Gastric bypass Post-Op Nutrition

Gastric bypass Post-Op Nutrition

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Clear Liquids

During the first week after surgery patients should drink clear liquids. Clear liquids are defined as liquids that one can see through. They should not be carbonated and of course not contain alcohol.

Liquids should be sipped, never gulped. There is no specific recommended amount per day. Each person is different and should drink enough fluid to keep her/him from becoming thirsty.

Some patients can drink plain water without difficulty after Gastric bypass. Others find that water is hard to take because it irritates their pouch. These patients prefer flavored water and other drinks. Here are a few suggestions.

Some patients can drink plain water without difficulty after Gastric bypass. Others find that water is hard to take because it irritates their pouch. These patients prefer flavored water and other drinks. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Water
  • Crystal lyte (may be cut 50/50 with water)
  • Diet Jell-O
  • Diet Kool Aid
  • Broth, bullion
  • Tea (either real or herbal), adding lemon is OK
  • Coffee, one or two cups per day max
  • Diet Tang
  • Diet Popsicles
  • Flat diet soda. Bubbles can stretch the pouch and cause gas pains.
  • Unsweetened fruit juices such as apple juice or cranberry juice.

Several patients have recommended Diet Ice Botanical. This drink is available at Costco comes and comes in several flavors. It contains Splenda as a sweetener.

Georgia M. recommends Glaceau FruitWater which can be obtained through Boney’s. It comes in many flavors and contains some electrolytes.

Propel Fitness Water (from the makers of Gatorade) is another good clear liquid. It contains some minerals and vitamins, but only 10 calories per 8 oz. Regular Gatorade contains a lot of sugar and can cause dumping syndrome.

Diet Snapple is tasty. It contains 10 calories per 16oz. The calories come from the fruit juices that are used for flavor. No minerals or vitamins.

Protein

Most surgeons suggest that patients eat at least 50-60 grams of protein per day after gastric bypass. Eating a normal amount of protein is difficult because the new stomach pouch and opening into the small intestine are very small. Chunky meats simply don’t go through. Here are some suggestions offered by patients for protein sources that are appropriate at various times after surgery.

First week after surgery:

During this very early period patients should limit their intake to clear liquids. Thus choices are limited, and one really shouldn’t worry too much about the amount of protein. Beef, chicken, or turkey broth contain a little protein and are good choices initially.

Weeks two through six after surgery:

During this period, patients should eat puree and very soft foods. Try these ideas:

  • Bean dishes and soups
  • Peas
  • Peanut butter
  • Tofu (soy) mixed in with soup or vegetables
  • Baby shrimp
  • Very soft fish such as sole
  • Chicken or meat pate or spreads, liverwurst
  • Skim milk
  • Cottage cheese or other cheeses
  • Low fat yogurt
  • Eggs: try two white with one yolk

Protein Suppliments

(these can be mixed with juice or soup or can ben blended with fruit)

  • Problend 55
  • ProComplex
  • Pure Protein (see below)
  • Zero Carb Isopure (Comes as powder or liquid)

“At support group you were asking for suggestions for protein and I just wanted to e-mail you and let you know what I have found! There is a protein bar at Trader Joe’s that has no sugar and is approved by the Glycemic Research Institute. It is called PURE PROTEIN and is endorsed by Tony Little. It has 22g of protein and tastes pretty good. Just thought you would like to know!!!” Sheryl S.
Pat M. suggests Jay Robb’s Egg White Protein. It has 24 gm of protein and 100 cal per scoop.

Here are some more suggestions, these from the support group:

  • Designer Protein Powder (Vanilla) blended with flat Diet orange slice
  • Designer Protein Powder mixed with coffee
  • 1 scoop of ProComplex + 1 scoop soy protein. Add any fruits you like: bananas, berries, peaches
  • ProComplex chocolate in 1% milk 1 scoop/4oz.
  • ProComplex smoothie with fruit
  • Add sugar free pudding to protein supplement of choice
  • HMR protein powder from Sharp Weight Management
  • HMR protein powder Hot Chocolate flavor mixed with instant coffee
  • Trader Joe’s Soy protein: 2 scoops with non-sugar Tang
  • Trader Joe’s canned Pure Protein and Protein Revolution shakes
  • Spirutein protein powder Found at Henry’s in various flavors
  • GeniSoy Shake

Weeks 6 through 12 after surgery:

Gradually try meats like chicken, turkey, or fish. Cut up the meat into small pieces and chew very well. Try only a very limited quantity at first. Continue with the earlier foods in somewhat larger quantities.
Some other ideas:

  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Whole gain breads
  • Bran flakes
  • Baked potato
  • Soy
  • SOY MEAT SUBSTITUTE
  • WORTHINGTON BRAND: available in items listed below:

CHOPLETS: (patties) 90 calories in 2 servings
1 ½ grams fat (less than 2% dextrose)
17 grams protein

CHILI: (beans and ground meat substitute)
290 calories in 1 cup serving.
19 grams protein
2 ½ grams fat

LOMA LINDA BRAND: (made by Worthington Foods, Inc.)

SWISS STEAK: (patties and gravy)
120 calories in 1 serving
6 grams fat
9 grams protein
less than 1 gram sugar