How to Eat Properly After Gastric Bypass

After having gastric bypass surgery, most patients feel that they have been given a new lease on life. However, the surgery is just the first step toward a slimmer self. Life-long dietary changes are required to lose the excess weight and commitment to these changes is the key. While the doctor will provide the patient with a specific diet to follow, below are some great general steps to take when trying to eat properly after gastric bypass.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Choose foods that are high in protein and low in fat, fiber, calories and sugar. Proper dietary intake of the right kinds of nutrients is the essential step in eating properly after gastric bypass.
2. Eat your meals without drinking fluids. Fluids add to a feeling of fullness, and this will prevent you from consuming sufficient amounts of the proper foods after gastric bypass.
3. Modify portions to 1/4 cup or 2 ounces of food per sitting. After sufficient time passes, you can eat up to 1 cup of food per meal.
4. Keep snacks to an absolute minimum. Snacking in between meals, especially in the early stages of recovery from gastric bypass, can lead to nausea, diarrhea and sweating.
5. Stick to a daily eating routine. Try to schedule your meals carefully, at specific times, but always vary your food choices so that you do not get bored with your regimen.

Tips & Warnings

• Always eat slowly and chew your food carefully. This will prevent nausea and vomiting (common side-effects for gastric bypass patients).
• Stay hydrated. Drink low-calorie beverages or water, but limit your intake to 3-4 ounces at a time.
• Keep sweets to an absolute minimum. Excess sugar can lead to "dumping syndrome" (feelings of nausea, swelling and sweating).