How my Diet will Differ Once I Undergo Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery can help those who have significant weight issues to lose pounds easily and quickly. This type of weight loss surgery removes a portion of the stomach capacity, allowing a person to eat a smaller amount of food, yet still feel full. Furthermore, the procedure usually results in fewer cravings, due to hormonal changes. Following surgery there will be a strict diet that must be adhered to. Your physician will guide you, to some extent, but if you are considering weight loss surgery, here are some of the changes you may need to make.

The First Few Days

After a gastric sleeve procedure, you will be required to make some immediate dietary changes. This will initially consist of a diet of fluids, including low-sugar liquids, sugar-free gelatin, water or tea.

On Your First Week

Your stomach will probably not be ready to encounter solid foods during the first week after your weight loss surgery. This is because when undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, a part of your stomach will be removed and the remaining portion stapled, which may also cause general discomfort. When you eat solid foods prior to your stomach being ready to take, it may possibly cause damage to the staple lines inside. You will be asked to stick to a diet of sugar-fee Jello, fruit drinks, fat-free yogurt, etc.

From The Second to Fourth Weeks

After the first week, your stomach will be able to take in soft food like pureed chicken and red meat. This should continue up to the fourth week. Your food will have to be mashed if you prefer it from the puree. But either way, it is important that you ingest the soft food slowly. This means no gulping down your food. If you don't, you could end up blocking the entrance to your stomach. You will also be asked to stay away from sugary drinks like fruit juice concentrates and any processed sugar food items.

From The First to Third Months

You could be ready for solid foods a few months following your gastric sleeve procedure, but keep in mind that the food must still be soft. Your doctor or dietician might possibly recommend that you start eating food such as low-sugar vegetables and fat-free cottage cheese, which he or she will explain to you in detail. However, you must continue eating food at a slow pace, and your meals should be eaten at an interval.

Month 4-6

On your fourth month after your weight loss surgery, you will graduate to solids and a more normal diet. By this time, you can eat lean meat, eggs, fruits and vegetables. You will be warned to stay away from foods that are high in carbohydrates. At this point after your gastric sleeve surgery, you could say you're on a regular weight loss diet.

A weight loss surgery requires the adherence to a very strict diet following the surgery, and a prospective patient needs to be prepared for this. The sole purpose of this diet is to keep the chance of complications to a minimum, and give you the best chance at long-term positive gastric sleeve results. These dietary changes may seem substantial, but they pale in comparison to the rewards you will reap by sticking to this diet.