Post Weight Loss Surgery Diet

Weight loss surgery is one of the most effective treatments available to people suffering from obesity. However, in order to reduce the risk of complications and maximize the results of the surgery, you must follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully, including his or her dietary recommendations. Below are the basic post weight loss surgery diet guidelines you should adhere to after your procedure.

First Three Days after Surgery

During the first three days following your surgery, your doctor will most likely instruct you to remain on a clear liquid diet. This allows your stomach to heal from the procedure. In general patients are not too hungry right after surgery. However it is very important to hydrate yourself well to prevent dehydration.

Fourth to the Eighth Day after Surgery

During that time you will typically move on to a mashed or pureed diet. This type of diet consists of foods with a consistency thin enough to be sucked through a straw. Be sure to eat plenty of protein during this time in order to continue healing well and build muscle mass as you lose weight.

Day Nine to Fifteen after Surgery

You can begin adding soft foods back into your diet. Acceptable foods include ground turkey, tender fish, chicken, eggs and other foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Try to avoid dry foods, which may cause discomfort. As you begin eating soft foods, be sure to take your time. In order to avoid nausea and vomiting, cut your food in your plate in small pieces and chew thoroughly before swallowing. Do not rush into finishing eating.

Day Sixteen onward after Surgery

You will be eating regular food. You will need to eat slowly and chew you food well to prevent it from getting “stuck”. It is a good plan to schedule your meals evenly through the day. Try to not skip meals since it will have the potential of making you hungry and causing you to be thinking about food frequently. It will likely make you eat faster your next meal.

General Tips

Always follow your doctor’s instructions when reintroducing foods into your diet. If you experience severe discomfort, nausea or vomiting at any point during the food reintroduction process, return to the previous stage of food until the problem subsides. After you are able to eat a normal diet, remember that it is still important to eat slowly and chew carefully. Eat a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Once you have recovered from your procedure completely, beginning a safe, doctor-approved exercise program is also recommended.