A gastric bypass diet consists of several different phases and time lines. Depending on the bariatric weight loss procedure you are having done and the personalized orders of your surgeon.
The first phase of any gastric bypass diet may very well be a 6 month supervised diet as required by your insurance carrier. A lot of insurance companies do require this 6 month diet prior to insurance approval. Doctors and dietitians often agree with this requirement because it shows your commitment to following and sticking to a diet, and proving you can loose weight. A commitment to a lifestyle change that must take place after the surgery in order to loose weight, stay healthy while doing so, and keep the weight off. Unfortunately the surgery is only a tool to make loosing weight much easier for you. In the end it is still up to you to make it happen! That’s why each phase of the bariatric diet is so important !
Probably one of the most important phases of the gastric bypass diet is the Pre-op Phase. The time frame right before your surgery.
Next is the Post-op Phase. Phase I and II Full liquid diet. This phase of the gastric bypass diet is very important to your surgical recovery and comfort. The post-op phase consists of several different phases. Each transitioning you toward a full recovery and complete new diet and lifestyle! Phase III and Phase IV , Puree and Soft Diet. Phase V Regular Diet, Ready for full transitioning into a new healthy lifelong diet and eating habits.
Following your doctors orders through the different phases of your gastric bypass diet will help you to get the most out of your weight loss surgery. It will help you with an easier recovery and comfort level. And by following the diet and its requirements it will also help you stay healthy and loose weight more quickly.
Two other important components of the gastric bypass diet are Vitamins and Protein. After your surgery your body is no longer able to absorb all the vitamins and nutrients it needs. Therefore you will need to supplement with vitamins for the rest of your life. You will also have to pay special attention to your protein intake to insure you are getting a minimum of 60 grams of protein a day.
I’m not going to lie the first few months were tough.
First of all, the 2 weeks before your surgery you want to eat all the things you’ll no longer be able to eat after the surgery. But that’s when you are on a high protein liquid diet. It’s very important to stick to it! It can help your surgery go more smoothly by decreasing the size of your liver. And right after your gastric bypass it’s difficult to drink much of anything because you just don’t feel like it. You’ll be surprised at how foods taste differently to you. And you’ll also be surprised by what you will eat! (I remember one of my first soft foods during that phase of my diet was a pureed hot dog with coney sauce. Doesn't that sound gross? But that’s what I was craving and I have to say it tasted great! One of the few things that did during that soft food phase. As I look back there were some hard times adjusting to and sticking to all the different phases and requirements of my gastric bypass diet but I did it. As you progress into the different phases you will encounter challenges with all of them but if you stick to the program you will find it was well worth your effort!
Each phase of your gastric bypass diet prepares you for the next phase. Eventually leading you to an "after gastric bypass diet", an everyday ,new way of life, kind of diet. Eating healthy foods, making wise food choices and eating the correct portion size. As well as getting a sufficient amount of protein !
Plus an after gastric bypass diet includes a few basic rules.
Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly ! Eat several "small" meals instead of one or two big ones ! Do not drink anything for a 1/2 hour before or after your meal ! Try to eat the protein portion of your meal first ! Do not drink through a straw ! Stop eating when you feel full !
This is a process. Taking several months to get to where you are starting to eat more normally again. It's important to take your time and learn how the new you reacts to food and eating in general. Follow your doctors instructions !
It all leads to a healthier, happier you!