Bariatric Surgery | Gastric Bypass Surgery | Gastric Banding | Obesity | After Surgery

Immediately after a gastric bypass surgery, one is subjected to strict eating guidelines to help him or her recover properly and still get optimum nutrition to keep the rest of the body functioning well. For the first three months, the individual's diet will be kept under strict supervision by the dietician or bariatric surgeon. In fact, the success of a bariatric surgery depends on the post surgery diet, and not complying can lead to complications after the procedure.

But what happens after those three months when the individual resumes his or her life and begins to make his or her own dietary decisions? Here is a quick guide to how to maintain one's health for longer after a gastric bypass surgery:

1. Eat smaller meals. Gastric bypass surgery makes the stomach's capacity much smaller, so it is generally advisable to consume only a cup or a cup and half of food per meal. Instead of three big main meals, try consuming six smaller meals per day, ensuring that each meal is not more than eight ounces. If hunger pangs come in between, choose protein-rich snacks.
   
2. Eat slowly. It is absolutely crucial to take one's sweet time during meals. Chewing thoroughly and making each small meal last for about 30 minutes truly pays off, because these ensure that no food particles get stuck in the stomach and food passes smoothly, therefore preventing vomiting or dumping.
   
3. Do not drink and eat. Eat your solids first, and drink fluids after the meal. Eating and drinking at the same time makes the small stomach pouch expand quicker, so you actually feel fuller sooner, and therefore become hungrier faster too. Drinking fluids with meals aggravates a common complication of gastric bypass surgery called dumping syndrome. It is characterized by stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and irregularities in elimination.
   
4. Prioritize proteins. Protein is the most crucial nutrient in an individual's post-bariatric nutrition. When planning meals, eat foods rich in protein first, because there's always a tendency you may feel full quickly. Have 60-100 mg of protein daily. Eating proteins first ensure that you're already had the most important nutrient of the meal.
   
5. Get high on fruits, vegetables and supplements. A common complication of this type of surgery is vitamin deficiency, so it is imperative to take supplements every day for life, especially those prescribed by the dietician. Important supplements are calcium, iron, vitamin B-12, and multivitamins.
   
6. Stay hydrated. It is important to drink eight glasses of water everyday. For alternatives, go for drinks which are not carbonated to prevent gas from stretching the stomach pouch. Teas and coffees must be decaf, and fruit juices and broths must be diluted for easier consumption.