Diet Plan for a Gastric Bypass Patient

Gastric bypass is a surgical procedure that reduces your stomach to a small pouch so you eat less and feel full sooner. People who have a body mass index of 40 or higher for five years or more are considered candidates for gastric bypass. After the surgery is complete the real work begins for patients. You must learn to choose healthy foods, avoid processed foods and control portion sizes.

Immediately After Surgery

• Your stomach will likely be sore and your body exhausted from the rigors of surgery. You'll be confined to taking small sips of clear broth during those initial days in the hospital. Once you go home you'll be given a strict diet that includes up to one ounce of clear liquids such as chicken broth, water, protein drinks, sugar-free gelatin and apple juice. Protein intake is also important during the first few weeks after surgery because protein aids healing and fuels your metabolism. If your body tolerates the clear diet well, you'll transition to a full liquid diet. Consume liquids such as fat-free puddings, protein shakes, smoothies and low-fat, cream-based bariatric soups.

Introduce Soft and Pureed Foods

• Two weeks after surgery your doctor may allow you to begin eating pureed foods in small amounts. Consume up to one ounce of any food that you liquefy using a blender. There must be no pieces, so mix your food with chicken broth, water or milk before eating. You also should not eat and drink at the same sitting so that you do not overwhelm the digestive process. Stop drinking fluids at least 20 to 30 minutes before you eat and wait 20 to 30 minutes to begin drinking again after you've eaten.
  Five to six weeks after surgery you can begin to eat soft foods such as eggs, cooked and softened noodles, vegetables and finely diced meats. Your food should be tender and easy to chew. Eat six small meals a day and take small sips of water between meals.

Regular Diet

• Three months post-op you should be ready to eat regular, solid foods. Your doctor may prescribe a 1,000- to 1,200-calorie daily diet to continue weight loss. Stay away from sugary or fried foods and choose natural healthy foods including fruit, vegetables, lean meat, eggs, fish, low-fat dairy products and nuts. Eat protein-rich foods first during meals. Protein, such as chicken, fish or legumes, is the most important ingredient to a post-gastric bypass diet because it promotes healing, immunity and weight loss. If you feel full fast you will at least get your protein. Most doctors recommend gastric bypass patients consume between 60 and 100 grams of protein per day. Continue eating small meals and chew your food thoroughly.