The Gastric Bypass Diet for Bariatric Patients - What to Expect

Gastric bypass patients must be committed to following the dietary guidelines recommended by their doctor. The gastric bypass diet is designed to maximize weight loss, while providing the body with the nutrients it needs to be healthy. Although specific diet plans can vary from patient to patient and doctor to doctor, the following information outlines some of the generally accepted dietary guidelines that are encountered by gastric bypass patients following surgery.

Eating Habits

The changes made to the gastrointestinal tract will require that gastric bypass patients make permanent changes to the way they eat. Adopting new eating habits is just as necessary as choosing healthy foods to eat. Patients will need to schedule meal times, eat small amounts, eat slowly, and avoid snacking. Calories will need to severely limited (about 800 calories per day for the first 1 to 2 years during weight loss and 1000 - 1200 per day thereafter for weight maintenance) and certain foods will need to be eliminated from the diet.

Nutrients

Protein is the most important nutrient in the gastric bypass diet. It is needed by the body to function properly, protect muscle tissue, and burn fat reserves. When eating a meal, the protein food items should be eaten first, in case you feel full and cannot finish. Some gastric bypass diet plans encourage the regular use of protein supplements, but in most cases it is best to get your protein from regular foods. The recommended protein intake typically ranges from 50 to 70 grams per day.

Carbohydrates, which are the body's main fuel source, are also an important part of a balanced diet. While it's true that some types of carbohydrates are unhealthy and should be avoided, including starchy foods such as bread products, rice, and pasta, and sugary foods, not all carbohydrates are bad. Nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables are also carbohydrates and a healthy addition to the diet.

Meals

Meals in the gastric bypass diet will primarily consist of protein-rich foods, including lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish), low-fat dairy products (yogurt, cottage cheese), eggs, and soy products, as well as a variety of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. Since the amount of food eaten each day is very limited, it is important to eat only healthy and nutritious food.

Fluids

Fluids are an essential aspect of any diet, but especially for the gastric bypass patient. Patients need to drink plenty of liquids, about six to eight cups a day, to keep from becoming dehydrated. All liquids must be consumed between meals and not with meals or within 30 minutes before or after a meal. Liquids should be sipped slowly and be limited to low-calorie, non-carbonated beverages.

Vitamins and Minerals

Following gastric bypass surgery, the amount of calories and nutrients absorbed from food is reduced due to the changes made to the gastrointestinal tract. While the body can function on the reduced calories, it needs a certain levels of nutrients for proper health. Gastric bypass patients will need to take nutritional supplements for life in order to supply the body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly and to prevent deficiencies that can lead to serious health consequences.

Foods to Avoid

Some foods will need to eliminated from the diet in order to maximize weight loss efforts. The gastric bypass diet should not include sugary foods or high-fat foods as they add excessive calories without providing any nutritional benefits. Other foods should be avoided because they are problematic to the altered gastrointestinal tract and can cause eating discomfort or digestive difficulties.