subject: What To Expect From The Gastric Bypass Diet [print this page] If you are planning on having gastric bypass surgery, you will need to acquaint and stock your home with the foods you will need for this bariatric surgery diet. With obesity in the country being at an all time high, more people than ever before are turning to weight loss surgery as a method of losing weight. While there are risks with this surgery as there is with any other surgery, I believe the risks of being obese are greater.
Most people will have either lap band surgery or a Roux-en-Y and you will follow the gastric bypass diet after either of these. You will probably be on it longer following the Roux-en-Y because that is a reconstruction and the lap band is not. This is a very simple diet and it is quite boring, but will only last a few months.
Step 1 is what I had in the hospital. It is clear liquids and if you even feel like eating during this time, it will be surprising. But it is important to try to take a few sips to get your digestive system working again and to begin the healing process. It is also important to be drinking water. They say 32 ounces, but I found this amount very difficult the first few days.
Step 2 is what you will be eating from about the second day until the end of the second week following your surgery. However, you can stay on this part of the diet for 8 weeks, if necessary. This step will consist of protein shakes, baby food or strained and pureed foods. You can have any of these or all of them. Keep in mind that if you have to chew it you shouldn't be eating it. And furthermore, you will probably regret eating it. Take things slow. You should strive for 60 grams of protein each day and 32 ounces of approved liquids. Any foods that you consume should have less than 10 grams of sugar and little or no fat.
Step 3 can begin anytime after 2 weeks. For me this was the most difficult step, because you have to make sure that you eat slowly and chew foods extremely well. It is during this step that you will begin reintroducing soft foods back into your diet. Take is easy as you are trying out foods until you know how they are going to make feel. Things with high sugar or fat content can make you feel faint and queasy...as though you have the flu. Some people will be able to eat them in small amounts and others will not be able to eat them at all.
Step 4 will begin at about the 8th week. You can eat most of the foods you ate in the past. Meats may be difficult at first and you may have to cut them in small pieces and soften them with liquid. Make sure you chew thoroughly and if you are eating something for the first time following your surgery, remember that moderation is the key. You want to know how it is going to make you feel, before you eat a lot of it. You should be able to many of the foods you ate prior to your surgery, just a lot less of them.
Weight loss surgery can give you a new lease on life, but it is important to remember that this surgery is a tool and not a miracle. You will get out of it what you put into it. It is not unheard of for gastric bypass patients to regain their weight. It is extremely important that you make the necessary lifestyle changes to maintain your weight loss.
by: Marjorie Salada
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