Gastric Bypass Diet

Phase 1 of the gastric bypass diet is not something you will have to think a lot about. This is what you will be eating the first few days following your surgery. It will be served to you by the hospital dietitian.

It will consist of clear liquids and if you are like I was, you will have no desire to eat anything whatsoever. But you will have to make an effort to eat. It is necessary for the healing process and for you to regain your strength. It is important that you begin drinking water also.

Bariatric vitamins will be started within a few days. These can be chewable or liquid. This time will not be easy and you will be amazed at how little you will be able to consume. Many of us remember our last meal and God willing, we will never eat that way again. The first few months will be a challenge. A great deal of your time will be consumed with trying to get enough proteins and liquids. Just remember it is the beginning for a new thinner you!

Phase 2 of the gastric bypass diet consists of any of the three foods-protein shakes, baby food or strained, pureed foods. The important thing here is that consume 60 grams of protein and drink 32 ounces of beverages. Sugar is a huge no-no and will cause you great pain if you eat it. It may also cause dumping syndrome. You will follow this phase of the diet for the next 2-4 weeks and I was required to eat a step 2 meal before I left the hospital.

I opted for the protein shakes for most of the duration of this step. The thought of eating baby food did not appeal to me. I also struggled with the pureed and strained food, because it was difficult to get enough protein. I did puree salmon, but it just wasn't the same. I drank protein shakes that has 15 grams of protein in them. I returned to work less than 3 weeks after my surgery. They were easy and convenient.

Step 3 of the gastric bypass diet is the most difficult of all the steps. This step can begin anywhere from 2-4 weeks following surgery. This is where you will begin adding solid food back into your diet. Start with soft foods that are high in protein, such as; cottage cheese and scrambled eggs. It is very important that you chew your food until it is liquid. This may not sound appealing to you, but you will be glad that you did it this way.

DO NOT drink anything in the 30 minute period preceding or following the time you are going to have a meal. You stomach is very small and will not hold the food and the liquid. The liquid can cause gas and trust me when I tell you, it will be painful and could be prolonged.

This is somewhat an experimental stage for different foods. Course meats should not be eaten during this stage of the gastric bypass diet. Certain vegetables may not be desirable either. Try a few well chewed bites of foods that you enjoy. Limit foods high in fat and severally limit anything with sugar (less than 10 grams per meal).

When in doubt or not feeling well, bariatric protein is always a good choice and many weight loss surgery patients use it throughout the rest of their lives.

The fourth step of the gastric bypass diet begins about 8 weeks after surgery. At this point you should be able to eat almost all foods. You should always limit your fat and sugar intake. Try foods in moderation for the first time. As in any diet, you will feel best if you stick with lean protein, fruits and vegetables.

Course meats, such as; steak will be most difficult. You may want to cut it into small pieces and add it to a broth to soften it. Some people will eventually be able to eat almost anything and others will have problems with several types of food. The next several months will be a learning period. Embrace your new life, work on developing healthy habits and if you have difficulties with solid foods, take a break and go back to your liquid gastric bypass diet until you feel better. I know some people that had their surgery several years ago and they still have protein shakes daily. The shakes keep them from gaining weight and provide all the required protein.