Due to new digestive system after gastric bypass surgery, patients need to follow a special restrictive diet plan that is designed to be gentle on both new stomach pouch and intestinal bypass limb that carries their food from the stomach to the remaining part of small intestine.

As your healing progresses, the diet plan becomes less restrictive and gradually includes a wider range of food options. It starts with clear liquid only and progresses to low-fat solid foods.

The diet during the first week after surgery is strictly liquid only. Intake is limited to 1 to 2 ounces per meal so that the stomach can heal properly. After two weeks, you will able to eat soft foods that require minimum chewing. After 4 to 6 weeks, gradually most foods will be acceptable in very small amounts. This transition is required to allow time for your newly created stomach pouch to heal properly.

Generally, the diet includes foods high in protein and low in fats, fiber, calories and sugar. After gastric bypass surgery, your body has difficulty absorbing certain nutrients because most of your stomach and part of your small intestine are bypassed. To prevent vitamin or mineral deficiency, important minerals and vitamins are provided as supplements. Learning the new eating habits and following the diet correctly can help the patient to lose weight.

To prevent dehydration, patients are recommended to drink at least 2 liters or more water everyday. Water must be consumed slowly, 1-2 mouthfuls at a time due to the restrictive effect of the operation.

Gastric bypass surgery reduces the size of the stomach so that it can hold about two tablespoons worth food. Try to eat nutrient-dense foods to get the most nutrition from the smaller amount of meals you are eating.

How quickly a patient recovers is totally dependent upon your individual post operative health condition and the eating habits. One of the most important things for patients recovering from gastric bypass surgery is training themselves to eat in less amounts.

Overeating is the cause of most post-bypass complications, causing nausea and vomiting. Make sure you chew your every bite slowly and thoroughly, until it is mush. Eating too much or eating the wrong foods can cause ulcers, heartburn, even a ruptured stomach.

Exercise is also equally important with diet. Your commitment to diet and exercise must be very strong because even after the surgery, you must adhere to these lifestyle changes. Otherwise, complications from the surgery are likely to develop.