Gastric Bypass Diet

Introduction: Gastric Bypass Diet

The Gastric Bypass diet is a medical diet developed as a part of a complete postoperative plan for people with obesity who have had gastric bypass surgery. Gastric bypass surgery is commonly known as "stomach stapling", although there are a variety of different types of gastric bypass procedures. Gastric bypass surgery is generally performed on people who have been unable to address their obesity and lose weight by dieting and exercise. These people are obese to the extent that the extra weight is dangerously affecting their health with complications, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, joint problems, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular and other vascular diseases. Gastric bypass surgeries generally result is a much smaller stomach that holds only about 2 tablespoons of food at a time, which makes people feel fuller, quicker and makes it difficult for people to overeat. Gastric bypass surgeries also generally connect the newly created smaller stomach with the middle portion of the small intestine, bypassing part of the intestines and resulting in less absorption of calories. Gastric bypass diets are individualized for each patient by a surgeon, physician, and/or dietician based on the specific surgical procedure and needs of each patient.

The gastric bypass diet generally includes several progressive phases after the surgery is complete. This typically starts with clear liquid diet and advances to a full liquid diet, then a soft or pureed diet, and eventually, a solid diet. The gastric bypass diet also generally stresses foods high protein to help in the healing process and water and low-calorie liquids to ensure adequate hydration. It is also important to avoid foods high in fat, sugar, fiber, and calories. Because of the restrictive nature of the diet, vitamin and mineral supplementation is needed to ensure adequate nutrition. The gastric diet also includes recommendations for eating three to six small meals per day, drinking liquids between meals, eating slowly, and chewing food completely.

The gastric bypass diet is only used under medical recommendation after gastric bypass surgery and under regular medical supervision. It was not developed for use alone as a weight loss plan or to be used without medical monitoring. Any diet may have the potential to be harmful to some people, so consultation with a health care provider before starting any diet plan is recommended.

Gastric Bypass Diet: Other Names

Other names for this diet (Gastric Bypass Diet) include:

Stomach Stapling Diet
Bariatric Surgery Diet

Conditions Associated with Gastric Bypass Diet

Conditions associated with Gastric Bypass Diet include:

Foods Excluded Or Restricted From Gastric Bypass Diet

The following foods may be restricted or excluded from Gastric Bypass Diet:

All foods except clear liquids initially after gastric bypass surgery
As diet progresses after clear liquid phase, all foods except low-fat full liquids
As diet progresses after full liquid phase, all foods except soft or pureed foods and full liquids
As diet progresses to regular solid diet, restricted foods include
Fatty foods
Fried foods
Junk foods
Most fast foods
French fries
Fatty meats
Whole-fat dairy products
Whole milk
Cream
Butter
Oils
High fiber foods
Beans
Raw vegetables
High-fat baked goods
High-fat, high-sugar desserts
Foods high in sugar
Candy
Chewing gum
Alcohol

Foods Focused On For Gastric Bypass Diet

The following foods may be focused on as part of Gastric Bypass Diet:

Vitamin/mineral supplements
Clear liquids initially after gastric bypass surgery
As diet progresses after clear liquid phase, high-protein, low-fat, full liquids
Carnation Instant Breakfast
Ensure
As diet progresses after full liquid phase, soft or pureed foods and full liquids
As diet progresses to regular solid diet, recommended foods include
Low-fat foods
Low-sugar foods
Lean meats and fish prepared without frying and without added cream
Eggs
Low-fat cottage cheese
Low-fat or fat-free dairy products
Low-fat whole grain breads and grain products
Cooked vegetables
Fruits