Gastric bypass surgery changes the digestive system, which limits the amount of food a person consumes. According to the Mayo Clinic, this surgery is the most common weight-loss surgery in the United States and has fewer complications then other surgeries for weight loss. As long as you make healthy diet changes, gastric bypass surgery can provide long-term weight loss and reduce health problems caused by obesity, such as high-blood pressure and sleep apnea.
Diet at the Hospital
The day after surgery, you'll be allowed to consume clear liquids only, according to Duke University. When drinking liquids, avoid using a straw or consuming carbonated beverages that allow extra gas to make its way into the stomach. This can be uncomfortable.
Diet After Leaving the Hospital
After you leave the hospital, Duke University recommends drinking 2 ounces of protein liquids every hour (except during the sleeping hours). If you are thirsty and have already consumed a protein drink, you can drink a low-calorie beverage (not carbonated) every 15 minutes.
Choose a protein drink that has fewer than 30 grams of sugar and at least 10 grams of protein per 8 oz. serving. Examples include: instant breakfast drinks, prepackaged protein drinks and soy protein drinks. If the protein drink is in powdered form, try adding milk (instead of the recommended water) to boost protein grams per serving.
Continue to consume protein drinks for up to three weeks. Once you've followed up with your surgeon, she will recommend that you slowly transition to solid foods. Focus on foods that are high in protein, and avoid fatty and greasy foods. At first, choose foods that are soft, which are easier to digest. Stop eating when you're full, which will feel like pressure in the abdominal area.
Talk With Your Doctor about Vitamins
According to Duke University, vitamin consumption after gastric bypass surgery is important. Try taking a one-a-day chewable vitamin. Make sure the vitamin has at least 18 g of iron and 400 mcg of folic acid. Also, the vitamin should have at least 15 mg of zinc.
A month after surgery, you'll need to start taking a calcium supplement, according to Duke University. Take 1,200 mg of this supplement daily.
