Gastric Bypass Dietary Guide

The purpose of your diet after gastric bypass surgery is designed to restrict caloric intake to produce desired weight loss, to help develop appropriate eating habits and to prevent disruption or obstruction of your pouch.

In addition, it is strongly recommended to pursue weight loss in preparation for surgery. Even a small amount of weight loss may contribute to a decreased surgical risk during bariatric treatment.

Main Focus:
1. Drink enough fluids to keep your body hydrated
2. Eat adequate protein
3. Take required vitamin and mineral supplements to meet Recommended Daily Allowances.

Diet Principles:
1. Drink 6-8 cups of fluid each day

•  Sip one cup of liquid over an hour
•  Stop drinking within 30-60 minutes of a meal
•  Sip allowed beverages slowly
•  Do not use a straw

2. All foods, beverages and snacks that are high in calories are omitted.

3. When your doctor gives you permission, vitamin/mineral and calcium supplements are required daily. Additionally, vitamin B12, iron and zinc also may be recommended.

4. Eat very slowly. Foods need to be thoroughly chewed to prevent blockage.

5. Stop eating as soon as you are full. Indications of fullness are: a) a feeling of pressure in the center just below your rib cage, b) a feeling of nausea, c) a pain in your shoulder area or upper chest. Contact your doctor if the above symptoms persist or worsen.

6. Include protein first at each meal to help maximize protein intake. As your pouch expands, you may only need to eat 3 meals and 1-2 high-protein snacks each day.

7. The diet will be advanced gradually, depending on tolerance:

Phase I: Clear liquid diet (in hospital only)
Phase II: Full liquid diet (1-2 weeks)
Phase III: Puree diet (2 weeks)
Phase IV: Soft diet (2 weeks)
Phase V: Regular diet (after 1-2 months)