Managing the Diet for Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass nutrition is a big concern following gastric bypass surgery. It is important that you take the time to educate yourself on the post bariatric diet in the weeks preceding your gastric bypass operation. It is essential you understand what you are allowed to eat and what will have to wait until after recovery. You will also want to shop for these products and have them on hand for your return from the hospital.
The first part of the diet will be clear liquids and this will probably be administered in the hospital for the first day or two following surgery. You will move onto step 2 of the diet before leaving the hospital. This can be protein shakes, baby food or pureed strained foods. You should not be eating anything that needs chewed. Anything that needs chewed is not step 2.
In the early stages of recovery, protein is very important. This is what is going to help you regain your strength and energy. Sixty grams of protein should be your daily intake. Vitamins are essential in order to get the vitamins that you are not getting from food. These can be either liquid or chewable and once you get past the first few months your doctor is probably going to prescribe prenatal vitamins.
Soft foods can be reintroduced back into your diet at about 2 weeks. It is necessary to chew your food thoroughly. I heard a lot about this in my presurgery classes and at that time it does not have much of an impact. But if you do not follow this simple suggestion, you are going to find yourself in severe pain. It is hard to remember to chew the food well, because most people are not used to eating that way. It will only take one time of forgetting and you probably won’t forget a second time.
By the time you have reached the third month following your surgery, you should be eating almost anything that you want in small amounts. Meat may have to be cut into small pieces and soaked to make it less course. Fats and items high in sugar may cause pain and dumping syndrome. You have to limit these items to very small amounts or eliminate them completely. Take it easy and you will soon begin to see many benefits to your new life.
Do you need more information on the post bariatric surgery diet? Get tips on following the post bariatric surgery diet.