Bariatric surgery is the first step in the journey to weight loss. Following surgery, patients have an opportunity to revolutionize their lifestyles, starting with their diet. Since weight loss surgery alters the way your body’s digestive tract works, patients must slowly move into a new diet that emphasizes nutrition and portion size.

The Liquid Diet

For the first three weeks after surgery, patients must stick to a strictly liquid diet. The stomach is still healing, and is not yet able to digest solid food properly. It’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions very closely during this time, to prevent dehydration and ensure proper nutrition.

Every hour, drink 2 oz (1/4 cup) of a high-protein liquid that has no more than 15 to 20 grams of sugar, and at least 13 grams of protein per 8-oz serving. The liquid should fit through a regular strainer and contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals. About fifteen minutes after consuming the protein drink, drink 2 oz of a non-caffeinated, non-carbonated beverage that has few or no calories. It may be easier to stick with room temperature liquids and take small sips.

Moving to Soft Foods

Once the doctor and dietitian give their approval, it’s okay to move to soft foods. This step usually occurs six to eight weeks after surgery. Some patients will find that they still need their liquid protein and vitamin supplements, depending on how well they tolerate different foods. It’s best to focus on foods that are high in protein but low in sugar, fat, and fiber. Foods like eggs, soft fish, or ground poultry are all good options.

During this stage, eat four to six small meals per day and add only one new food at a time to build tolerance. After surgery, you’ll feel full much faster, so eat foods that contain protein first. Then move on to fruits and vegetables. Be sure to take small bites and chew food thoroughly. Steer clear of items that may be difficult to swallow or digest, such a sticky or stringy foods, or pastas and breads.

Incorporating Solid Foods

Most patients can start eating solid foods within 10 to 12 weeks of surgery. Although you may find that your stomach cannot immediately tolerate all the foods you ate pre-surgery, eventually you’ll generally be able to enjoy all foods you ate before. But in order to maintain weight loss, healthy food choices are critical; keep avoiding foods that have little nutritional value or contain lots of fat or sugar. Doctors recommend the following guidelines for your diet after bariatric surgery:

• Incorporate plenty of protein. Every meal should include at least 3 oz of lean protein, such a turkey, fish, chicken, beans, or lentils. Stay away from higher-fat red meat and pork.
• Include as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible. Aim for veggies that offer a lot of nutritional “bang for your buck,” such as spinach, kale, and other leafy green vegetables.
• Increase portion size gradually, but keep portions smaller than they were pre-surgery. A dietitian can help you learn how to measure portions, understand serving size, and read food labels.

If you have questions about nutrition after bariatric surgery, contact us at North Florida Regional Medical Center. Visit us online or call 1-800-342-6057 for more information.

The Internet has completely changed the face of how many of us retrieve information. Granted, you need to be able to trust the source but there is a wealth of information about weight loss surgery available as you begin your journey toward this new healthy lifestyle. If it’s been a while since you underwent the procedure, take a look at the list because you’re bound to find some new valuable resource that can help you in your continued weight loss maintenance efforts.

• Lap-Band. This is the official website for the manufacturer of the system, Allergan. Visit this site for specific information about the banding procedure itself and some helpful diagrams and animations.
• Weight-control Information Network (WIN). This is a great resource available to the public through the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and National Institute of Health (NIH). Various informative publications are available in both English and Spanish including this one on Bariatric Surgery. The site also includes important statistics, research and data about obesity and its impact on particular demographics.
• ILOST. The International Laparascopic Obesity Surgery Team has established this website as a means of educating both physicians and those considering the procedure. Based in the UK, ILOST features detailed information about the surgery and plenty of post-surgery data including a section on adjustments and what the entail; diet and nutrition suggestions after surgery; and a comprehensive list of FAQs.
• WebMD’s Weight Loss Surgery Health Center. This special section of the popular medical website is devoted exclusively to content directly related to various bariatric surgical procedures, including adjustable gastric banding. Topics like Steps to Prepare and the Effects of Weight Loss Surgery address the whole picture of undergoing a weight loss surgical procedure and offer additional tools and information for your use.
• Bariatric Advantage. This website is primarily an online catalog of nutritional supplements designed specifically for weight loss surgery patients, but its FAQs tab is reason enough to check out the site. Get answers for some of the more common questions related to typical vitamin, mineral and nutritional needs of many bariatric surgery patients. For free samples of Bariatric Advantage products specifically formulated for needs after Adjustable Gastric Banding as well as after Gastric Bypass, please contact the Center and let the dietitian know you are interested.
• Unjury. Similarly, we recommend you check out this other product-based site, a series of protein powders that many of our patients use to ensure they get the proper amount of daily protein. The site even offers protein diet guides specifically for weight loss surgery patients pre-surgery, immediately following surgery and long after the procedure.  We carry free samples of Unjury in our Center, and we also have all flavors of the full-sized Unjury jars (17 servings per jar) available for sale. Please contact the Center if you are interested.
• My Big Life. This is a relatively new online weight loss surgery social community that’s member-based and features bloggers sharing personal insights as well as articles about different phases of the weight loss surgery journey.