Gastric Sleeve Surgery Dietary Guide

1. Eat 3 meals per day. Avoid snacking and grazing.
2. Eat small amounts. Initial portion size should be no more than 1 – 2 ounces -
approximately 2 – 4 Tablespoons – of food per meal for the first month. At first you
may not be able to tolerate this amount. Over time, you will slowly tolerate more
volume at each meal. Long term, the stomach will eventually hold about 4 – 8
ounces (1/2 – 1 cup) of food per meal.
3. Eat protein foods first.
4. Do not try to eat food and drink liquid together.
• Consume liquid 30 to 60 minutes before and/or 30 to 60 minutes after
eating meals but not during meals.
5. You are required to take a multi-vitamin with minerals for the rest of your life.
6. Eat slowly!
• Each meal should last 30minutes or longer.
• Avoid gulping foods and drinks.
• All foods must be well-chewed to a paste consistency.
• Using a small fork or spoon (i.e. baby utensils) can help control portion sizes.
• Have one place to eat (such as at the table) and avoid reading or watching TV
while you eat. This helps you to enjoy your food, concentrate on eating slower
and to realize when your stomach is full.
7. Drink plenty of calorie-free, non-carbonated, caffeine- free fluids between meals.
Drink slowly-sip fluids, never gulp.
• Calorie-containing beverages should be limited to skim milk and protein drinks.
• Limit juice to no more than 4oz. per day.
• Consume zero-calorie beverages throughout the day.