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Life After Surgery
The following identifies areas that will be important for patients to follow after weight loss surgery.


Diet
Going Back to Work
Birth Control & Pregnancy
Long-Term Follow-Up
Support Groups


Diet


The modifications made to your gastrointestinal tract will require permanent changes in your eating habits that must be adhered to for successful weight loss. Post-surgery dietary guidelines will vary by surgeon. You may hear of other patients who are given different guidelines following their weight loss surgery. It is important to remember that every surgeon does not perform the exact same weight loss surgery procedure and that the dietary guidelines will be different for each surgeon and each type of procedure. What is most important is that you adhere strictly to your surgeon's recommended guidelines. The following are some of the generally accepted dietary guidelines a weight loss surgery patient may encounter:

When you start eating solid food it is essential that you chew thoroughly. You will not be able to eat steaks or other chunks of meat if they are not ground or chewed thoroughly.
Don't drink fluids while eating. They will make you feel full before you have consumed enough food.
Omit desserts and other items with sugar listed as one of the first three ingredients.
Omit carbonated drinks, high-calorie nutritional supplements, milk shakes, high-fat foods and foods with high fiber content.
Avoid alcohol.
Limit snacking between meals.
 

Press For More Detail On Diet



Going Back to Work
Your ability to resume pre-surgery levels of activity will vary according to your physical condition, the nature of the activity and the type of weight loss surgery you had. Many patients return to full pre-surgery levels of activity within six weeks of their procedure. Patients who have had a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure may be able to return to these activities within a few weeks.



Birth Control & Pregnancy
It is strongly advised that women of childbearing age use the most effective forms of birth control during the first 16 to 24 months after weight loss surgery. The added demands pregnancy places on your body and the potential for fetal damage make this a most important requirement.



Long-Term Follow-Up
Although the short-term effects of weight loss surgery are well understood, there are still questions to be answered about the long-term effects on nutrition and body systems. Nutritional deficiencies that occur over the course of many years will need to be studied. Over time, you will need periodic checks for anemia (low red blood cell count) and Vitamin B12, folate and iron levels. Follow-up tests will initially be conducted every three to six months or as needed, and then every one to two years.



Support Groups
The widespread use of support groups has provided weight loss surgery patients an excellent opportunity to discuss their various personal and professional issues. Most learn, for example, that weight loss surgery will not immediately resolve existing emotional issues or heal the years of damage that morbid obesity might have inflicted on their emotional well-being. Most surgeons have support groups in place to assist you with short-term and long-term questions and needs. Most bariatric surgeons who frequently perform weight loss surgery will tell you that ongoing post-surgical support helps produce the greatest level of success for their patients.



 

GASTRIC BYPASS DIET GUIDELINES

To lose weight, calories consumed must be less than calories expended. Gastric Bypass surgery partitions the stomach producing a small pouch that can hold only a limited amount of food, about 1-2 ounces at a time. The resulting decrease in food intake and calories produces weight loss. Weight loss is also facilitated by the "malabsorptive" component of the operation. The rerouting of the small intestine prevents some of the digestive juices from reaching food until it has passed fairly far down the intestinal tract. As a result, less absorption of calories occurs which produces weight loss. Your doctor may prescribe vitamin / mineral supplementation because of this.

Gastric Bypass is a major surgery and requires major lifestyle changes. It radically alters a person's anatomy, physiology and eating patterns. The post-operative period is strictly structured and advances from low sugar/ sugar free clear liquids to regular food gradually over the next 5-8 weeks after surgery. It is imperative to comply with the diet to prevent complications and maximize weight loss.

Because intake is so limited after gastric bypass, it is important to consume nourishing foods in order to maintain your nutritional health. FLUIDS and PROTEIN are most important and should be your focus. You will have to consume small amounts of fluid (12 ounces) on a near constant basis everyday to maintain proper hydration. These fluids should be calorie free such as water, Crystal Light, sugar free Kool-Aid, etc. Once you begin eating foods, you will NOT drink fluid while you are eating. Also, don't drink any fluid until about one hour after completing a meal.

