Post weight loss surgery diet
Post Weight Loss Surgery Diet Myths & Facts
- Jon Armstrong
Post weight loss surgery diet
Myth: There is no post weight loss surgery diet
If you are serious about losing weight, then you may be looking into an option such as a sleeve gastrectomy or a gastric bypass. Both types of weight loss surgery are very common in Perth and all over Australia.
Here at Advance Surgical, we also want to help patients understand their weight loss journey and their own body, so they can maximise their weight loss and go through the process with as little discomfort as possible.
Post weight loss surgery diet
Part of that reality is that you will be asked and recommended to implement a specific diet after your weight loss surgery. There will undoubtedly be some restrictions on what types of foods you can eat easily after your bariatric surgery.
The good news is that, even if there are restrictions, our team (dietitian, clinical psychologist) will be by your side to help you succeed, taking on the new habits and adapting to the new situation.
Post weight loss surgery diet
Fact: The diet starts with a lot of drinking
What is definitely included in our dietitian’s recommendations for a post weight loss surgery diet, is to start with liquids. The typical post weight loss surgery diet includes:
- Drinking decaf coffee or decaf tea
- Juice (that is unsweetened)
- Skim milk
- Gelatin (sugar-free)
Sticking to liquids is essential because your body and your digestive system have to adapt to a whole new situation after your obesity surgery. Your bariatric surgeon and your dietitian at Advance Surgical Perth will make sure you have a full understanding of what is recommended in terms of diet restrictions, and will be there to support you throughout your journey.
Other than the “allowed” drinks above, we always tell our patients to drink plenty of water after their surgery: up to 2 litres. The water helps your body eliminate toxic substances, and it’s known to facilitate the actual weight loss process. It’s recommended to drink these large amounts of water in between meals, not with your meals.
Post weight loss surgery diet
Myth: I will be back to regular food after 2 weeks
This is definitely a myth. Although it is true that most of our Perth patients return to their normal activities 2 weeks after their surgery, the recommended diet after your operation does not include a quick return to “regular food”.
So what is the ideal post weight loss surgery diet? It is unique for your personal situation and the recommendations for your diet after a gastric bypass or a sleeve gastrectomy may vary.
What is common is to start with liquids, and to then gradually re-introduce solid foods again, depending on how your body starts to heal after the surgery. So what we are doing is introducing small steps, over a period that may extend up to 3 months after the surgery.
Post weight loss surgery diet
Fact: You will become good at puree-ing
In this process of gradually introducing other foods than liquids, we tell our patients to puree a number of traditionally solid foods so they can be digested by your modified stomach. In this phase you can introduce pureed lean meat, cooked vegetables, cottage cheese, fish and eggs. The fact that the food is mashed helps your body digest the food, while you still get the nutrients out of it.
The post weight loss surgery diet recommendations are part of the support we offer you as a team, after your surgery. Here at Advance Surgical Perth, we are a team of experienced and passionate bariatric surgeons, dietitians and a clinical psychologist. So if you have any further questions, or want to book an appointment at our clinic, don’t hesitate to call our friendly reception team. We look forward to assisting you.
