Casco Bay Surgery

10 Andover Road
Portland, Maine 04102
207-761-6642
www.cascobaysurgery.com

Bariatric Surgery Program
Post-Operative Nutrition Handbook (Gastric Bypass)

The First Month
Blended Diet

Your normal stomach can hold about 5 cups of food. After the surgery, your new pouch will hold no more than 1/8 cup in volume.  You will need to eat very slowly so as not to overfill your pouch and cause pain or discomfort.  A tiny meal may take you one-half hour to eat. If you feel full before that, you should stop eating. Eating for longer than one-half hour may allow you to eat too much to lose weight. You should eat three small meals per day unless otherwise instructed.

You cannot eat and drink at the same meal after having bariatric surgery. You must stop drinking one-half hour before you eat solid foods. You must wait one hour after eating a solid meal before you can drink liquids. If you eat and drink at the same time, you may overfill your pouch or flush foods through too quickly.

It is very important for you to get in enough fluids. You need your normal amount of liquids after surgery, which is 6 to 8 cups daily. You may need more in hot weather or during exercise. Because you must drink slowly and not eat and drink at the same time, it is difficult to get in the full amount of liquid. You must sip throughout the day. Bring liquids with you wherever you go so that you do not forget to drink. If you aren't urinating as much or as often as usual or your urine takes on a dark yellow color, you're probably not drinking enough and are becoming dehydrated. Dehydration can also cause nausea, fatigue and lightheadedness. 

In order to avoid taking in excess air, you should avoid carbonated beverages. You should not use straws or chew gum for the same reason.

Avoid alcohol which is a gastric irritant and contributes excessive calories.

It takes approximately one month for your pouch to heal and strengthen. During that time you should eat only foods that have the texture of applesauce. You will need to have a blender to prepare your meals. Blend your foods until smooth. Add liquids such as broth, milk, or juice, if necessary. Remove any lumps. Some foods blend more easily than others, and it is helpful to experiment at blending some of your favorite foods before you have surgery. Try freezing blended foods in ice cube trays and  storing them in plastic bags, removing individual portions to microwave when needed. You can prepare some of your first month’s food ahead of time in this way.

Food Suggestions & Examples (by food group)

Protein Group

Milk and Dairy

Skim or 1% low-fat milk
Lactaid milk
No Added Sugar Carnation Instant Breakfast 
    (call 1-877-463-7853 to order if not available in your store)
Instant nonfat dry milk powder
Plain yogurt
“Low Carb,” low-fat yogurt (read label)
No Added Sugar hot chocolate

Meat

Blended meats (e.g. chicken, turkey, beef, etc)
Strained baby food meats

Other

Blended cottage cheese
Melted cheese
Blended beans (e.g. navy, pinto, chickpeas, lentils)
Fat-Free refried beans (smooth only)
Hummus
Blended tofu
Protein powder with no added sugar

Vegetable Group

Vegetable juice (e.g. V-8, tomato, carrot)
Blended cooked vegetables (e.g. beets, carrots, green beans, broccoli, etc)

Fruit Group

Unsweetened 100% juice (limit to 1 cup daily due to calorie content)
Blended, unsweetened, canned, froze, or fresh fruits.
If canned fruits, use only fruits packed in juice.
Do not use fruits packed in syrup or lite syrup.

Fat Group

Fats are essential, but because they are high in calories, should be limited. Limit to 3 servings per day unless otherwise instructed.

Oil, butter, margarine, mayonnaise, salad dressing (without sugar), smooth peanut butter, sour cream, cream cheese

Starch Group

This group contains carbohydrates. Limiting intake helps with weight loss.

Cooked cereal, smooth, without lumps 
    (e.g. unsweetened cream of wheat, oat bran, grits, etc.)
Blended starchy vegetables
    (e.g. lima beans, potatoes, winter squash, sweet potatoes, peas)
Blended soups

Liquids

Water, Fruit 2-0, Crystal Lite, herb tea, decaf tea, 100% fruit juice, milk, protein drinks, homemade smoothies or shakes. (Remember: at least 6-8 cups every day)

It is okay to blend food together for better flavor. For example, try blending stews or casseroles, or blending cottage cheese or plain yogurt with unsweetened fruit, or melted cheese with vegetables.