Protein is important because it is needed for healing and maintaining muscle tone. It helps prevent or lessen hair loss (provided you are taking your vitamin/mineral supplements as instructed). Your daily protein need is approximately 80 grams. You will likely need to consume a protein supplement to meet this need. Some examples include:
1. Designer Whey: available at GNC stores in a clear liquid type beverage and also a powder for making "shakes".
2. Promod: a protein powder made by Ross Labs (who make Ensure).
3. Sugar free Carnation Instant Breakfast: available in your supermarket.
4. Carb-Solutions: available at your pharmacy or discount stores (Wal-Mart, CVS)
• Choose a protein supplement that is low in sugar! Sugar is not typically tolerated well after gastric surgery and also contains "empty calories". Ensure, Boost, Slim Fast contain sugar and are not recommended for your consumption.

Progression of Diet after Gastric Bypass Day of surgery: Nothing by mouth (NPO) Day after surgery: Ice chips Weeks 1-2: Low sugar and sugar free Clear liquids Weeks 3­4: Low sugar and sugar free Full liquids Week 5: Puree diet When tolerated: Soft diet When tolerated: Regular foods


CLEAR LIQUID DIET

PURPOSE: To provide calories and electrolytes as a means of preventing dehydration.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: This diet is given in frequent feedings throughout the day. It includes only liquids which are clear at room temperature and emphasizes sugar free and low sugar choices. 1/2 ounce serving as tolerated every 5-10 minutes is prescribed. (1/2 ounce = 15 cc = %Z medicine cup = 1 Tbsp.). If you experience pain or nausea while sipping liquids, STOP until the feeling passes.

RECOMMMENDED CLEAR LIQUIDS: Water, Sugar free drink mixes (Crystal Light, Kool-Aid, etc), Decaf.,Unsweetened tea, Coffee, Sugar free Gelatin, Unsweetened fruit juice, Sugar free Popsicles, Diet soda and Carbonated beverages are discouraged.
• Designer Whey Protein Blast (clear liquid protein supplement)
• Pro-Mod - can add to clear liquids


FULL LIQUID DIET

PURPOSE: To provide protein and minimal calories with liquid foods.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Continue with frequent feedings (1-2 oz.) as tolerated. Emphasis is still on sugar free as well as low fat/fat free choices. This diet allows the unsweetened clear liquids plus skim/low fat milk and milk products. If you are lactose intolerant, try Lactaid milk or milk treated with Lactaid drops. Milk is an important source of protein.

RECOMMENDED FULL LIQUIDS: Skim milk, Low fat cream soups, Hot cream cereals (Cream of Wheat), V-8 juice, Sugar free pudding, Sugar free/fat free smooth yogurt, Fat free broth, Sugar free gelatin, Sugar free Popsicles, unsweetened tea, coffee, unsweetened fruit juice, sugar free drink mixes. Crackers may be tolerated if desired with soup.

TIPS:
• Add powdered skim milk powder to liguid milk to increase the protein content. 2-4 Tbsp. per cup of milk (1 Tbsp adds 3 grams protein)
• Soy or Whey protein powders can be added to milk or soups. Look for powders that contain 1 gram or less of sugar per serving.

Yogurt Smoothie High Protein Milkshake
8 ounces vanilla yogurt (low fat/low sugar) %a cup sugar free ice cream
%z cup skim milk %4 cup skim milk
1 cup frozen fruit (no syrup) 4 Tbsp. dry milk powder
*Blend on high until smooth *Blend until smooth




TIPS
• Add powdered skim milk to liquid milk to increase the protein content: 2-4 Tbsp. per cup of milk (1 Tbsp. adds 3 grams protein)
• Yogurt Smoothie: 8 ounces vanilla yogurt, %z cup skim milk, 1 cup frozen fruit (NO syrup) - Blend on high until smooth.
High Protein Milkshake: % cup sugar free ice cream, '/4 cup skim milk, 4 Tbsp. dly milk powder - Blend until smooth.

Puree Diet
General Description: "Solid" foods are introduced but must be of puree consistency -smooth and creamy; requires no chewing. One ounce servings as tolerated continues. Continue to avoid high sugar/ high fat foods.
Emphasis should be placed on:
1. Selection of protein rich lean meats, poultry, fish. Eggs, low fat cottage cheese and creamy peanut butter also provide protein.
2. Including at least 8 ounces of skim milk daily ( provides protein, calcium, fluid)
3. Maintaining hydration status with adequate fluid intake. DRINK WATER!
4. Eating very slowly! (30 minutes per meal)
HINTS:
Baby foods are often used as they are "ready to eat" and the proper consistency.

