Post Bariatric Surgery Diets - Recommended Diet Plan for Post Surgery Bariatric Patients

Bariatric surgery is the removal of a portion of the stomach, the constriction of a portion of the stomach with a gastric band to reduce the size of the stomach or the rerouting a portion of the small intestine to limit absorption of food. Bariatric surgery is performed on extremely obese people who are unable to lose weight by exercising, dieting and controlling poor eating behaviors.

The goal of bariatric surgery is to reduce food intake and limit the number of calories absorbed through digestion. Because smaller quantities of food are eaten and the digestive process is affected, absorption of nutrients is also affected. Those who undergo bariatric surgery must change their eating habits in order to achieve a successful outcome. Patients must adhere to a controlled post-bariatric surgery diet that includes limiting the ingestion of particular kinds of foods and taking supplements for the rest of their lives to ensure that proper nutrition is achieved. Limiting carbohydrates and fats and increasing protein intake are recommended for successful, long-term results.

After surgery, reintroduction of foods by mouth occurs in several stages in order to facilitate healing and allow the stomach and intestines to function in their new capacities. The attending physician and consulting dieticians determine the post-bariatric surgery diet appropriate for each patient. Usually food is reintroduced in four stages over a period of approximately three months.

Phase one, normally implemented within two days after surgery, consists a diet of clear liquids such as clear broth, sugar-free gelatin, and unsweetened juice. The goal is to allow the surgical site to heal. Frequent intake of small quantities of liquids is recommended to prevent overloading the digestive system and prevent dehydration.

Phase two, the introduction of pureed foods and thicker liquids, may begin within a few days of surgery depending on how well clear liquids are tolerated. Purees can be made from a variety of foods including meats, dairy products, soft fruits, vegetables and beans combined with liquids such as yogurt, low-fat milk, water or unsweetened juice. The mixture should be ground well enough that no lumps or pieces are present. The number of weeks the patient remains on this diet is determined by the doctor; it may last from three to eight weeks.

protein shakes and liquid diet supplements are recommended as part of the post-bariatric surgery diet regimen to ensure proper nutrition. A liquid supplement should contain less than 15 to 20 grams of sugar and at least 15 grams of protein. Chewable multivitamins are usually advised at this stage. Other vitamin and mineral supplements such as calcium and folic acid may be added by the physician, depending on the type of bariatric surgery performed.

During phase three, soft foods are introduced after consultation with the physician and dietician. The number of weeks needed for this phase depends on how well the patient tolerates the newly introduced foods; it may last up to eight weeks. Appropriate foods include soft fruits, cooked vegetables, tofu and soft cheese and diced meats. Vitamins, minerals and low-sugar, high-protein supplements may be continued.

Phase four of the post-surgery bariatric diet is the slow reintroduction of solid foods. Solid foods will be introduced one at a time in order to ensure tolerance. Over a period of time, most of the foods eaten before surgery can be reintroduced. A smaller quantity of food eaten at more frequent intervals is recommended, avoiding highly sugared and fat foods. Vitamin and mineral supplements will be taken continuously.

For more information on post-bariatric surgery diet plans and diet foods please visit http://www.doctorsbestweightloss.com/.

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