The best way to eat after Bariatric Surgery

Ms. Pearl Savla – Masters in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics

Making a good food choice and eating a healthy & balanced diet not only helps to lose weight after bariatric surgery but it also helps to maintain a healthy weight for lifetime.
Post bariatric surgery a smooth progression of the diet is very necessary and enough time must be given to get adjusted to the new stomach to heal and to change the eating habits.

Phases of diet post-surgery:

Phase 1: Clear Liquids should be taken on day1 & day 2

Phase 2: Full Liquids to be taken from day 3 to day 15. Incorporation of protein supplement is very important to preserve muscle tissues, prevent excess hair loss and to enhance wound healing.

Phase 3: Soft Food from day 16 until day 30. Transition to soft food should be done slowly as per individual’s tolerance level.

Phase 4: Solid Diet to be started 1 month onwards.

Eat balanced meals with small portion size.
At least take 30 minutes to complete your meals.
Chew your food thoroughly.
Avoid intake of high calories, foods high in fat and sugary foods.
Sip on liquids between meals and not along with the meals.
Eat and drink slowly, to avoid dumping syndrome — which occurs when foods and liquids enter your small intestine rapidly and in larger amounts than normal, causing nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating and diarrhoea.
Avoid the intake of alcohol, consumption of tobacco, smoking after surgery.
Take recommended vitamin and mineral supplements.
At the end proper transition and healthy eating will help you recover from surgery and support your weight-loss goals.

About Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker

Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker is an accomplished Bariatric Surgeon and Laparoscopic Surgeon. She is very renowned and is extremely passionate about her field of specialization.