Nutritional recommendations after gastric reduction surgery
During the first few weeks after the operation you will go through 4 phases of post-operative management:
- Liquid, semi-liquid phase
- Mixed/puree phase
- Soft, squashed phase
- Solid phase
PHASE 1: Liquid, semi-liquid
Follow for 10-14 days after surgery or as directed.
You will start this phase by drinking water. Sip in small sips, take a few and set the bottle or cup aside. Your new stomach needs to get used to working. The next step will be to eat for the first time. On the second day after the operation you will start with natural yoghurt. Eat slowly, with a small spoon - initially 2-3 teaspoons per serving. Listen to your body.
What is the goal of the liquid, semi-liquid phase?
- 30-120ml of liquid per hour between meals
- Approximately 60 grams (women) / 80 grams (men) of protein daily - introduce supplementation before you reach your dietary protein supply at the recommended level
- Portion size - approximately ¼ cup (50ml)
SUPPLEMENTS
- Start with a few sips of liquid and slowly increase the amount until you feel full.
- It is important to stop drinking as soon as you feel full.
- If your stomach starts to hurt or you feel nauseous while drinking, stop until the feeling passes.
- If the amount of fluid taken in is too much, the stomach will overfill and vomiting will occur.
- Do not drink fizzy drinks at any time after surgery as they cause bloating and increase the size of the stomach.
- Walk as much as possible (unless prohibited by your doctor).
What foods are recommended at the beginning of the bariatric diet?
- Dairy products - kefir, yoghurt, buttermilk, blended country cheese or grani cottage cheese, protein shake
- Fruit mousse, baked apple/pear, vegetable mousse, "gerberek"
- Lean broth (no pasta), stock, cream soup
- Jelly, kissel, pudding
- Light herb seasonings to taste (e.g.: dill, coriander, parsley)
- Semolina, porridge, quinoa
- Drinks water, diluted compote, weak tea
PHASE 2: Mixed/puree
Duration of phase 2: 3-4 weeks after the treatment
What are the characteristics of the diet in phase 2: Change in consistency. Remember to eat protein foods first.
What is the purpose of the mix/puree phase?
- Meals increase from a few bites to ½ cup (100ml) of meal (change consistency of meals gradually, not all at once)
- Protein: 60 grams for women / 80 grams for men per day from meals and supplements
- Adding more protein foods to the menu:
- Poultry meat - poultry intolerance can occur - too dry. It is a good idea to prepare poultry meat so that it does not dry out during cooking
- Seafood - moist white fish or shellfish, avoid squid or other 'chewy' seafood. Frying should also be avoided.
- Lean ground beef or ground poultry
- Ham (thinly sliced or chopped)
- Tofu
- Lean cottage cheese
- Pureed vegetables and fruit
PRINCIPLES
- Start liquids with a few sips and slowly increase the amount until the feeling of fullness appears.
- It is important to stop drinking as soon as the feeling of fullness appears.
- If your stomach starts to hurt or you feel nauseous while drinking, stop until the feeling passes.
- If the amount of fluid taken in is too much, the stomach will overfill and vomiting will occur.
- Do not drink fizzy drinks at any time after surgery as they cause bloating and increase the size of the stomach.
- Eat slowly, devote 20 minutes to your meal, chew thoroughly
- Introduce new foods one at a time, watching your reaction to them
PHASE 3: soft, crumpled
Duration of phase 3: 4-6 weeks after treatment
DIET: Cooked, mashed foods. Remember to eat protein foods first.
What is the purpose of the soft/crushed phase?
- To increase your meal size to ¾ cup (approximately 150ml) as your stomach can accommodate.
- You will be fully back to chewing
- Mainly cooked vegetables - split these into starchy and non-starchy vegetables. There should be more non-starchy vegetables on your plate.
- Vary the consistency of your meals throughout the day
- Composing meals according to the bariatric plate
PRINCIPLES
- Start with a few sips of liquid and slowly increase the amount until the feeling of fullness appears.
- It is important to stop drinking as soon as the feeling of fullness appears.
If your stomach starts to hurt or you feel nauseous while drinking, stop until the feeling passes.
- If the amount of fluid taken in is too much, the stomach will overfill and vomiting will occur.
- Do not drink fizzy drinks at any time after surgery as they cause bloating and increase the size of the stomach.
- Eat slowly, devote 20 minutes to your meal, chew thoroughly
- Introduce new foods one at a time, watching your reaction to them
- Try to have 3 of your meals prepared in the current phase.
PHASE 4: Solid foods
Duration of phase 4: 6-8 weeks after the treatment
DIET: Solid foods, cooked, raw. Starchy, whole grains, addition of nuts. Remember to eat protein foods first. Chew thoroughly.
Meal size ¾ - 1 cup per meal (3 meals / day). Consume 3 main meals and 2 snacks.
What is the purpose of the solid food phase?
PRINCIPLES
Introduce new foods one at a time, observing the reaction to them:
- Pasta (whole grain) and brown rice.
- Whole grain bread - use light bread if whole grain products are poorly tolerated.
- Raw, crunchy vegetables; such as broccoli (chew well).
- Try to have 3 of your meals prepared within the guidelines of the current phase.
REMEMBER
- Start with a few sips of liquid and slowly increase the amount until you feel full.
- It is important to stop drinking as soon as the feeling of fullness appears.
- If your stomach starts to hurt or you feel nauseous while drinking, stop until the feeling passes.
- If the amount of fluid taken in is too much, the stomach will overfill and vomiting will occur.
- Do not drink fizzy drinks at any time after surgery as they cause bloating and increase the size of the stomach.
- Eat slowly, devote 20 minutes to your meal, chew thoroughly