Puree meats, vegetables, and fruits are allowed. You may eat mashed potatoes in one ounce servings but try to limit t0 110 more than 4 ounces per day.

Try to eat at least 6 ounces of lean puree meat per day, in one ounce portions, in addition to your milk intake.

Puree fruits ( i.e. applesauce, baby peaches, baby pears, baby bananas, etc.) and puree vegetables ( i.e. baby green beans, squash, carrots, etc.) provide important vitamins and minerals as well as healthy carbohydrates.
Ice cube trays are handy for storing home made puree food portions. Each ice cube section holds approximately one ounce.
- Avoid very hot or cold foods unless well tolerated.

- Sugar free Metamucil or Milk of Magnesia may be helpful if constipated.

*Avoid drinking liquids with you "solid" food. There is not enough room in your stomach for both. Stop drinking about 30 minutes before you eat and wait 30-60 minutes after you've eaten to resume drinking liquids.




Soft Diet

General Description: Solid foods that are easy to chew and digest are allowed. Raw vegetables and fruits (unless ripe and soft) should be avoided. Meats may be better tolerated if chopped or ground. Continue to avoid high sugar and fatty foods.

Recommended Foods:
Meats: Chicken, Turkey, Fish, Lean Pork. Lean Beef is allowed but may be harder to digest - chew very well and eat very slowly!

Other Protein Foods: Soft cooked eggs, Low fat cottage cheese, Low fat cheese, Low fat creamy peanut butter, dried beans (cooked well), Tofu

Starches: Potatoes (no skin), rice, noodles, ready-to-eat corn or rice cereals ( i.e. grits, Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, etc.), bread. *Avoid high fiber/ bran foods and anything with nuts or seeds

Vegetables: Soft canned vegetables. Fresh or frozen vegetables are allowed if cooked well.

Fruits: Soft canned fruits, no sugar added. Fresh fruits are allowed if soft - no skins! No citrus fruits or membranes.



HINTS:
- Begin to develop a more regular meal schedule instead of grazing all day long.
- Try 3 meals, 3 snacks. Continue to drink fluids throughout the day but do not drink beverages at the same time you are eating. (discussed earlier stage)
- You may attempt to eat 2 ounce portions of meat at "meal time" if tolerated. DO NOT overeat to the point of discomfort.
- Eat slowly. Allow 30 minutes to eat a meal.
- ALWAYS EAT YOUR. PROTEIN FOOD FIRST!

Sample Meal: 1-2 ounces Meat/ Protein food
1-2 Tbsp. "side dish" (vegetable and/or fruit)



Regular Post Gastric Bypass Diet

General Description: A regular diet now means that you can eat anything you want as long as you can tolerate it. You will likely find that foods you have eaten in the past are not tolerated well now. This is because of the small stomach size and decreased stomach acids for digestion. Some foods may be better tolerated with time to come. You are encouraged to consistently eat low fat and low sugar foods for healthy weight control.


REGULAR POST GASTRIC BYPASS DIET: SAMPLE DAY

7:00 AM 2 ounces beverage (water)
7:30 AM 2 ounces beverage (water)

8:00-8:30 AM Breakfast: 2 eggs; 2 Tbsp. applesauce

9:00 AM 2 ounces beverage (coffee)
9:30 AM 2 ounces beverage (skim milk with 1 Tbsp. dry milk powder)
10:00 AM 2 ounces beverage (water)

10:30-11:00 AM Snack: '/4 cup (2 oz.) low fat cottage cheese

11:30 AM 2 ounces beverage (skim milk with 1 Tbsp. dry milk powder)
12:00 PM 2 ounces beverage (diet lemonade)

12:30-1:00 PM Lunch: 2 ounces lean meat; 2 Tbsp. vegetable

1:30 PM 2 ounces beverage (tea)
2:00 PM 2 ounces beverage (tea or water)
2:30 PM 2 ounces beverage (skim milk with 1 tbsp. dry milk powder)
3:00 PM 2 ounces beverage (water)

3:30-4:00 PM Snack: 2 Tbsp. dry roasted nuts or seeds

4:30 PM 2 ounces beverage (water)
5:00 PM 2 ounces beverage (skim milk with 1 Tbsp. dry milk powder)
5:30 PM 2 ounces beverage (water)

