People who have just undergone a gastric bypass procedure are advised to follow a strict diet. This is to ensure that they learn to develop a good eating habit in their pursuit to safely losing the extra pounds and that don’t suffer from complications.
A gastric bypass is an invasive medical procedure done in the digestive system.
With changes done in the intestines and stomach of the patient, it is strongly advised that they follow a liquid diet immediately after the surgery. The liquid diet is important to help the organs adjust as they process food and this lasts for about three weeks. From then on, solid foods in small portions only can be consumed. Patients need to practice slow eating to help their digestive organs properly process the food and allow their body to absorb the nutrients.
About the diet
A bariatric diet is what medical experts recommend to patients after a gastric bypass. This is a low-calorie, low-fat, low-sugar diet that also encourages the consumption of protein-rich food, higher water intake and the use of supplements.
Protein is the main star of this diet plan. What can be eaten are egg, cottage cheese, poultry, fish, seafood and yogurt. But although meat can be consumed, only the ground form may be allowed and pork and steak should be eliminated. Fruits and whole grains including rice are not advised as they can still be converted into sugar.
Patients also need to drink more water to keep their body hydrated all the time. Water should be taken in between small meals up to eight times in a day. Apart from water, though, other liquids are allowed but again, they need to be sugar-free and caffeine-free.
Need for supplements
Gastric bypass vitamins and minerals also form a major part of the diet plan. Their role is to ensure that the patient gets the right nutrients needed by his body on a daily basis.
Calcium is important not only in strengthening the bones but as well as in helping a person lose weight. Studies have found that this mineral aids in reducing weight when a person takes on three servings of low-fat dairy foods along with low-calorie foods.
Fiber is also beneficial as it helps a person feel full thereby reducing his urge to eat more. In addition, fiber helps in preventing diarrhea.
Vitamin B12 is necessary as well. However, this should be in a form that can directly enter the bloodstream as the intestines are no longer able to absorb and digest this vitamin after the bariatric bypass.
Photo via bariatric-surgery.co
Originally posted on October 11, 2012 @ 7:00 am