Quick Weight Loss Tips

GASTRIC BYPASS: It is important to follow this diet because it helps you lose weight and gives your body adequate nutrition. Since the stomach pouch created by the operation can not grind solid food, you must take liquids and pureed foods initially. When you start eating solid food you will have to chew very well. You will NOT be able to eat steak or chunks of meats if it is not chewed thoroughly.

Because the intestine is not made to handle food until it has been mixed with bile and acid from the bypassed stomach, avoid eating certain foods that are high in carbohydrates (especially liquid calories like ice cream or
soda) after your gastric bypass. This will cause you to experience unpleasant side effects such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, palpitations, abdominal pain and dizziness. These symptoms are referred to as “Dumping Syndrome” and are very unpleasant.

LAP-BAND®:Certain foods (meat, bagels, biscuits, etc.) may not be tolerated after surgery. Avoiding or limiting foods that contain added sugar, concentrated sweets and fat will aid in weight loss. Intolerance to food may indicate that the Band is too tight. As with gastric bypass, chewing food thoroughly is very important to avoid nausea and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are not normal.

Dietary Guidelines for Patients after Gastric Bypass (also applicable for Lap-Band® patients)

1.    Always think protein first. Consume protein at every meal and snack.

2.    Eat slowly (take small bites, chew very well); allow 30-60 minutes
       to eat each meal. Indications of fullness may include:
•      a  feeling of pressure or fullness in the center of your abdomen
        just below the rib cage.
•      pain in your shoulder area or upper chest.
•      nausea.

3.    Don’t drink fluids while eating (drink fluids at least 15-30 minutes
       before or after meals to prevent becoming too full).

4.    Stop eating - just before you feel full (don’t try to wash food
       down with fluids).

5.    Omit concentrated sweets: (examples: sugar, honey, candy) desserts,
       regular sodas, canned nutritional supplements (only when advised) milk
       shakes, sweetened juice drinks or items with sugar listed on the label
       as one of the first three ingredients.

6.    Omit high-fat foods (such high-calorie items can prevent weight loss;
       examples: gravy, butter, fried foods, chips).

7.    Avoid foods with high-fiber content during the first three months after
       surgery. (Examples: coconut, popcorn, membranes of oranges, grape
       fruits, skins or seeds of some fruits or vegetables, fibrous vegetables
       such as corn, skins of potatoes, celery). You may be able to slowly
       re-introduce some fibrous foods.

8.    Add new foods one at a time; if you don’t tolerate an item, wait
       about a week before trying it again.

9.    Include skim or low-fat milk to supplement your protein intake (try
       lactose-treated milk or fortified soy milk if you have intolerance to milk).

10.  Avoid carbonated drinks. If you must have, let carbonated drinks
       sit open for about an hour before you consume them to let them
       go ‘flat’ (decrease the carbonation).

11.   Do not use a straw - you may swallow air with the fluids.

12.   If vomiting occurs, you should stop eating for at least two hours, then
        restart again slowly with water and gradually increase to your usual
        stage of the diet.

13.    You may use spices.

14.    Avoid alcohol, it contains from 100-150 calories per drink. You will also
         feel lightheadedness with very small amounts.

15.    Supplementation or nutrition counseling can assist in treatment for hair
         loss, skin problems, nausea, and food intolerance. Please see your
         bariatric dietitian specializing in weight loss surgery.

16.    Recommended follow up after surgery with the bariatric dietitian is at
         three weeks, six weeks, and every four - eight weeks thereafter for the
         first year and every six months the following years.