Diet progression stages after Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery has evolved into a successful solution for many obese people, especially for people who have tried and failed to lose weight through other weight-loss solutions like diet and exercise. This is a surgical procedure where the digestive system is altered in a way to limit the consumption of food, which helps in weight loss. Bariatric surgery is not suggested for everyone; there are certain limitations, such as that BMI (Body Mass Index) should be above 40 or people with a BMI of 35 or above, along with obesity-related health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, etc.
However, bariatric surgery is the first step towards your weight-loss journey. The success of this surgery depends on strictly following the postoperative guidelines, especially diet. Following the surgery, your digestive system undergoes some major changes, so until your body copes with the new digestive system, following a specific diet progression plan is mandatory for long-term success. This diet plan starts from day one following the bariatric surgeries and progresses in different stages.
Before that, let’s learn about the different types of bariatric surgeries.
Types of bariatric surgeries
Bariatric surgeries are of different types, and they are developed to achieve necessary weight reduction through various methods. Here are the common procedures:
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
This is one of the most common bariatric procedures performed to treat obesity. The procedure involves creating a small pouch at the upper part of the stomach and then directly connecting to the small intestine. This bypasses the bottom part of the stomach and a small section of the intestinal tract. This helps to reduce the food quantity that the stomach can hold, which eventually limits the absorption of calories and nutrients.
Benefits
- Can lose weight quickly
- Obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension can be improved or remitted.
- Helps to maintain weight loss for a long time if you follow proper lifestyle changes.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Coming to this kind of bariatric procedure, it involves removing a large part of the stomach. A small tube-like structure called a sleeve is left. After this surgery, patients feel fuller even after consuming a little food. It reduces your hunger as part of the stomach, which makes the hunger hormone ghrelin is removed.
Benefits
- A major reduction in weight
- Fewer complications with the absorption of nutrients
- Effective in hunger reduction and controlling portions of food you consume
Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap Band)
In this procedure, a small stomach pouch is created by placing a band around the upper stomach portion, and the tightness of the band is adjustable.
Benefits
- This procedure is reversible.
- Helps to lose weight gradually
- Compared to other bariatric procedures, it is less invasive.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)
This surgery is complex because it involves performing a sleeve gastrectomy and then reroutes the small intestine. The capacity of the stomach is reduced significantly and alters the digestive system in a way to prevent high calorie and nutrient absorption.
Benefits
- A major reduction of weight in long-term
- Highly suggested procedure to treat severe obesity and health conditions related to obesity
- Allows larger meals but still promotes weight loss.
Diet Progression After Bariatric Surgery
After bariatric surgery, diet consumption is divided into multiple stages. Every phase is intended to provide necessary nutrients and ensure the healing process of the digestive system. The following are different stages of food consumption to be followed after weight loss surgery to avoid complications and ensure long-term success.
Stage 1: Clear Liquids
This stage lasts around a week. In this stage, only clear liquids need to be consumed because your stomach and digestive system will be very sensitive immediately after surgery. It keeps you hydrated and allows your digestive system to heal.
Sugar-free popsicles, decaffeinated tea, and electrolyte drinks can also be consumed. It prevents dehydration.
Stage 2: Full Liquids
This stage starts in the second week. Patients can have full liquids (slightly thicker) in this stage, which provide more nutrients.
Protein shakes with low-sugar and high-protein, skim milk, soups (without solid pieces), smooth yoghurt (unsweetened), pudding (sugar-free), etc. can be consumed.
In this stage, patients will get more nutrients and protein from the diet, which is important to boost the healing process.
Stage 3: Pureed Foods
Once your body is accustomed to full liquids, pureed foods will be introduced in this third week. These foods should be very smooth, like a paste with no solid chunks. This is to prevent excess stress on the digestive system.
Pureed lean meats and fish, squashed vegetables and fruits, cottage cheese (low in fat), etc.
This stage reintroduces more consistency to the diet, which also provides vital nutrients. To avoid discomfort or complications, eat slowly and quit if you feel full.
Stage 4: Soft Foods
This stage begins in the fourth week and introduces easily digestible soft foods. In this stage, you can eat a variety of foods, but you should prefer small and nutrient-rich meals.
Soft foods like cooked vegetables, peeled fruits, boiled eggs, meat, fish, cheese (low in fat), oatmeal, and soft cereals can be consumed.
Gradually introducing foods helps prepare your digestive system to handle solid foods. Your modified digestive system, following bariatric surgery, won’t be able to handle solid foods at once.
Stage 5: Solid Foods
This starts in the sixth week and continues beyond, where you can begin to consume solid foods. However, remember to eat small portions.
Foods like chicken, fish, vegetables, whole grains, fresh fruits, healthy fats, etc. can be consumed.
Foods to avoid
- Foods with sugar
- Beverages
- Fried foods
- Greasy foods
- Carbonated drinks
- Dairy products that are high in fat
From this stage, patients should follow a healthy diet to ensure weight loss and maintain it long-term. The goal is to eat healthy and prevent weight gain or any other digestive problems.
Importance of diet after bariatric surgery
Following a proper diet plan after bariatric surgery plays a crucial role in long-term success. Malnutrition is one of the complications that can be prevented with a diet plan after surgery. The main purpose of the diet stages is to allow the digestive system to adapt to the new way of processing food while healing.
How Dr. Venugopal Pareek can help
If you’re looking for a weight loss solution, consider bariatric surgery, Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best weight loss surgeons in Hyderabad, can help. With his vast experience—more than 18 years in laparoscopic and bariatric surgery—he ensures a successful weight loss journey for all his patients. From guiding you to pick suitable surgery for you to post-operative diet progression, he provides expert care in every stage. Contact him today, call +91 91777 77715 to take an appointment towards a healthier, happier life.
