After Gastric Bypass Surgery
Post-Operative Weightloss Surgery Solutions

Gastric Bypass Recovery
Post-Operative Care
Expected Weight Loss
- Less stress to the lower back and joints
- Increased self-esteem
- Improved cardiovascular health and overall fitness
- Overall healthier lifestyle
Lifelong Diet Guidelines After Gastric Bypass Surgery
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is a state of the art procedure that has the potential to give you a new lease on life. Treatment does not stop after the procedure, it will continue for the rest of your life. You must be committed to making the diet and exercise changes necessary to maintain weight loss results. You will meet with a Dietitian before and after surgery to help you make healthy and educated food choices and adopt new eating habits.
Since the stomach is much smaller in size, the amount of food you can consume after bariatric surgery is very limited. Certain types of foods that were tolerated easily before surgery may now cause discomfort. Therefore, it is important for you to carefully follow the recommended diet guidelines and continue to follow them after gastric bypass surgery. The following dietary changes are recommended after gastric bypass surgery:
Eat Small Amounts of Food
The stomach can only hold two ounces food immediately after surgery. Overeating can cause pain and discomfort as well as nausea and vomiting. Most patients experience a sense of fullness and have very little signs of hunger after surgery which makes eating small portions much easier.Chew All Food Thoroughly
Large pieces of food can block the very small opening to the intestine. If the food cannot leave the stomach, patients can experience abdominal pain and vomiting. You should take small bites (size of a fingertip) and chew your food completely before swallowing.Consume Foods and Liquids Slowly and Carefully
Gastric bypass surgery patients should avoid eating too fast, or eating foods high in refined sugar, or fats, because doing so can cause nausea, diarrhea, sweating, and dizziness, otherwise known as dumping syndrome. This occurs when food and liquids enter the small intestine too quickly. Patients should take at least 30 minutes to eat their meals.Drink Liquids Only Between Meals
Having liquids with your meals can flush food through the pouch, allowing a person to eat more than is recommended. Additionally, fluids can push food into the intestines too quickly. We recommend that you do not eat and drink at the same time. Wait at least 30 minutes before and after eating to consume any liquids. The goal is to consume 48 to 64 ounces of water each day.Take Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Gastric bypass surgery can cause nutrient deficiencies if supplements are not taken as directed. Deficiencies can occur because food bypasses parts of the lower stomach and small intestine where certain nutrients are absorbed. It is important that patients take vitamin and mineral supplements (designed specifically for gastric bypass) daily to promote optimal health.
These are just some of the diet changes that are recommended. Please visit our frequently asked questions section for more information about dietary changes including specific food limitations following gastric bypass surgery.