GENERAL DIETARY GUIDELINES

  When consuming liquids Please do not use straws or drink carbonated beverages, as these will cause gas. You will start with small amounts of these liquids because you will feel full quickly and you don’t want to tear your sutures.   You should alternate with Nitrotec or Unjury protein supplements.

WHEN YOU GO HOME: Starting on the day you go home from the hospital, you should drink at least 4 oz. (120cc) of liquids every hour, alternating the High Protein Liquids (22grams per 3 Tablespoons) with the low calorie liquids. These liquids should not be taken all at once. Sip slowly and avoid drinking more than 2 oz. every 30 minutes. You need to get a total of 6-8 cups of fluid each day to avoid getting dehydrated. This will take some effort on your part because you may not feel hungry or thirsty at first. 

FOCUS ON PROTEIN: Try to consume at least .5 (1/2) gram of protein per pound of bodyweight per day. Protein will help you heal from your surgery and keep you healthy as you lose weight. It may also help you avoid the hair loss that can happen with rapid weight loss. Optimum Nutrition Pro Complex is an excellent Protein for this just use 1 scoop per serving will supply 27 grams high quality protein with added glutamine and vitamins.

TAKE YOUR VITAMINS AND MINERALS: You will need to take a complete vitamin/mineral supplement every day for the rest of your life. This is due to a combination of eating less food and decreased absorption of some vitamins and minerals after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Due to the large size of adult vitamin/mineral supplements, we suggest you start with 2 chewable children's vitamins with minerals for the first 1-2 months (ex: Flintstones Complete, Bugs Bunny Complete). After that you can change to an adult complete multiple vitamin/mineral . If possible it would be better for you to do a Liquid Multi Vitamin as it is much better on your system . Also, if you don't drink milk, you need to take a Calcium Supplement each day to get adequate calcium. It is also very important to supplement your Essential Fats to keep a healthy balance.

Beginning 4 weeks after your surgery, you will slowly begin adding soft, easily tolerated solid foods to your diet. Please do not begin this stage until your physician or dietitian tells you it is OK. Remember to focus on high protein foods and avoid foods that are high in fat ,sugar or fiber. You will probably need to still get some of your protein from milk or supplements until you are able to eat enough solid food to meet your nutritional needs. Getting enough protein in your diet will help you stay healthy and maintain your muscle mass as you lose weight. Eat the high protein foods first; making sure you fit them in. Remember to add only one new food at a time and observe your reaction to it. If you did not tolerate a food well, the problem may be the food you ate, how you prepared it, or the way you consumed it. See the next section for tips on making your diet progression and weight loss successful.