Gastric sleeve surgery significantly reduces the size of the stomach to limit the amount of food a patient can eat and encourage weight loss. Gastric sleeve offers fast and effective weight loss results, but it is important that patients practice lifestyle changes that will keep the weight off.
One of the most important factors to affect the long-term success of gastric sleeve surgery is a proper diet. Here, Dr. Liza María Pompa González goes over the long-term diet plan for gastric sleeve patients. Following a proper diet will help our Tijuana, MX, and San Diego, CA, area patients achieve a healthier lifestyle for years to come.
Eat Small, Frequent Meals
After patients have recovered from surgery and have reintroduced solid foods, they should make sure they are eating small, frequent meals throughout the day. Ideally, patients should have three small, nutrient-rich meals and two small, healthy snacks each day.
Since stomach capacity is limited after surgery, patients should avoid drinking any liquids with meals. Instead they should drink liquids at least 30 minutes before a meal, so that they are able to get as much nutrition as possible with each meal or snack.
Foods to Eat
After recovering from surgery and progressing to solid foods, patients will notice that they get full faster and are able to eat smaller amounts of food. Because of this, it is vital that the foods they do eat provide proper nutrition.
It is important to include healthy sources of protein and vitamins in the diet, such as:
- Eggs
- Low-fat cottage cheese
- Fish
- Lean meats
- Vegetables
- Fruit
Foods to Avoid
Foods that are high in sugar or fats are considered empty calories because they fill patients up without providing any valuable nutrients. These types of foods should be avoided as much as possible to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Examples of foods to stay away from after gastric bypass include:
- White bread, grains, or pasta
- Fried food
- Chips
- Cookies
- Ice cream
It is also important to avoid filling up on liquids, especially those that are high in sugar, such as juices and sodas.
Nutritional Supplements
Even if gastric sleeve patients follow a healthy diet, they may have a hard time getting ample nutrients. To get the body all the protein, fiber, and vitamins it needs, patients may take nutritional supplements.
After treatment, we advise patients to introduce a daily multi-vitamin to their routine. In addition, protein shakes, which are vital in the initial weeks of gastric sleeve recovery, can continue to be an asset long-term, as long as they are not used as a substitute for food.
Learn More
If you are significantly overweight and have been unable to lose weight on your own, it may be time to consider bariatric surgery at our Tijuana practice. To learn more about gastric sleeve or our other surgical techniques, send us a message at your earliest convenience, or call our weight loss center. Call us at (619) 373-0222.