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How will gastric bypass surgery affect my eating habits?
After going through the gastric bypass surgery, you leave your surgeon's office with a myriad
of instructions and suggestions - but what many forget is that the new "you" has to begin the
new diet immediately. This article will help you in accustoming yourself to a new way of eating
and getting the appropriate nutrients.
Gastric bypass is the type of surgery in which your stomach is reduced in size. This smaller
stomach is then reconnected or bypassed to the small intestine, in having a gastric bypass
you can help speed the weight loss by making the stomach so small that you will feel satisfied
after very very small meals.
After a gastric bypass, all your smaller stomach can hold is reduced to about 1 oz., or 2
tablespoons. Over time, the stomach pouch will gradually stretch until it can hold 4 to 8 oz.
or about 1/2 to 1 cups, at a time. The size of the opening created in the stomach and small
intestine is smaller, roughly 1/4 inch wide, slowing the rate in which food is emptied from
the stomach into the small intestine.
Gastric bypass is generally an option taken up only after other methods of weight loss have
tried and failed. The surgery, however, is not an end in itself. This importance in working
closely with your physician and dietitian to ensure that weight loss is safe and successful
cannot be over stated. A simple and regular exercise regimen is often recommended to create
a better self-image and a whole new attitude to food.
The gastric bypass diet is designed to bring significant weight loss in a very short amount
of time. New eating habits and following a diet correctly will ensure weight loss over time.
In general, gastric bypass diets include foods that are high in protein, low in fat, fiber,
calories, and sugar. It is vital that important vitamins and minerals are provided as
nutritional supplements.
Protein is vital in building new tissue. The important of getting enough protein right after
surgery is so that wounds will heal properly. In the long term, protein in the diet may help
in the preservation of muscle tissue.
Sugary foods to avoid include cookies, ice cream, candy, sweetened juices and most desserts.
The gastric bypass diet is low in sweet and sugary foods for three reasons. These foods are
high in calories and fat, even in small amounts, they make the process of weight loss arduous.
Eating processed foods results in "dumping," something that occurs after the surgery. Most
importantly, sweet and sugary foods don't provide any nutritional content. Dumping Syndrome
occurs when the food passes too quickly from your stomach into the small intestine. Symptoms
include a combination of nausea, uncomfortable fullness, distention in your stomach, cramping,
diarrhea, weakness, sweating, and a fast heart rate. This can be provoked by eating very sweet
or sugary foods.
Fat will be difficult to digest after your gastric bypass. The possibility of reflux can occur,
it is when a back-up of stomach acid and food into the esophagus happens, and causes heartburn.
Fat may induce diarrhea, nausea, or stomach discomfort.
Fiber is also to be limited on this diet. With less space in the stomach, the less there is
gastric acid needed to digest them. Some fiber could get stuck in the pouch itself, or block
the already limited opening into the small intestine.
Vitamins & Minerals are the most important part of the diet. The diet allows for only a
limited variety of foods, in very small amounts, thereby making it difficult to get enough
nutrients from food alone. Deficiencies may develop in fairly quickly. It is important that
Iron, folate, vitamin B-12, and calcium are the nutrients that you supplement, since they are
the most affected.
Your bypass diet will unfold in stages, from the "liquids only" to small meals of soft,
high-protein foods. Your meals will be much smaller than normal and the foods must be smooth
in texture. In all stages, it is especially important to drink enough water, and to take your
vitamin and mineral supplements.
The first stage of the diet you will be on clear liquids- this will last for a day or two
after the operation. The clear liquid diet begins with sips of water, and then allow yourself
sugar-free juice, boullion or clear broth, and non carbonated diet soda in small amounts,
usually 2-3 oz at a time.
If you tolerate clear liquids, the diet may advance to high-protein liquids such as meal
replacement drinks- usually Ensure™ or Sustacal™. Ideally, this stage is started before your
discharge from the hospital and lasts for 1 to 2 weeks. Most patients begin taking their
chewable multivitamin/ mineral supplement at this point.
Your physician will let you know when it is time to move onto the soft or purée diet. You may
be able to start this after you've been out of the hospital for about two weeks. Some may need
to wait longer, which is not unusual. The purée diet must include very soft, high-protein foods
like scrambled egg, cottage cheese, or lean meats like tuna fish, chicken, or pork put through
the blender. Some people find it convenient to use strained baby foods.
The regular diet starts about 2 months after surgery. This includes all 5 food groups, albeit
in smaller amounts. Start with high-protein foods, like lean meats or milk, at every meal. Each
meal or snack should be small, with liquids consumed in between meals. Your surgeon will
recommend you speak to a dietitian for advice on planning an individualized and regular diet
pattern for yourself in the months to come.
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What are some of the benefits of Gastric Bypass?
Excess body weight is known to keep the heart from working properly. Results can be high blood
pressure, which can cause a stroke and can cause heart and kidney damage in the long run. Evidence
has shown that age-related lifetime risk of hypertension in men and women ages 45 to 54 may double
as their average BMI increases from 25 to 35.7 While hypertension can occur regardless of age,
gender, or body mass, it is seen more severely in the obese.
Bariatric surgery reduces excess body weight over time, taking away some strain upon the heart. Changes
that occur in diet and exercise post op may lead to significant improvement of hypertension and other
cardiovascular problems. Studies have shown reductions in total cholesterol and LDL levels and increased
HDL levels. Even a weight loss of 10 percent can lower blood pressure significantly.
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What other medical conditions does gastric bypass surgery help alleviate?
Another condition alleviated by bariatric surgery is Type 2 diabetes. It is a long-term metabolic
disorder where the body produces insulin, but then resists it. Insulin is necessary for the body
to be able to process sugar. Due to the excess weight, they may develop a resistance to insulin,
which controls blood sugar. While type 2 diabetes occurs regardless of age, gender, or body mass,
the disease tends to be more severe in the obese.
Patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery had lower insulin resistance. Their risk for
metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, and high amount of fats in the blood also decreased.5
In fact, a landmark study found that resolution of diabetes often occurred days following gastric
bypass surgery, even before marked weight loss was achieved.
Many gastric bypass surgery patients with type 2 diabetes have demonstrated little or no need
for continuing medication.
When diet and exercise do not seem to work in losing the extra pounds, it is important to seek
out the advice of qualified professionals to work with you and determine what the appropriate
course of action is.
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