6:00-6:30 PM Supper: 2 ounces lean meat; 1 Tbsp vegetable; 1 Tbsp. fruit

7:00 PM 2 ounces beverage (tea)
7:30 PM 2 ounces beverage (skim milk)
8:00 PM 2 ounces beverage (water)

8:30-9:00 PM Snack: '/4 cup (2 oz.) low fat, sugar free yogurt or pudding

9:30 PM 2 ounces beverage (water)
10:00 PM 2 ounces beverage (skim milk with 1 Tbsp. dry milk powder)
10:30 PM 2 ounces beverage (water)
11:00 PM 2 ounces beverage (water)

This menu provides approximately 910 calories, 87 grains protein, 44 ouncesfluid per day. This is minimal fluid - try to drink more water through the day!



SAMPLE MENUS AFTER GASTRIC BYPASS
Brea&Last Ideas
D 1 poached egg with % slice crumbled bacon over it; I canned peach half
D I -2 scrambled eggs; 2 Tbsp. oatmeal with milk.
D 3 Tbsp. ground ham; 2 Tbsp. grits; I canned pear half
D '/2 slice thin bread with cheese, toasted
D 3 Tbsp .cottage cheese with 1 Tbsp. chopped canned peaches
D I egg/cheese/mushroom omelet; 4 grapes
D 3 Tbsp. shredded beef in 1 Tbsp. cream sauce over %i slice thin toast
D 1 slice cheese with 2 saltine crackers; 2 Tbsp. applesauce
D 2 Tbsp. smooth peanut butter on 1 cracker with 1 Tbsp. plain yogurt
Lunch and/or Supper Ideas
D 1 % inch square of milk meatloaf; 1 Tbsp. green beans
D 3 Tbsp. baked chicken with broth; I Tbsp. rice; 1 Tbsp. greens
D 3 Tbsp. flaked fish 3 Tbsp. canned peas
D I slice cheese melted over 2 Tbsp. macaroni; 1 small broccoli flower
D 4 Tbsp. beef-rice casserole; 1 Tbsp. green beans
D I-2 ounce meatball; 1 Tbsp. mild spaghetti sauce; 2 Tbsp. noodles
D 3 Tbsp. canned salmon; 2 asparagus tips; 2 Tbsp. applesauce
D I-2 ounces pork roast; 1 Tbsp. mashed potatoes with %Z tsp. margarine; 3 beet slices
D 2 ounces stewed chicken; 1 Tbsp. noodles; 1 Tbsp. soft cooked carrots
D 1-2 ounces roast turkey with broth; 1 Tbsp. mashed sweet potato; I-2 Tbsp. stewed summer squash
D 1-2 ounce tender roast beef with broth; I Tbsp. baked potato with Y2 tsp. margarine; 1 small broccoli flower
D 1-2 ounces ham; 1 Tbsp. greens; 1 Tbsp. mashed sweet potatoes.
D 1-2 ounces beef stew meat; 1 inch potato cube; 2 carrot pieces
D I ounce mild cheese; 2 Tbsp. baked beans; 1 Tbsp. tomato sauce
D 1-2 ounces baked veal cutlet; 1 Tbsp. buttered noodles; 1 small cauliflower flower
D 3 Tbsp. tuna; 2 Tbsp. noodles; 1 Tbsp. peas - mix in form of tuna noodle casserole
Between Meals
D Minimum of 6 cups fluids per day! Take 30 -45 minutes before or after your meals.
D Include = plain water, skim milk (8-12 ounces/day), orange juice (6-8 ounces) -diluted if better tolerated, other unsweetened juice (4 ounces)
D Protein drinks are recommended if you have trouble eating meats - preferably low sugar varieties. Example: sugar free Carnation Instant Breakfast; Designer Whey beverage or protein powder (available in GNC stores)


'1
PROTEIN COUNTER

To ensure that your diet is adequate in protein, use this list to count the number of grams that you eat in a day:

I ounce of meat (beef, pork, poultry, or fish) = 7 grams

1 whole egg = 7 grams

I/4 cup egg beaters = 5 grams

8 ounces of milk (skim or 1%) = 8 grams

I/2 cup beans = 6-8 grams of protein

I/2 cup starchy vegetables (like potatoes), rice, pasta = 2-3 grams

 
 

 

Our offices are located in:
Rock Hill, SC (803-324-5858) and Chester, SC (803-581-0233)

                          



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