There are several types of bariatric surgery. The Roux En Y procedure is permanent -- cutting the stomach to create a smaller pouch and reconnecting the digestive tract. In the lap band procedure, a band is tightened around a small portion of the stomach, but it can be loosened or tightened as necessary. The post-operative diets for these procedures are similar.
Amount of Food
The stomach, which was once the size of a football when inflated, is now the size of an egg. To achieve the significant weight loss needed to help individuals live healthier, the amount of food that can be eaten needs to be drastically decreased. To achieve this calorie deficit, bariatric surgery patients will consume 800 to 1,000 calories per day, with 40 to 60 g of protein, according to Duke Health.
Because of the small capacity of the new stomach, you'll be unable to drink 30 minutes before a meal, during a meal or 30 minutes after a meal.
Diet
Immediately after surgery until about five months post-surgery, your diet will progress from a liquid diet to pureed foods to soft foods before returning to a more normal diet. A diet rich in protein is crucial for healing. Protein is also a good way to fill up without large portions. It's important to avoid sugary foods, especially simple sugars such as soda, candy and juices, which can lead to dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome is a result of food moving too quickly through the stomach and intestines, causing diarrhea, sweating and dizziness.
When returning to normal solid foods, many patients eat what they did prior to surgery but in much smaller portions. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins are healthy food choices. Each meal should include 3 to 5 oz. of protein; 3 oz. of meat is about the size of a deck of cards.
Supplements
Due to the size of the post-op stomach and the new digestive tract, absorbing vitamins and minerals is difficult. Vitamin and mineral supplements are required. Immediately following surgery, chewable vitamins guarantee the best absorption, according to Duke Health.
Vitamin and mineral supplement guidelines include at least 18 mg of iron, 15 mg of zinc, 400 mcg of folic acid and at least 1,000 mg of calcium per day.
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