Liquid diet refers to a mode of nutrition where the diet is composed of liquid food. A diet qualifies as being liquid if the foods taken are liquid at room temperature or transform to liquid at room temperature, e.g. ice cream. A liquid diet is easier to swallow and to digest as compared to the solid foods. Mechanical breakdown of the food prior to ingestion contributes to the ease in digestion of liquid food. Medically, a liquid diet can be prescribed on a number of occasions. It is recommended prior to certain radiological exams such as barium studies to enhance the diagnostic value of the exam. It is also the diet of choice prior to a surgical procedure. Patient may be put on liquid diet post surgery involving the gut. In esophageal disease, resultant dysphagia makes liquid diet a viable option of delivering nutrients to the body. It is essential to supplement vitamins and mineral with liquid diet if it is taken for more than 3 weeks.

Long-Term Diet Suggestions

Your bariatric procedure is permanent. You typically only have one chance at success and you need to concentrate on losing as much weight as possible and then fighting to maintain that weight-loss. Because of the nature of the surgery, you must focus on lifestyle changes.

Healthy choices will help you for the rest of your life.

What type of post op support do you have?

We have weekly support groups in both English and Spanish. Please call the office to check which is scheduled.

Detailed question

There are a multitude of questions that people have regarding support after the operation. We have moved away from large support groups to smaller groups.

What type of post op support do you have?

The group meetings that you attended prior to surgery are available to all patients post surgery. We encourage you to remain part of the bariatric patient community. It is a good idea to come and ask questions and network with other patients. As you lose weight and gain confidence and enthusiasm it is important to remember that the surgery is not a cure for obesity. Attending group meeting will remind you that weight gain is a possibility and weight maintenance is hard work. If you have specific food related questions and already a patient of Dr. Belsley that please feel free to reach out to

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.

Incontinence

Incontinence is a relatively common condition, particularly in obese individuals. Defined as involuntary passage of urine or feces, incontinence is rarely associated with serious underlying pathology, but can have a profoundly negative impact upon quality of life, limiting daily activities and affecting psychological wellbeing, social interaction and interpersonal relationships. Many people with incontinence are reluctant to seek help, either due to embarrassment or because they believe that nothing can be done. However, in the majority of cases, appropriate intervention can lead to significant symptomatic reduction or complete cure.

Lap - Band Surgery

Laparoscopic gastric banding is a surgery that reduces the capacity of the stomach with the help of a silicone ring and an inflatable balloon that is fitted on the outside of the stomach. The balloon inflates with the injection of fluid through the injection port. This narrows the opening of the upper pouch, wherein the amount of food you eat is controlled while the emptying process of the stomach pouch is slowed.

Esophagus

From the back of the mouth (the pharynx) to the top of the stomach, the esophagus is a muscular tube for foods and liquids. It’s relatively tough and resilient as organs go, built to take most of the material human beings ingest. For the most part, it’s not a very complicated organ. Depending on the height of the person, it’s about 10 inches long (25 cm) and 1 inch in diameter (2-3 cm). The esophagus’ geography usually divides into three sections: cervical at the top, thoracic in the middle, and abdominal at the bottom.

Understanding Your Decision

At your second or pre-surgical office visit with Dr. Belsley, you will take a short quiz so that you can have an additional discussion regarding various important issues prior to your operation. The purpose of the quiz is to assist your understanding and provide a source of conversation regarding the risks and benefits of the procedure. You will also be asked to review, initial and sign a consent form that discusses a number of important possibilities of your operation.