Gastric sleeve surgery is a procedure that reduces the size of the stomach by about 25 percent. It is designed to help a person lose a drastic amount of weight in a short period of time. However, people have to follow a special diet after their surgery to ensure that they get best results. Below is the guide on how people should eat after gastric sleeve surgery:
One to Seven Days after Surgery
Patients will have to follow a liquid-only diet for the first seven days after surgery. Gatorade, tea, broth and water are examples of some of the things that people can consume while they are following a liquid-only diet. Patients are advised to consume these liquids very slowly. They are also advised to avoid drinking beverages that are very high in sugar.
Two to Five Weeks after Surgery
Patients will be allowed to consume pureed food two weeks after their surgery. Pureed food is food that has been pressed or grounded. In addition to pureed food, patients will also be allowed to consume mashed potatoes, unsweetened applesauce and sugar free jello. The consumption of carbonated beverages will need to be limited.
Six to Twelve Weeks after Surgery
Patients will be ready to start eating soft foods six weeks after their surgery. They will need to eat foods that are low in sugar and fat. Oatmeal, soft-cooked vegetables, low-fat cottage cheese and unsweetened pudding are examples of foods that people can eat during this phase. Patients are advised to eat every four or five hours. Furthermore, they will need to their food very slowly.
Four Months after Surgery
Patients will be ready to slowly ease back into eating a normal diet four months after their surgery. Whole grains, lean meat, poached eggs and vegetables are some of the foods that people will be able to consume. However, most people will not be able to tolerate rice and other high-carb foods for at least six months after surgery. Patients are encouraged to stop eating as soon as they feel full.
Patients will have to restrict their caloric intake to 800 calories per day for at least one year after surgery. The majority of the weight loss will take place during the first year. Once people have lost an adequate amount of weight, they will be allowed to increase their caloric intake to 1000-1200 calories per day. Additionally, patients are encouraged to exercise on a regular basis.
It is important to note that people who have had gastric sleeve surgery will have to consume small quantities of food for the rest of their life. Foods that are very high in sugar and calories will need to be avoided as much as possible. Furthermore, people will not be able to eat and drink at the same time.
Patients should also be cognizant of the fact they will gain the weight back if they eat too much food. If a person gets into the habit of overeating, then his or her stomach will begin to stretch. This will defeat the whole purpose of surgery.
This article was brought to you by AMBI Surgery, a leading quality provider of gastric sleeve surgery, and other weight loss procedures.
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