Gastric sleeve surgery is a weight loss surgery that involves the removal of a large portion of the stomach, leaving a small banana-shaped “sleeve” of the stomach behind. Over time, the reduced stomach size significantly reduces the amount of food that you can consume, thus leading to weight loss.
Read on to find out how many calories should a gastric sleeve patient eat during the recovery process.
How Many Calories Should You Eat After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
How Many Calories Should You Eat After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
One Day after the Surgery
A day or two after the surgery, patients will be able to start drinking clear liquids. Experts recommend 300-400 calories for the first week. The liquid diet must not include any carbonated drinks, tea, or coffee. Soup, chicken broth, and sugar-free sodas work well during this period. A full-liquid diet is practiced for a few days after surgery.
Two Weeks After the Surgery
After about two weeks, patients can start to add pureed foods and soft foods to their diet. The stage lasts for about two months. Patients may consume about 500-600 calories during this phase. The recommended calorie intake must be split into 6 to 8 meals per day, thus consuming no more than 80 per meal. Mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, and yogurt offer optimal nutrition during this stage.
Two Months After the Surgery
Once the pureed food stage is completed, patients can start to eat more solids. The calorie intake should not exceed 1000 calories and new foods should be added slowly to see how the body reacts. Patients must split the allowed calorie limit into 3 to 4 meals per day. It is also important to make sure that you are getting enough protein after surgery. Protein is essential for healing and helps to prevent muscle loss. Aim for 60-80 grams of protein per day.
Foods to Avoid
In addition to watching your calorie and protein intake, you also need to be careful of which foods you eat. Avoiding sugar, simple carbohydrates, and fatty foods is important since they can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Instead, focus on eating lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains.
The Maintenance Diet
About 6 months after surgery, patients will reach their goal weight. At this point, they can start to slowly increase their calorie intake (about 1000 to 1200 calories per day). The goal is to find the number of calories that you can eat without gaining weight. This is known as your maintenance diet, and it will be different for everyone. You may need to experiment a bit to find the right amount of calorie intake after gastric sleeve.
Also Read: Can I Eat Salad After Gastric Sleeve? Your Dietary Questions Answered
What Happens When the Right Calorie Count is not Maintained?
If you do not eat the right number of calories after gastric sleeve surgery, you may not lose weight or you may even gain weight. This can be dangerous for your health and may lead to complications from the surgery.
It is important to talk to your doctor or dietitian if you are having trouble meeting your calorie goals. They can help you adjust your diet and exercise routine to help you reach your goals.
Alo Bariatrics – Your Trusted Partner for a Healthier and Happier Life
Many people worry about gastric sleeve calorie intake and the potential risks of the procedure. We at Alo Bariatrics can guarantee safe gastric sleeve in Mexico for all types of patients. Connect with us and we will help you to determine what is best for you.
