Regardless of which bariatric procedure that a patient undergoes, they will be on a planned diet as part of the recovery process. One of the most important things to remember is to follow your diet plan designed by our nutritionist and the team at North Florida Regional Medical Center. The post-surgery diet consists of four “phases” of foods. Following the plan, phase by phase, facilitates the healing process and allows the body to acclimate to its new condition.

Phase1: Liquid Diet (Days 1-10)

Immediately after surgery, patients are put on a liquid diet which consists of mild sources of nutrients for the healing stomach. It has two stages: clear liquids and full liquids.

• Clear Liquids (Days 1-4 for Gastric Bypass; Days 1-2 for Adjustable Gastric Band)- The substance of the diet is clear to nearly clear liquids. The liquids cannot have any solid pieces in them; this includes small pieces of pulp in juice. Liquids are to be sugar free and non-carbonated. The patient will sip them slowly. The goal is to build up to consuming 48-64 ounces a day without drinking so quickly that the patient feels nauseas. This limit applies to both Gastric Bypass and Adjustable Lap Band procedures.
• Full Liquids (Days 4-10 for Gastric Bypass; Days 3-10 for Adjustable Gastric Band) – After the body can handle clear liquids without a problem, the patient should switch to “full liquids”. These liquids can have some solid pieces in them, but it is important to make them as fluid as possible. Supplement shakes and even well cooked cereals (oatmeal or grits) can be eaten. The limit is 64 ounces of liquid per day for Gastric Bypass procedures and 78 ounces a day for Adjustable Lap Band patients. Low fat, low sugar food sources that are high in protein are the ideal choices.

Phase 2: Pureed Foods (Weeks 2-5 for Gastric Bypass; Weeks 2-3 for Adjustable Lap Band)

Once the healing process is finishing up and the patient’s body is adjusting to its new stomach, some more traditional foods can be included in the diet. 64 ounces of water should be drunk a day for Gastric Bypass patients while Adjustable Lap Band Patients should consume 72 ounces per day Keep in mind that it should be consumed in between meals. Drinking with a meal will cause the stomach to be full faster and reduce the amount of food that can be eaten. All food must be naturally soft or pureed so that any large pieces are broken down. Patients must avoid food choices that are hard to digest. For Gastric Bypass patients weeks 2 and 3 will be entirely pureed foods, in weeks 4 and 5 the patient can start to have some foods that are soft. For patients who undergo an Adjustable Lap Band procedure, pureed foods are eaten for 5 days and the rest of the phase can consist of soft foods. Remember to eat slowly so as to not over do it. The following food groups (with suggestions) are the basis of the pureed food diet and are listed in order of importance.

• Protein (The most important part of your diet) – Protein is the anchor of the diet and should be eaten first before the patient is full. Soft food choices are important and it is recommended that meals be pureed in a food processor. We suggest:

• Baby Food
• Scrambled Eggs
• Low Fat Yogurt
• Hummus
• Broiled fish (weeks 4 and 5)
• Tofu

• Fruits- Even though fruits are generally soft they should be mashed. All skin must be removed.

• Ripe bananas
• Unsweetened Applesauce
• Sugar free jams/jellies
• Strawberries

• Vegetables- Vegetables provide necessary vitamins. As with fruits, remove all skin and do not choose fibrous vegetables like celery. Remember green vegetables are the best.

• Mashed Potatoes (Not sweet potatoes)
• Boiled Carrots
• Well Done Spinach

• Grains- Grains must mostly be in pureed form as well. Many hot cereals are good choices. Use low fat milk when they are prepared to add protein.

• Grits
• Oatmeal

• Cream of Wheat
• Whole wheat toast (weeks 4 and 5)

Phase 3: Soft Foods (Weeks 6-8 This additional time with soft foods is only for Gastric Bypass patients. Adjustable Lap Band recipients move on to their permanent diet at week 4 or as instructed by their physician. The food suggestions here can be consumed during the second stage of Phase 2 for those who undergo Adjustable Lap Band procedures.)

The third phase does not require that any food be pureed. The diet consists of the soft foods that were eaten along with pureed foods at the end of the previous stage. Remember that patients should not drink within 30 minutes of a meal. They should chew food thoroughly, at least 20 times before swallowing. No fibrous foods are allowed, only soft easily digestible choices. Try:

• Protein- Beef is not allowed nor are cuts of poultry unless they are pureed.

