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Nutrition

Because there will be a major difference in the quantity and quality of food you can eat after surgery, nutrition is an important consideration in your weight loss and maintenance.

That’s why provides pre & post-operative classes in the nutritional aspects of surgery as well as written materials. We’ve also included a wealth of information on this site, to help you establish a balanced diet and improve your eating patterns.

Balanced Diet

Eat a high-protein diet. Because the quantity of food you can consume at a meal is reduced, it is important that what you do eat be of good nutritional value. Eat foods from each of the four food groups, but focus on proteins.

SUGAR INFORMATION

You must not eat more than 6 grams of sugar per serving. This will help you avoid slow weight loss, weight creep, gas, diarrhea, or a condition which is called "dumping syndrome" (heart palpitations, light-headedness, sweats and sleepiness which can last 20 - 30 minutes and cause you to feel very ill).

Read Your Product Labels. IF SUGAR (OR A SUGAR DERIVATIVE) IS ONE OF THE FIRST FOUR INGREDIENTS, LEAVE THE PRODUCT IN THE STORE BECAUSE THERE IS TOO MUCH SUGAR IN IT!

EATING NON-CULTURED DAIRY PRODUCTS WILL ALSO CAUSE GAS, DIARRHEA AND DUMPING SYNDROME. Buttermilk may be used.

REMEMBER: If using fruit juices, we advise our patients to mix all fruit juices with 75% water and 25% fruit juice because of the natural sugar.

CLEAR LIQUIDS

You will be on clear liquids for the first 4 weeks after surgery. Clear liquids include Sugar-free Jello, sugar free popsicles, Crystal Lite (NO tea flavors because of caffeine), and broths (veggie, beef or chicken). If you drink clear 100% fruit juices, you must dilute 25% juice with 75% water because of the natural sugar.

You will begin eating pureed food after 4 weeks. At that time, you may eat anything that agrees with your stomach except for milk, sugar and high fat foods.

WATER INTAKE

You must drink 2-3 QUARTS of water daily in addition to other clear liquids you may drink.

You may drink all the liquids you want during the day. However - you must wait 30 minutes after drinking before you eat a meal. Then, after eating, you must wait another 1 1/2 - 2 hours before you resume taking liquids because food needs to stay in the pouch so that you can feel full. Drinking liquids too soon will push the food out of the pouch too quickly and you will feel hungry again. YOU ARE NOT TO EAT AND DRINK AT THE SAME TIME.

REMEMBER: The water used to mix with protein DOES NOT count towards your daily water intake.

FOOD MEASUREMENTS

Food is measured for every meal as soon as you begin the pureed stage and you will continue to measure your food until you hit goal weight. Measuring prevents the pouch from stretching.

The type of surgery you have determines how much you may eat.

Gastric Bypass patients may have 1 ounce 5 times a day.

Adjustable Gastric Band patients may have 1 ounce 3 times a day.

Eating Patterns

After surgery, you will need to change your eating patterns to prevent gastric discomfort and vomiting, band slippage or obstruction of the stoma (the opening for foods leaving the upper stomach), and to accomplish your desired weight loss. You will need to concentrate on chewing, notice when you are feeling full, establish routine meal habits and eat a balanced, high-protein diet.

Chewing

Eat slowly and chew foods until they reach a mushy consistency. Swallowing food in chunks may block the opening of the gastric pouch and prevent the passage of food. The following hints can help improve your eating habits:
1. Set aside 30 to 45 minutes for each meal.
2. Take small bites of food. Try eating with a baby spoon.
3. Try to chew each bite 30 times before swallowing.
4. Explain why you need to eat slowly so others will not urge you to eat faster.
5. Pay attention to taste. Enjoy flavor, texture and consistency.
6. Stop eating as soon as you are full.

Feeling Full

Besides causing you to vomit, extra food over a period of time may stretch your gastric pouch and cause you to regain weight. Indications of fullness may be:
1. Feeling pressure under your breast bone.
2. Feeling nauseous.
3. Pain in your shoulder area or upper chest.

Meal Habits

Set aside 3 - 5 mealtimes per day and eat solid foods only at these times. It is important for you to eat nourishing food and avoid snacking. Eating often during the day may slow your weight loss. Avoid liquids with meals.

Beverages

Drink four to six cups of non-caloric liquids each day between meals, but never during meals. Liquids prevent dehydration and encourage weight loss. We recommend water and decaffeinated tea or coffee. You must eliminate high-calorie drinks such as milkshakes, soda pop, beer and other alcoholic beverages from your diet. Consuming high-calorie liquids allows your body to absorb calories without creating the sensation of fullness. This results in poor weight loss or weight gain.