Gastric bypass operations need to go hand-in-hand with lifestyle changes.
California-based Kaiser Permanente is a not-for-profit integrated health care organization. Because 50 percent of the companies profits made by the umbrella organization are fed back into smaller, profit-making, companies affiliated with Kaiser Permanente, the company often comes under scrutiny. Nevertheless, the not-for-profit has 8.3 million health plan members and is the largest organization of its kind in the U.S. Part of Kaiser Permanente's weight management program provides gastric bypasses. Along with gastric bypasses, the not-for-profit also provides information on the long-term dietary changes necessary to maintain weight-loss following the operation which includes strict food rules and food stages.
Moving on from Stage One and Two
Stick to the liquid and blended foods allowed after the operation during Stage One and Stage Two. This should be followed for the first couple of weeks. Soft foods are introduced into the diet during the next stage, Stage Three.
Starting Stage Three
Begin eating soft solid foods like eggs, deli meats, soft vegetables, fish and cheese. You will probably feel full after approximately 3/4 cup to one cup of food due to your new, smaller stomach capacity. Because of this narrowing of the stomach, you might not be able to tolerate chewy meats and dry breads at this stage. Some patients find that they cannot tolerate solids at all for several weeks after the operation.
Particularly Important Dietary Inclusions
Concentrate on consuming enough protein and water to meet your daily requirements. Protein and water are especially important after the surgery as they help with healing and maintaining health. Sip water every 10 minutes for the first two weeks after the operation and then continue to drink water regularly throughout the day. If you cannot tolerate the Stage Three diet two weeks after surgery, continue drinking protein supplements until you are able to do so.
Foods to Include and Foods to Avoid
Research the best foods to include in your diet that are high in protein, but low in fat and calories. Avoid alcoholic beverages and high calorie drinks. Some patients react badly to high sugar foods, experiencing cramps, weakness and sweating. Since high sugar foods are not good to include in your long-term diet, begin avoiding them at this stage to start new habits. Other patients experience lactose intolerance after the surgery and have to avoid all dairy products. While this can prove problematic, to maintain weight loss, milk, cheese and other dairy products should only be consumed at a minimum anyway.
Important Dietary Supplements
Take a daily multivitamins that includes calcium, sublingual Vitamin B12 and iron (for menstruating women) after the operation. Vitamin absorption is diminished due to the altered anatomy of the stomach and intestines so most gastric bypass patients will need to take these supplements for life.
