Eating after weight loss surgery is one big factor whether the surgery will be a success. It is important that patients will cooperate with the surgeon and follow all the instructions eating what to and what not to eat for several days, weeks and months after the surgery.
After the weight loss surgery, the patients should still follow the weight loss surgery diet to ensure effective weight loss and to avoid complications later on.
Only non-carbonated drinks are allowed during the first two days after the surgery. Samples of non-carbonated drinks may include:
Water
Tea
Broth
Artificial sweeteners like Splenda or Equal can be given, as they are free of calories; however these should be given in moderation as it might result to dumping syndrome to patients.
3 to 30 days after weight loss surgery:
If non-carbonated drinks are well tolerated by the patient, the doctor will recommend that pureed foods may be slowly given three meals a day.
Samples of pureed foods may include:
Protein shakes
Chicken Broth
Scrambled eggs
Low fat milk
Low fat yogurt
Low fat frozen yogurt
Drink forty-eight up to sixty-four ounces of water everyday. Keeping hydrated is important because patients may already feel fullness that is why their water intake is relatively less; however, keep in mind that hydrating is very important.
Eat protein from healthy sources only. The healthy protein requirement for adults is 60 to 65 grams of protein.
Samples of healthy protein include:
Eggs especially white
Lean meat
Dairy products
Beans
1 month to lifetime weight loss surgery diet
One month after the weight loss surgery, the surgeon will recommend that solid foods may be slowly introduced by now.
Solid foods should be slowly introduced, only few tablespoons are allowed by this time. If foods give poor reaction to the body, don't panic, as this is part of normal process since this is the first month of after the surgery.
However, if you have any severe reaction to foods call your doctor immediately.
Drink more than 64 ounces of water or calorie free drinks. Avoid fruit juices as they may contain calories.
Eat 60 - 65 grams of protein everyday.
Eating healthy foods should always be part of the weight loss surgery patients.
Samples of healthy food for lifetime may include:
Tofu
Fish
Protein shakes
Soft pasta
whole cereals,
Lean chicken, turkey or pork
Things to observe after surgery
Do not drink water while you are eating. Drink water 30 minutes after eating.
Chew your food very slowly up to little bits.
Do not eat hurriedly. Give your self 30 minutes in eating. Eating hurriedly might give you indigestion.
Regular exercise program is needed but do not exercise right after eating.
Ask your doctor which type of vitamins is recommended to you
If you have nauseous feeling, vomited or had observed pain in the abdomen, let your doctor know it immediately.
