After The Surgery It is important to keep in mind that after surgery, you will not be able to eat the same quantity of food as before the surgery. The surgical procedures will help you lose weight, but it will not do it all. The operation is not a guarantee for weight loss but is designed to provide a tool to allow you to retrain your eating habits and begin to make lifestyle changes necessary to achieve and maintain weight loss. The exact amount of weight loss can not be predicted. Weight loss depends on your commitment to adhere to the postoperative diet and exercise recommendations.
The operation will not take care of large fat folds on the arms, legs or abdomen. Plastic surgery may be desired at a later date.
It is important to consider these facts carefully before agreeing to this operation.
Diet After The Surgery The diet after weight loss surgery typically advances in several stages. At all stages of the diet, it is recommended to avoid foods high in sugar and fat. It is also important to remember that diet progression and tolerance is very individualized.
Look at the diet
Vitamins and Minerals You are required to take vitamin and mineral supplements for the rest of your life.
Taking a vitamin and mineral supplement is vital to maintain your nutritional health and prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies. You are now at greater risk for decreased absorption of vitamins and minerals because:
Specific Vitamin and Mineral Recommendations A multivitamin/mineral supplement is mandatory after all types of weight loss surgery. After gastric bypass surgery or duodenal switch, there is a risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies without supplementation. There is a greater risk for B12 deficiency and calcium deficiency with osteoporosis. Therefore, additional vitamin B12 and calcium are required. Menstruating females and people with low iron levels prior to surgery are at risk for iron deficiency anemia; therefore iron supplementation is required. After surgery, the multivitamin/mineral supplement and calcium is recommended in a chewable form. Eventually, you will be able to take supplements in a pill form as long as the pill is no larger than the size of a little fingernail. If the pill is larger, or thumb nail size, be sure to break it into small pieces, cut it or crush it. If a pill is too large, it could block the stomach outlet. Your physician may recommend a vitamin/mineral supplement specifically developed for bariatric surgery patients. Follow the recommendations from the doctor based on the type of surgery you had.
Hints for taking Vitamin/Mineral Supplements
Protein Protein is the most important nutrient to concentrate on when resuming your diet. During the first month or so you will need to use a protein supplement until you can take in adequate protein from the foods you consume. You may need to continue the supplement if you are not eating as expected. Avoid pre-mixed drinks that have a lot of carbohydrate and fat compared to pure protein powder mixed with skim milk or water.
Protein is important for wound healing, sparing loss of muscle mass, minimizing hair loss and preventing protein malnutrition. Weight loss surgery reduces the capacity of the stomach to a small volume therefore it is important to eat protein foods first. Foods high in protein include dairy products, eggs, fish, poultry, red meat, peanut butter, tofu, dried beans and legumes.
Fluid Fluid intake is very important after surgery. It is important to sip liquids slowly and constantly throughout the day. Fluid intake is important to prevent dehydration and also to help minimize constipation. Fluid intake should be at least 32 oz (1 qt.) to start. Increase over time to at least 64 oz. (1/2 gallon). After surgery, there are some very important guidelines to follow in regards to fluid intake.
1. Do not drink liquids with meals.
2. Do not drink liquids 30 minutes to one hour before or 30 minutes to one hour after meals.
3. Drink plenty of water.
4. Do not gulp liquids.
5. The longer you wait after meals before drinking is better.
6. Do not use a straw.
7. Avoid regular soda and sweetened beverages.
8. Most fluids should be non caloric such as water, diet soda, coffee, unsweetened tea.
9. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Sugar Sugar and foods high in sugar should be avoided for two reasons, dumping syndrome and high caloric intake. Avoid foods in which sugar is listed as one of the first three ingredients on the label.
Avoid Sugar Desserts Candy Cake Cookies Jam or Jelly (all fruit brands are fine) Honey, Molasses, Maple syrup Pies Pastries Sweetened Cereals or beverages Canned fruit in syrup Sherbet, Ice Cream Corn syrup
Fats Avoid high fat foods, which can cause dumping syndrome, and contribute to a high calorie intake, which may lead to weight gain. Fat intake should not exceed 30 grams.