Gastric bypass is a surgical procedure that is done to help obese people lose weight by changing the way stomach and small intestine handles the ingested food. The procedure is done under general anesthesia. The surgery is done in two steps. During the first step, the stomach is divided into two sections, a small upper section (also referred to as a pouch) and a large lower section, using staples. The pouch?s size is similar to the size of a walnut and it can hold only approximately one to two ounces of food. During the second step (also referred to as bypass), a small part of the small intestine or jejunum is connected to a small hole made in the pouch. The food ingested will now travel from the pouch to the small intestine through this new opening. The lower section of the stomach becomes redundant, thereby, allowing the absorption of fewer calories into the body.

Puree Diet after Bariatric Surgery

Phase II can be summarized as soft foods which can be easily mashed, eaten with a spoon and can be tolerated easily. This stage continues to allow your system to heal and slowly adjust to more dense foods. Attempting portions that are too large or advancing too rapidly into foods that are very dense or hard can cause food getting “stuck”, vomiting, and pouch irritation. Remember as your diet advances the liquids should remain separated from the solids. If you drink while eating you will push food through the pouch and speed up the emptying of the pouch. This will just make room for more food.

Solid Foods after Bariatric Surgery

Like the other phases of the post-bariatric surgery diet, the exact timing of Phase III of your diet will vary. Phase III of your diet typically starts at the beginning of week 5 and continues for the rest of your life. The goal is to choose healthy, balanced meals and make lifestyle changes to become the new healthy you. You should continue to follow your previous routine that you used for previous diet phases for meal times and vitamin supplementation.

Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery

Obesity is a worldwide problem of increasing prevalence. Ideally, and in its less severe stages, obesity can be controlled with diet management and a regular exercise program. At times, obesity may be so severe that it is termed morbid obesity. Weight loss surgery, including gastric bypass and the gastric sleeve are surgical procedures whose utility in combating morbid obesity are recognized by both medical and surgical specialists. Patients who have a BMI greater than 35 or those with a BMI of 30 or more who are also suffering from life-threatening illnesses curable with weight loss are considered as possible candidates for bariatric surgery.

Clear Liquid Diet

Phase I – Liquid Diet Guidelines after your operation

You will be on this phase for at least 2 weeks after your surgery. You will feel full from liquids and may not meet your fluid goals the first few days. During this phase you must consume liquid only and avoid all solid foods. Your primary source of energy and protein will be protein shakes.

Do I qualify for insurance coverage for the surgery?

Because every insurance policy is unique, it's important that you thoroughly understand your Certificate of Coverage to know exactly what is and isn't covered through your plan.

The qualification process includes a series of tests with your bariatric surgeon. You also will meet with a nutritionist, psychologist, and other support staff members in sessions leading up to surgery. Each healthcare professional will help you prepare for the changes and challenges that lie ahead.

How do I know if I qualify for bariatric surgery?

Patients should have:
– 100 pounds or more of excess weight; or a BMI of 40 or greater
– A BMI of 35 or greater with one or more co-morbid condition
Other common guidelines include:
– Understanding the risks of bariatric surgery
– Committing to dietary and other lifestyle changes as recommended by the surgeon
– Having a history of weight loss treatments having failed the patient
– Undergoing a complete examination including medical tests

Detailed question

The smaller stomach pouch restricts the amount of food the patient can comfortably eat, and the bypass decreases the number of nutrients and calories absorbed.

What is Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery?

Roux-en-Y (pronounced ROO-en-why) gastric bypass surgery is the most popular bariatric surgery in the United States. In this procedure, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch and then constructs a “bypass” of some of the small intestine. The smaller stomach pouch restricts the amount of food the patient can comfortably eat, and the bypass decreases the number of nutrients and calories absorbed.

Why is my hair falling out and my fingernails breaking?

Patients who undergo weight loss surgery sometimes complain of problems with their hair and fingernails during the first year or so after the operation. They are a few possible explanations related to the stress state after the operation as well as possible nutritional deficiencies.

Immediately after a gastric bypass, you may lose as much as a pound or two of weight each day. When the body is losing weight this quickly, it sometimes goes into a stress state in order to conserve resources. The result of this is that hair and fingernail growth might not be the same as it was before the

Stage I – Post-Op and the Hospital Diet

At this time, Dr. Belsley and the hospital team will be monitoring your progress by seeing how well you tolerate low-sugar, non-carbonated liquids such as water, tea, and broth. Sugar-free gelatin is another option. Use a cup to drink and avoid sipping from a bottle or straw.

Pre-op Bariatric Diet

Phase I – Pre-Surgery Clear Liquid Diet

The first phase of clear liquids will actually start five days prior to surgery. You will be advised to drink only clear liquids and be expected to adhere to this for the five days prior to surgery regardless of which operation you will be undergoing. We allow two protein supplements per day for the first two days of this five day period.