What Can You Eat After Stomach Reduction?

According to 2007 statistics, in almost every state, one out of every five people can be considered overweight. The prevalence of obesity is related to numerous health conditions, and as a result, those who are obese are looking for ways to slim down. When diet and exercise fail, some people who suffer from obesity turn to stomach reduction surgery to lose weight. These individuals need to follow a very specific diet after having the surgery.

First Days

• For the first one to three days following stomach reduction surgery, the digestive system of the individual must recover from a severe trauma. The person who has the surgery is more likely to experience nausea and vomiting, especially since pain medications often are given after the surgery is finished. To help the individual keep food down and to get adequate calories and nutrients, only liquid foods such as clear broth are permitted.

Weeks 1-4

• Following the initial days after surgery, purees are introduced into the diet. There can be no solid pieces in the purees. It is typical for the pureed foods to be recommended for two weeks to a month.

Weeks 5-12

• Soft foods aren't reintroduced to a person who has had stomach reduction surgery until about the four-week mark. Most foods are permitted, so long as they are well-cooked and tender. Cooked vegetables, fresh soft fruit and meats that have been finely diced are good choices. The person who has had stomach reduction must continue to eat soft foods for about eight weeks, depending on how she tolerates the foods and how well she is healing from the surgery.

Weeks 13 Forward

• At three months after surgery, an individual may return to a normal diet that includes both hard and soft foods. The hard foods that are reintroduced should be high in nutrients and fit into a well-balanced meal plan.

Considerations

• Stomach reduction surgery means that the size of an individual's stomach is smaller. Consequently, an individual will not be able to eat as much at one time after surgery as she could before surgery. For this reason, she should take small meals more frequently, and should consume liquids outside of meals instead of with meals, because the liquids can take up the room needed for the more nutritious solids. Additionally, individuals who have had stomach reduction surgery should limit their sugar and fat intake.