No-fat cottage cheese
- Pureed meat or fish
This food should be pureed with water, fat-free milk, or clear broth. Daily consumption should be around 60-70 gm of protein along with 64 ounces of clear liquid.
Week 4 and 5
During week 4 and 5, you would be allowed to consume soft foods such as:
- Lean chicken, turkey, or fish
- Egg whites
- No-fat cottage cheese or tofu
- No-fat cheese
- Vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, green beans, tomatoes, squash
- Cucumbers
- Bananas
- Avocados
You would require the same amount of protein and clear liquids as in week 2 and 3 spread across 3-6 small meals throughout the day.
Week 6
This is when you can have solid foods. Your diet will include proteins, a limited amount of grains, vegetables, and least amount of refined sugars as prescribed by your dietician/ surgeon. There are a set of practices to follow, such as maintaining a 30-minute gap between intake of food and water, and one should cautiously follow them for best results.
Pre and post gastric bypass diet is essential to ensure desired weight loss hence should be followed seriously.
