Basic Nutrition Guidelines

How does surgery assist in weight loss?

1. Restriction Mechanism (LAP-BAND® and Gastric Bypass)
    
2. The LAP-BAND® changes the stomach to the shape of an hour glass with an upper stomach Reservoir and a lower main portion. The upper Reservoir holds approximately one ounce (2-3 bites). The Gastric Bypass separates a small upper portion of the stomach (also approximately one ounce) from the rest of the stomach, after which food passes directly into the small intestine, bypassing the main, lower part of the stomach.
    

3. Filling the upper reservoir results in a feeling of "fullness". You Will Need To Eat Much More Slowly but you should still be able to finish a small meal in about 30 minutes. No adjustment is needed with the gastric bypass and, after the LAP-BAND® is adjusted properly, both the Bypass and the LAP-BAND® System® require a slower rate of eating.
    

4. You will experience Early Satiety after surgery. Satiety means lack of hunger. It is important to recognize this and learn to stop eating if you are not hungry. The N.E.W. Program will help this behavior change occur.
    
5. You will need to Chew Your Food Very Well for the food to pass through the bypass and the band. Chewing may increase satisfaction with meals and decrease appetite.
    
6. Malabsorption (Duodenal Switch and Gastric Bypass) and Dumping (Gastric Bypass).
    
7. Only Minimal Malabsorption occurs with the Gastric Bypass because most of the stomach and part of the small intestine are bypassed.
    
8. Substantial Malabsorption occurs with the Duodenal Switch because most of the small intestine is bypassed.
    
9. Dumping after Gastric Bypass is usually caused by concentrated sweets. Symptoms are diarrhea, sweating, cramping or bloating, and other symptoms. Dumping is a very useful and powerful tool to help people who have failed previous diets due to the tendency to eat sweets.
    
10. With the Duodenal Switch, the risk is Depletion of Numerous Nutrients and Vitamins, which may occur, especially if appropriate nutritional supplements are not taken or if you do not adhere to close follow-up with your Bariatric Surgeon. Blood levels of many nutrients and vitamins are measured at scheduled checkups.
     
11. With the Gastric Bypass, Depletion of Iron and Calcium, and occasionally other nutrients, can occur. We have found this to be uncommon, however, we recommend a multivitamin, calcium and iron supplement as a preventative measure for all patients. We also measure blood levels at regular post-op checkups.

 

What should you eat after surgery?

Eat 2-3 meals per day and 2-3 snacks per day.
 

At least two of the meals should be high protein meals.
 

Drink at least 2 quarts (or liters) of calorie-free beverage per day.
 

Bread in very small quantities, if at all.
 

No carbonated beverages, due to gas and bloating.
 

One of the snacks each day should be fruit.

General Guidelines

Chew well
 

Eat slowly
 

Protein is very important
 

Don't drink during meals
 

Avoid high calorie "liquids" (Cheese Cake, Cream Pie, Ice Cream…)
 

Avoid high fat snacks (Nuts, Cheese, Chips…)
 

Eat good tasting, flavorful food

It is always important to follow-up with your Bariatric Surgeon!