Individuals seeking a less invasive surgical weight loss solution can benefit from a mini gastric bypass at our Tijuana, MX facility. After undergoing this procedure, it is important to adhere to a specific post-operative diet. This ensures that your body heals appropriately and that recovery is successful. Here, the LIMARP team explores the mini gastric bypass diet and explains what patients can expect week-by-week.
The Importance of following a Post-surgical Diet
When you follow the guidelines set by our Tijuana team, you allow your stomach to heal properly and prevent it from being stretched by the food you consume. Consequently, this helps you become accustomed to eating smaller portions so you can lose weight effectively. The diet is also intended to reduce post-operative side effects and complications.
Week One: A Liquid Diet
For the first 24 to 48 hours, patients will only be allowed to drink clear liquids. Once the body can handle clear liquids, other liquids can be incorporated into the diet. This may include:
- Skim milk
- Unsweetened juice
- Broth
- Decaffeinated coffee or tea
- Sugarless popsicles or Jell-O®
Weeks Two through Four: Pureed Foods
After the first week, patients can move on to pureed foods, which have the consistency of a thick liquid or a smooth paste. There should be no solid portions in the mixture.
Pureed foods should be eaten slowly, and patients should plan for three to six small meals every day. Each meal should consist of four to six tablespoons of food. To puree your food, blend it with liquids like water, skim milk, broth, or unsweetened juice. Foods that puree well may include:
- Scrambled eggs
- Lean meats, such as poultry or fish
- Cottage cheese
- Hot cereal
- Strained cream soups
- Soft fruits
- Cooked vegetables
Weeks Four through Eight: Soft Foods
If your doctor clears you to do so, you can begin eating soft foods around week four. This means that every bite should be tender, easy to chew, and small in portion.
Every portion should be about one-third to one-half cup, and meals should be eaten about three to five times every day. Chew each bite thoroughly; the food should be a pureed consistency before swallowing it. Soft foods can include:
- Eggs
- Cottage cheese
- Hot or cold cereal
- Ground lean meat
- Rice
- Flaked fish
- Soft fresh fruit (no seeds)
- Cooked vegetables (no skin)
When Can I Eat Solid Foods?
Approximately two months after your mini gastric bypass, you can begin to incorporate solid foods into your diet. Move on to this phase only with your doctor’s guidance, as there are certain foods that can cause problems at this stage of recovery.
We recommend starting with three meals a day, with each meal consisting of one to one-and-a-half cups of food. Be sure to stop eating before feeling completely full, and introduce new foods one at a time to reduce the risk of complications.
Contact Our Practice to Learn More
The timeline mentioned here is based on general recommendations. Be sure to follow the exact guidelines provided by your surgeon for optimal results. To learn more, call our Tijuana practice at (619) 373-0229 or contact us online anytime.
