Following bariatric surgery like gastric sleeve, it is important to adhere to a specific dietary regimen in order to maximize weight loss success and ensure the healthiest postoperative outcome. Your recommended dietary guidelines will depend on the type of procedure you’ve had, your provider and the type of care you seek, but there are some general guidelines when it comes to a post-op gastric sleeve diet. As soon as possible following your surgery, you should begin drinking liquids. Your doctor will recommend a liquid only diet at first, with the gradual introduction of soft foods. Clear liquids like broths, unsweetened juices, water, and decaffeinated teas or coffee are generally the first items of the meal plan that you may enjoy.
You should avoid anything with carbonation or caffeine, as these liquids can be difficult for your body to digest. You should move on to pureed foods after about one week post op. These should be low–fat and protein –rich, like pureed vegetables, soups, and a variety of lean protein sources. As you continue to recover, you can slowly introduce solid foods to your diet, such as skinless white meat or fish, skinless chicken, eggs, and low-fat dairy products. Depending upon your particular situation and the protocol recommended by your physician, you may be instructed to stay on the pureed diet for the first few weeks post- bariatric surgery, before moving on to solid foods.
Consuming 6 to 8 small meals per day – between 500 and 800 calories in total – is a healthy diet for post-bariatric surgery patients. It is imperative that you follow the guidelines provided by your healthcare provider when it comes to a post–op gastric sleeve diet. You should avoid high-fat and sugary foods, as well as processed and refined carbohydrates, in order to promote weight loss success and to ensure your post–operative health remains optimal.
Additionally, abstaining from alcohol and sugar should be a priority in order to maintain your good health. Finally, make sure to get plenty of physical activity and drink sufficient water throughout the day to remain hydrated. Following a post-op diet can be challenging, but adhering to your medical provider’s guidelines can lead to successful weight loss following bariatric surgery.
