Weight loss surgery is for life. There is no going on and off of a diet. The goal of weight loss surgery is to provide a tool to help make the lifestyle modifications necessary to lose weight.

Initially after surgery, you will begin a liquid diet. The rate of your diet progression depends on the type of surgery. For the gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgeries, the first 2-3 weeks after surgery consists of liquids and pureed foods. For the gastric band surgery, the first 10 days after surgery consists of liquids and pureed foods. You will then progress to soft foods, and finally regular foods.

As you progress to regular foods, gradually introduce new foods. The ability to tolerate foods varies from individual to individual. If a food causes discomfort, don’t eat it. As time passes, you may be able to eat this food. Foods and liquids that may cause discomfort are meat, milk, foods that are high in fat or added sugars, and high fiber foods.

It is important that you eat slowly and chew thoroughly to help your small stomach pouch break down food particles and to allow food to pass through the smaller opening from your stomach into your intestines. It is possible for food to get stuck at the opening of your stomach pouch. Signs and symptoms of a blocked stomach opening include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain and you should call your surgeon if these symptoms last more than 2 days. Allow approximately 30 minutes to eat each meal.

Your hunger after surgery may vary depending on the type of procedure. Many people who undergo the gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures have very little appetite, whereas, those who undergo the gastric band still experience hunger until they start getting fills. Eat only when you are physically hungry. If you are not hungry, don’t eat. Each meal will average the amount of food you can get into ½ to 1 cup (4-8 oz). Stop eating at the first sensation of feeling content. Overeating may cause the small stomach pouch to stretch, cause weight gain, or even rupture of the stomach.

Drinking liquids with your meals may cause pain, nausea, and vomiting. We recommend that you wait 15-30 minutes after meals to drink liquids, never drink liquids with the meal. However, it is important to stay hydrated and to sip on sugar-free, calorie-free, caffeine-free, non-carbonated liquids between meals.

Dumping syndrome, also called rapid gastric emptying, are a group of symptoms which may occur after having gastric bypass surgery. It can happen when foods and beverages high in sugar of fat are consumed and then “dumped” too quickly from the stomach into the bowel. Symptoms of dumping syndrome include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain/cramps/fullness, diarrhea, bloating, belching, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, heart palpitations, sweating, shakiness, feelings of anxiety/nervousness, mental confusion, fainting, and low blood sugar.

Vitamin and mineral supplements will be taken every day for life. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can develop in a matter of months. In fact, the most serious long-term post-op risk for gastric bypass patients is vitamin deficiencies. Supplementation will depend on the individual and type of procedure and will include standard complete multivitamins and calcium citrate plus vitamin D, and may also include vitamin B-12, iron, as well as others as needed. It is important that you are monitoring your vitamins status by keeping your appointments with our office.

Always keep in contact with us. Patients who keep regular follow-up appointments typically have the most successful weight loss and the least amount of complications following bariatric surgery. Since every body is different, regular follow-up is crucial for guidance, education, and support.