Gastric bypass surgery is one of the most effective ways of losing weight. Patients can lose 30% to 50% of their excess weight within the first six months of the surgery. On average, people lose about 77% of their excess weight 12 months after the procedure.
To make sure you lose weight and stay healthy, you will have to change your diet. In this guide, we will see how you can change your diet.
What is a Bariatric Diet?
A gastric bypass diet refers to the foods you eat before and after a weight loss surgery. The diet allows your stomach to heal without being stretched by the food you eat.
Before the procedure, you should try to build a habit of eating smaller portions of food at a time. This will make the transition to a bariatric diet a lot smoother. By following a proper diet, you will be able to lose weight and avoid side effects and complications from the surgery.
General Guidelines
Your doctor will give the diet guidelines that you should follow before and after the procedure. While these guidelines may vary depending on certain factors, they will usually include the following tips:
- Limit your consumption of saturated fats
- Go for foods that are low in carbohydrates
- Control your portions to avoid stretching out your stomach
- Eliminate or reduce your intake of high-sugar foods and drinks
- Avoid binge eating and drinking
- Avoid taking beverages along with your meals
- Avoid smoking cigarettes
- Develop a habit of consuming protein shakes or protein powders
What Should You Eat Before Going for Weight Loss Surgery?
There are many excellent diets you can follow to lose weight. However, before the surgery, you should especially consume protein shakes and other high-protein foods. It is also important to go for low-calorie foods that are easily digestible.
Some great choices include fish and soft-boiled eggs. You should note that the diet rules may vary depending on certain personal factors, so it is essential to talk to your doctor about your diet.
What Should You Eat After the Surgery?
The recommended diet after weight loss surgery will vary depending on the period after the procedure. One thing you have to remember is that your portions always have to be small. In addition to lowering your calorie intake, this practice will allow you to heal as it will prevent the stomach from stretching.
In the first few days after the surgery, you should consume a liquid diet. Later, you can introduce foods that have a thick and pudding-like consistency.
As you heal, you will be able to introduce soft foods such as boiled eggs and ground meat. About 2 months after the surgery, you can slowly reintroduce solid foods that are easy to digest.
Conclusion
Before and after going through gastric bypass surgery, you will have to adjust your diet. While the diet recommendations may vary from one person to another, you will always need to limit your portions. Make sure you talk to your doctor when creating your diet plan.