A Post-Op Bariatric Diet is a diet that is designed to help individuals who have undergone gastric sleeve bypass surgery. After bariatric surgery in Mexico, observing the correct bariatric diet will help you heal and make the necessary changes to your eating habits.
The diet recommendations vary from one individual to the next, and your doctor or registered nutritionist will take you through the details. Following through the dietary progression stages after bariatric surgery is important as it will help you adjust to eating smaller meals besides being able to know which foods are digested comfortably. You must progress through the phases as advised by your healthcare provider to avoid complications.
Post-Op Diet Stages Explained
Stage one: Clear liquids
The individual is required to take clear sugar-free liquids, broth, and water on day one of the surgery. Your diet is fully liquid at this stage to allow your body to absorb as many of the nutrients it needs to heal and minimize complications.
Stage two: Pureed foods
The foods consumed at this stage are pureed to applesauce consistency alongside clear liquids. This stage can last from 2-4 weeks. Only clear sugar-free liquids should be taken in addition to pureed foods. To increase your protein intake and meet your protein goals, your doctor will have you supplement with protein liquids.
Stage three: Soft foods
This stage allows the patient to consume soft foods that can easily pass through the stomach to the intestines. The foods should be rich in proteins and have minimal fats and carbohydrates. Should you feel full, stop eating until the next mealtime and avoid taking any liquids with your meals.
Stage four: Solid foods
After 12 weeks, the individual is allowed to consume solid foods although no spicy foods should be eaten. Only 3-4 protein-rich meals should be consumed in a day. Go slow on the carbohydrates and fatty foods. Remember to also drink 48-64oz of liquids in between meals per day.
Risks associated with not following the diet after bariatric surgery
Failure to follow through with the phases of the post-bariatric surgery diet can make you develop complications and side effects such as:
- Dumping syndrome: where food especially sugar passes through the stomach very fast.
- Dehydration: when you don’t take enough liquids.
- Reflux: occurs when the stomach acid refluxes upwards into the esophagus when the lower oesophageal sphincter is relaxed
- Constipation: caused by lack of physical activity and enough fiber in your diet.
- Nausea and vomiting: can be caused by a blocked stomach pouch when food lodges in the stomach opening.
If you’re looking for bariatric surgery in Mexicox, ALO Bariatrics can help. The surgeons at ALO Bariatrics provide gastric bypass in Mexico, gastric sleeve in Mexico, and can do revision gastric bypass surgery as well.