Gastric sleeve surgery in Maryland has helped thousands of individuals reclaim their health and their lives. However, it isn’t the quick fix that many think it is. While it is a tool that aids in massive weight loss for obese individuals, it also requires lifestyle changes from the patient to work long term.Post-surgery, the stomach is often a quarter or less of its original size. This limits food intake. It also requires dietary changes to prevent harming the stomach or leading to
weight gain after gastric sleeve surgery. While smaller portions are key to success, there are some foods that should be mostly or entirely avoided.
Foods to Avoid After Gastric Sleeve
After gastric sleeve surgery, you first need to heal before you are able to eat solid foods. Once you pass that milestone, there are no foods that are explicitly off limits. However, there are certain foods you should rarely eat, and if possible, avoid entirely. These include:
- Fatty foods
- Foods with lots of added sugar
- Empty calories
However, you might discover that other foods are off limits to you just because your newly reshaped stomach can no longer tolerate them. Some foods people avoid after gastric sleeve surgery include:
- Anything tough to chew, as these foods are also harder to digest
- Fibrous foods, such as some types of fruits and veggies
- Nuts and seeds
- Long-grain rice
- Anything spicy
While it isn’t that you cannot eat these foods after gastric sleeve surgery as a rule, you should introduce them slowly and see how your body reacts to them.
How to Approach Your Post-Surgery Diet
Your doctor should give you a precise schedule for introducing foods after your surgery. This will start with a clear liquid diet, then a full liquid diet, and from there progress to purees, then soft foods, then softer solid foods before opening up to allow all foods—with the correct approach.Keep in mind that it isn’t just what you eat, but how you eat. Some of the basic rules for mealtimes after gastric sleeve surgery are:
- Break up your food consumption into 4-6 small meals.
- Take time to chew your food thoroughly before swallowing.
- Stop eating when you get the first sense of being full.
- Center meals around protein and then build around this with fruits and veggies.
- Be mindful about eating urges that are tied to emotions, including boredom.
- Drink at least 1.5 liters of fluids daily.
- Do not drink within 15 to 30 minutes of mealtimes as this can cause vomiting.
After bariatric surgery, you may feel like a new person. You might even be asking yourself, How will life change after weight loss surgery? Our blog has great advice to guide you through the process!For more information about the post-bariatric surgery diet, set up a consultation.
FAQs
Post-Op Gastric Sleeve Diet: 4th Week After Surgery
What foods can you no longer eat after gastric sleeve? ›
Foods to Avoid After Bariatric Surgery
- Red meat that's tough or dry.
- Greasy, high fat foods.
- Heavily seasoned or spicy foods.
- Sugar alcohols, such as erythritol, glycerol, mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol.
- Foods reheated in the microwave.
Weeks 7 to 8
After around 7 to 8 weeks you should be able to resume a normal solid food diet.
What are the restrictions after gastric sleeve surgery? ›
Patients are restricted from lifting objects over 10 pounds for the first 4-6 weeks after surgery. Sexual activity is restricted for the first 2-4 weeks after surgery. Patients should not take a bath (showers are okay beginning the day after surgery) or go into a swimming pool for two weeks.
What happens if you don t follow post op diet for gastric sleeve? ›
Dumping Syndrome
The foods or beverages pass too quickly through the stomach pouch. This causes symptoms such as nausea, cramping, cold sweats, dizziness, extreme tiredness, and an increase in heart rate.
When can I eat pizza after gastric sleeve? ›
If you frequently enjoy a slice of pizza, you may wonder, 'When can I have pizza after gastric bypass surgery? ' Fortunately, you do not have to eliminate pizza from your diet forever after a bypass surgery, but you should wait for at least 6 weeks before you can comfortably enjoy your delicacy.
What can you never do again after bariatric surgery? ›
Avoid the use of drinking straws, carbonated beverages, chewing gum and ice. They can introduce excess air into your surgically created pouch and cause discomfort. Avoid sugar, sugary foods and beverages, and fruit juices.
Can I eat a sandwich after gastric sleeve? ›
Eating fatty foods after surgery may make you nauseous and they aren't good for long-term success at weight loss. Skip the bacon, sausage, butter, whole milk, and hard cheeses and choose lower-fat options instead. Select low-fat sandwich meats, lean beef, chicken, turkey, and low-fat cheeses.
Can I eat a burger after gastric sleeve? ›
For gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and lap band patients, the key to fitting burgers into your weight loss lifestyle is to keep them low in carbohydrates. Two ways to accomplish that are to forgo the bun and skip sugary condiments like ketchup or BBQ sauce.
Will I ever feel hungry again after gastric sleeve? ›
People often find they aren't very hungry for the first several months after bariatric surgery, but eventually their appetite starts to come back. And when it does, learning to tell the difference between true hunger and simply being “in the mood” to eat can help them to stay on track toward their wellness goals.
Longer term risks and complications of sleeve gastrectomy surgery can include:
- Gastrointestinal obstruction.
- Hernias.
- Gastroesophageal reflux.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Malnutrition.
- Vomiting.
Typically occurring after the three-week mark post-op, a gastric sleeve weight loss plateau is when the rapid weight loss slows down or stops altogether. Bariatric plateau is very normal, temporary and is generally caused by the body's attempts at adjusting to a new diet and an alternative energy source.
How much weight can you lose 3 months after gastric sleeve? ›
Although individual results vary depending on factors ranging from age, health, and starting weight, studies show average weight loss for this type of procedure is five to 15 pounds per week for the initial two to three months. After the first six months, patients can expect to lose one to two pounds per week.
What is the hardest part of a gastric sleeve? ›
The hardest part of the surgery is the incisions healing on your abdomen. But after a week or two, the pain is gone.
What happens if you cheat on your post-op diet? ›
2) By cheating on the liquid diet and eating solid foods, you risk slowing your weight loss journey by introducing extra calories into your post-operative diet. 3) By introducing solid foods too quickly, your body may only partially absorb some of the necessary vitamins and minerals.
What foods cannot be eaten after bariatric surgery? ›
To ensure you meet your post-surgery weight loss goals, here are some food items to avoid:
- High-fat Meats. After your gastric bypass, high-fat meats like bacon, sausage, bologna, and salami should be avoided entirely. ...
- Sugary Foods. ...
- Alcohol. ...
- Dry Foods. ...
- Caffeinated and Carbonated Beverages. ...
- Dairy Products.
Foods that are high in sugar are likely to cause dumping syndrome. This is because high amounts of sugar draw more water into the small intestine and can move gastric contents faster. High fat foods can also cause dumping syndrome in some people.
What can I eat 2 years after gastric sleeve? ›
Always consume lean protein first, non-starchy vegetables second, and high-fiber carbs or a healthy fat source last. Try to consume at least 64 ounces of hydrating fluids. Avoid added-sugar drinks, carbonation, and excessive caffeine. Consume alcohol in moderation.
Will I ever enjoy food again after gastric sleeve? ›
Yes, you can eat normally after gastric sleeve surgery - albeit at a lower quantity than before. In general, most people find that they have an easier time digesting and enjoying a solid diet after the surgery.
Can I ever eat bread again after gastric sleeve? ›
The question “When can I eat bread after gastric bypass?” often follows the one about gastric sleeves. The answer remains the same for both: It's typically recommended to steer clear of bread for the initial 6–8 weeks after surgery. If you're eager to try bread, opt for toast.
