Gastric Bypass Diet refers to the type of food items that are prescribed for the patients who have undergone digestive bypass procedures. The diet is also known as bariatric diet and constitutes of four different stages which includes a transition from liquid, semi solid to solid food that the patient can consume after such as extensive surgical procedure. The total calorie count after the surgery is of paramount importance and is limited to a maximum of 60 g of proteins along with very little fat and a miniscule amount of sugar per day.
There are several companies who offer pre-packaged diets for the gastric bypass patient. It is simple to use these packaged food products which are prepared scientifically and do not cause any additional health problems. Medifast as well as Wonder Slim are the leading companies in this area at present.
Gastric Bypass Diet: Characteristics
The diet is planned with considerable thought as it is meant for patients who are in the process of recuperating after a gastric bypass surgery. The diet is also meant for the reconstructed stomach which is smaller in size than the original one. The newly shaped stomach requires a lesser amount of food to satiate with clear fluids being the only means of sustenance during the first stage of recovery following the surgery. The overall diet is extremely light comprising of food that is easy to digest. Multi vitamin pills and calcium supplements are usually recommended for the patient after the surgery.
Gastric Bypass: Dietary Restrictions
- Carbonated drinks are strictly forbidden immediately after the surgery.
- Sugar quantity needs to be restricted with only the minimum amount allowed.
- Food products rich in saturated fat are not permitted at all.
Gastric Bypass Diet Plan
The diet can be divided into four concrete stages.
First Stage- This stage starts a day after the surgery and consists of apple juices, light broths or sugar free jellos. Taking small sips is mandatory with the patient being given a semi liquid diet if the clear fluids are retained by the body.
Second Stage- All the food resembles baby food and is passed through a blender until it attains a semi liquid state. Common food given during this stage include:-
- Skimmed milk or milk containing 1% cream.
- Soups prepared with milk instead of water.
- Cream of mashed potato soup.
- Mashed meat creamed and added to the soup.
- Sugar free yoghurt blended well before serving.
Third Stage- The food is more solid in consistency during this stage. However, hard food that needs proper chewing is usually avoided. The food that is preferred during the third stage includes:-
- Soft boiled eggs or poached eggs.
- Lean meat or chicken that has been finely chopped.
- Macaroni and cheese casserole along with a boiled tuna dish.
- Soft boiled vegetables.
- Cottage cheese crumbled and served.
- Instant breakfasts that are available in stores.
Fourth and Final Stage- Solid food high in protein content form the mainstay of this stage while the fat and carbohydrate intake remains limited. Common food that can be included at this stage include:-
- No fat skimmed milk, cottage cheeses or yoghurts.
- Egg whites in any form except fried.
- Oatmeal or thin wheat gruel porridges.
- Fish, chicken and poultry.
- Lentils and beans cooked properly.
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