• Fish
• Soy Burgers
• Tofu

• Fruits- Fibrous fruits and skins are still not allowed.
  • Mangoes
  • Berries
• Vegetables- Vegetables are to be cooked well until they are soft. Avoid raw vegetables and fibrous choices like asparagus.
  • Collard Greens
  • Carrots
• Grains- Toasting bread is still necessary as it makes it easier to digest. Enjoying hot cereals is still a great idea but do not add nuts, raisins or anything else.

For Gastric Bypass patients there is a fourth stage that includes the hard foods that can be eaten for the remainder of the patient’s life. This is to be discussed at a different time. Above all, heed the warnings in each dietary stage. Cooking foods well and following the steps precisely will produce the best results for the body.

For more information on bariatric procedures please contact North Florida Regional Medical Center. Visit our bariatric page online or call 1-800-342-6057.

Struggling with weight loss can be an extremely difficult part of a person’s life. After struggling with these issues for years and dealing with the physical and emotional side effects, some people elect to undergo bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery represents a group of surgical procedures that have been proven to be vastly effective at helping patients achieve significant long-term weight loss. Bariatric procedures are life altering and require considerable preparation.

Make the Decision

While bariatric procedures can have fantastic outcomes, they are not necessarily for everyone. Take the time to ask yourself these questions.

· Does my weight affect my life in a way that makes day-to-day activities more difficult?

· Am I ready to commit to a new lifestyle involving a completely changed diet and regular exercise after I have recovered from my procedure?

· Do I have the financial means or the proper health insurance that would allow me to afford a bariatric procedure?

· Has my weight problem surpassed the point where it can be controlled with by diet and exercise?

· Do I understand that there are risks as well as benefits associated with a bariatric procedure?

If you answered “yes” to all of these questions, then it may be time to seek the advice of a licensed professional to find out more about how a bariatric procedure may be able to change your life!

Understand the Process

Call our Center to find out how to schedule an appointment with one of our surgeons. They will evaluate whether or not you qualify for a procedure from a medical standpoint. They will also explain the procedures, some of which include:

o Adjustable Gastric Banding- A less invasive procedure in which a silicone band is placed around your stomach to create a smaller pouch. Over time the tightness of the band will be changed to change the size of your stomach

o Gastric Bypass- A procedure where the upper portion of your stomach is stapled to divide it from the lower portion of your stomach. Your intestines are attached to the upper portion, creating a smaller stomach that facilitates weight loss.

It is a good idea to also speak with someone who has undergone a procedure and has gone through recovery and into life after a bariatric procedure. Contact our Center or check out our calendar of events to find out when the next support group is being held. This will allow you to talk with and question others who have been in your exact position.

Prepare for Surgery

Once you have been cleared and scheduled for a procedure, there will be more necessary preparation:

· Nutritional Counseling- In the weeks before your procedure you will meet with our Center’s dietitian. The specialist will adjust your food intake and develop a pre-surgery diet for you to get your body on track. The dietitian will also help you plan for your post-surgery diet. This expert will be a valuable resource, providing understanding of what it will take to maintain weight loss and reduce recovery complications.

· Home Preparation- When you get home after surgery you will be tired. Having food that you can eat already at your house is a great idea. You can purchase supplements that your dietitian recommends and baby food in advance if you choose to make them part of your diet. You can also cook meals, puree them and store them in your freezer so you will have less work after your surgery. Be warned that regardless of how much you love to cook, you just might not have the energy when you first get home. You will also want to clean your house and make sure everything is how you will want it when you get home.

· Body Cleansing- You will have to prepare your body for the procedure beforehand. Some of the things that you will need to know are:

o Stop taking aspirin or ibuprofen 7 days before your procedure.

o Stop taking any herbal medicines or supplements 7 days before your procedure.

o You will still be able to take other medications that you are on at your surgeon’s discretion.

o Stop smoking at least 2 days before your procedure.

o Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before you are scheduled for your procedure.

For more information on bariatric procedures please contact North Florida Regional Medical Center. Visit our bariatric page online or call 1-800-342-6057.