Initially, your stomach will only be able to hold 2-3 ounces of food at a time. Start slowly and introduce one new food at a time. Eat slowly and try not to drink at the same time as eating. It should take at least 30 minutes to eat a meal.

STOP eating if you feel pain, fullness, discomfort, nausea, or vomiting. Occasional vomiting sometimes occurs as food intolerances vary on an individual basis. If a food is not tolerated, wait at least a few days and then consider reintroducing it cautiously.

You may experience changes in taste and appetite as well as sensitivities to certain smells. An example of a change of taste that occurs and that is not well understood by doctors is intolerance to particular flavors of toothpaste. Some patients who used to love coffee before the laparoscopic gastric bypass find that the smell of coffee makes them nauseous after the operation. These changes although common, do not have an obvious medical explanation. You may not feel hungry or want to eat, but it is important to eat at regular intervals in order to recover from surgery and stay healthy. During the first week after laparoscopic gastric bypass, the most important diet advice is that you keep yourself hydrated. Do not be frustrated if you are not able to tolerate protein-shakes. If you are able to tolerate the appropriate amount of water and keep yourself hydrated then you are most likely doing fine. Please feel free to call the office with questions at any point during your postoperative care.

Large pieces of food will not easily pass through the narrow connection that is created during the laparoscopic gastric bypass (the gastro-jejunal anastomosis) as well as through the Lap Band. You will need to choose soft foods and chew foods very well when your diet progresses to regular texture. Food will pass through the stomach at a much slower rate than before the surgery. Consequently, you will feel full sooner and will stay satisfied longer.

Avoid high fat foods and foods with added sugar. Patients that undergo gastric bypass surgery may experience an adverse side effect known as Dumping syndrome. Gastric banding patients usually do not experience this syndrome; however these foods should still be avoided.

Drink at least 6-8 cups (48-64 oz) of fluids daily to prevent dehydration but do not drink beverages with your meals. The reason for not drinking during meals is that you want to wait for the food inside your pouch to stimulate the gastric lining to stimulate the nerves involved with the feelings of satiety.

Gastric Bypass: You MUST supplement your diet with a multivitamin, calcium and iron daily for the rest of your life. Vitamin B12 is very important. It is not readily absorbed after gastric bypass and although a B12 shot from your doctor is a possible source- there are formulations that can be purchased at your pharmacy that are absorbed sublingually (placed under your tongue).

Gastric Band: Although vitamin deficiencies are not as common, you should consider supplementing your diet with a multivitamin for the rest of your life.

Bariatric surgery can help normalize feelings of satiety and food cravings. Although the operations change the way in which your body processes food, some of these changes are only temporary. It is important that you start life-affirming habits that will help you succeed. Healthy habits don’t just happen. Do not rely on your operation to force you into healthy habits. These life-style changes take know-how, time, and commitment and support from family and friends. If you’re ready to commit, you need to research the knowledge and tools to develop healthy habits. There are challenges that wait and you will need help to cope with social situations, cravings and emotional eating.

If you tolerate liquids well, Dr. Belsley and the nutritionist will likely recommend you move on to a pureed diet and begin eating three meals per day. However, if you are not hungry, you do not have to eat.

Remember, your stomach will be very small, and so will your portions. You should only eat a few tablespoonfuls at a time. Many patients are able to consume about 16 to 24 ounces, roughly two to three glasses, of protein shake each day.

You must remain hydrated. Hydration is critical, but can be difficult because your stomach will be roughly the size of an egg. Drink 48 to 64 ounces of water each day and sip calorie-free liquids frequently—when not eating.

Bariatric programs generally recommend including quite a bit of protein in your diet. The recommended daily requirement for adults is 60 to 65 grams of protein. Health protein sources include lean mats, beans, eggs (especially the whites), dairy products. Getting enough nutrients is often a challenge for bariatric surgery patients. You have the same nutritional requirements as people who have not had bariatric surgery, but a far smaller stomach and, for gastric bypass patients, a limited ability to absorb nutrients and calories. We generally recommend taking chewable multivitamins and chewable calcium supplements every day.

Examples of Pureed Foods