What can I eat after gastric bypass surgery?

Clinic Hunter

What can I eat after gastric bypass surgery?

The diet after gastric bypass surgery consists of 4 stages.

• Stage 1: 1-7 days after the surgery

At this stage, patients consume only clear liquids (1-2 ounces an hour). The allowed liquids are water, fat-free milk or broth, sugar-free Jello. 

• Stage 2: 2-3 weeks after the surgery

Patients should introduce proteins to the diet, the recommended portion is 60-70 grams of proteins per day. Patients may consume protein shakes, egg whites, nonfat cottage cheese, and soft cheese. These products should be puréed e.g. with water or fat-free milk. The eating and drinking times should be separated (drinking is forbidden 30 minutes before and after a meal).

• Stage 3: 4-5 weeks after the surgery

Patients may introduce soft food gradually. The food that may be eaten needs to be easily mashed with a spoon or fork (e.g. cooked vegetables and soft meats). The number of proteins should not exceed 70 grams a day spread into 3-6 meals. Patients can choose the following food: lean chicken and turkey, egg whites, fish, non-fat cheese and cottage cheese, tofu, carrots, potatoes, green beans, bananas, avocados, cucumbers, squash.

• Stage 4: 6th week onwards 

Patients may introduce solid food gradually. From that time, patients must follow a healthy balanced diet for the rest of their life. The important thing is to observe your body reacts to food types and avoid food that causes digestive problems. 

You can find more information in the article bariatric surgery diet.