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After gastric sleeve surgery, it’s important to follow the suggested diet. Failure to do so may lead to serious health problems, including dehydration, constipation, or a leaky stomach.
Your diet during this period should be very low in carbohydrates (bread, pasta, rice) and sugar. It should also be high in protein.
Stage One
Immediately following gastric sleeve surgery, you will be on a clear liquid diet. This includes juice, Jell-O and broth. You will begin by drinking a small amount of each, and gradually increase the volume as tolerated.
You can also use a low-calorie liquid supplement drink or powder to meet your protein requirements during this period. Be sure to drink plenty of water in this stage as well, as dehydration is a common problem after gastric sleeve surgery.
If you are experiencing constipation, it may be due to a lactose intolerance, so take your lactase enzyme tablets (Lactaid or Metamucil-Smooth) and consume at least three cups of milk each day. You can also drink Benefiber, FiberSure or Metamucil-Smooth to promote regularity and help avoid bloating and loose stools.
The size of your stomach after surgery is relatively small, so it is important to eat very slowly and chew very thoroughly. Do not swallow hard, and always stop when you feel full or nauseous to avoid vomiting.
During this phase, you should try to eat at least 60 to 80 grams of protein per day. Protein is essential for repairing your body after surgery and preserving lean muscle mass during this healing process.
Aim to eat 3 meals and 2 snacks each day, but this can vary greatly depending on your individual needs. You should keep a food diary to help you track your daily intake, so that you can ensure you are meeting your goals.
Be sure to follow the instructions your surgeon or dietitian gives you about what foods are safe to eat in this stage, and how much of each to eat. If you have any problems with certain foods, talk to your doctor or dietitian about introducing them one by one over the next few weeks.
The goal of this stage is to fill up on fluids, but it is also important to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are easy to digest and provide a wide range of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals.
You can also add a small amount of fat to this stage as long as it is in moderation. Some fats are easier to digest than others, so be careful when deciding what to eat in this stage.
Stage Two
The gastric sleeve is an effective weight-loss surgery that reduces the size of your stomach. After the operation, your stomach is about one-quarter of its original size. This helps you to feel full more quickly, which results in fewer calories consumed and less fat storage.
This procedure also eliminates the cells that produce ghrelin, the hormone that causes hunger and promotes fat storage. This makes sticking to your diet easier and can make your recovery easier.
Before your operation, it is a good idea to start a healthy diet. This will ensure that you are in good shape and have the best chance of a successful procedure.
During this stage, you should eat small meals throughout the day. You will also be given a list of foods to eat and should try them gradually, so you can monitor your response.
You will also be advised to drink plenty of fluids, preferably water. This is because your body needs the extra fluid to help heal after surgery and keep you from getting dehydrated.
If you are not drinking enough liquids, you will need to add protein shakes to your diet. These can be made from a mixture of water and a high-protein powder, such as soy, egg or almond milk.
Your doctor may also prescribe bariatric vitamins and supplements for you to take during this period. These can include calcium, vitamin D, iron and potassium.
It is important that you stick to your diet plan at this stage, as it will help you to lose weight faster and maintain the weight loss you have achieved during surgery. It will also help you to regain a normal appetite and prevent complications from your surgery.
You will need to eat a soft diet during this phase, and should try to consume 4-6 small meals each day. You will also be required to have at least 60+ grams of protein and 64+ ounces of fluid each day.
Stage Three
During Stage Three of the suggested diet after gastric sleeve, you’ll be introduced to soft and pureed foods. This phase will last for a few weeks until you can tolerate more solid food again. It is important that you chew thoroughly and eat slowly so that you don’t overeat or become sick from eating too much.
The hunger-producing hormone ghrelin decreases during this phase, so you may not feel hungry as often. You also need to continue drinking enough liquids (64 ounces) and protein shakes to prevent dehydration.
You can begin to include more calorie-free fluids like broth, unsweetened gelatin and water between meals. Drinking large amounts of clear liquids is key to healing after gastric sleeve surgery, as it can help prevent dehydration and other post-bariatric complications.
In this stage, you should focus on nutrient-dense foods that are easy to digest and can be mashed. This will give you plenty of vitamins, minerals, and protein to support your body’s healing process after gastric sleeve surgery.
It is also important to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and small servings of whole grains. These can be cooked or raw, depending on your preferences. You should also be hydrated, and you can begin to include some dairy products.
Your protein intake should increase to 60 gr per day. This will help to build lean muscle mass and provide you with energy. You should still be taking a daily multivitamin and two 400-600 mg doses of calcium citrate to ensure that your daily requirements are met.
During this phase, you can return to eating three meals a day. You’ll also be able to eat some snack foods as long as they are nutrient-dense and can be mashed.
This phase is called “soft diet.” The stomach and sleeve are sensitive during this stage, so it’s important to go slow. It’s also a good time to try introducing more solid foods, such as meats and cooked vegetables.
You should eat well, exercise regularly and maintain a positive attitude about your weight loss journey. It will take some time to get back to your pre-op weight, but with proper eating and exercise habits, you can achieve your goal and enjoy life again!
Stage Four
Stage Four is the time when patients are able to start adding soft, pureed foods to their diet. These foods should be introduced slowly and in accordance with the diet plan that was provided to you by your dietitian.
The diet at this stage should be very low in fat, and high in protein. It should also be rich in vitamins and minerals, which are vital to a healthy body after bariatric surgery.
During this period, it is important to drink sufficient amounts of liquids throughout the day. It is recommended that patients drink at least 2.5 liters of water per day, and it is essential to avoid sugary and carbonated beverages.
Once a patient has completed this stage, it is then safe to eat solid food again. However, it is still vital to eat slowly and chew thoroughly. It is also recommended to drink calorie free fluids between meals, as this will help in maintaining the required intake of water and nutrients that the body needs to function well.
At this stage, a patient should also start taking vitamin and mineral supplements. These are especially necessary to ensure a healthy diet in the early post-surgery period, and they should be taken daily.
In the first five days after surgery, a patient should be drinking clear, nutritious liquids and should only eat a small amount of food at each meal. It is best to eat foods that contain low-fat proteins and vegetables, along with healthy, nutrient-dense carbohydrates (such as whole wheat bread).
For the next six weeks after surgery, a patient should continue to eat a variety of fresh, fruit and vegetable foods. They should also eat a lot of protein, such as eggs, lean meats (such as chicken and turkey), low-fat cheese, and nut butter.
A person should also avoid simple sugars such as candy, cookies, ice cream, syrup, sherbet, and jelly. This is because they contain refined sugar, which can interfere with weight loss efforts. Instead, it is better to eat whole fruits and vegetables, as they are high in fiber. Having a balanced diet after gastric sleeve surgery can help reduce the risk of many of the complications that are associated with this type of bariatric surgery.
