Dealing with Dietary Restrictions Following Gastric Sleeve Surgery

March 18, 2011 - PRLog -- Obtaining a gastric sleeve surgical procedure is just the first step toward long-term dieting, nutritional and lifestyle changes for an individual dealing with obesity and weight loss.  Many patients focus on arranging and getting through the surgical procedure.  However, it's just as important to know what to expect following the procedure in regard to your dietary restrictions and requirements.

Dr. Jorge Maytorena, a well-known and respected bariatric surgeon located in Baja California, specializes in obesity surgical techniques and procedures and wants his patients to enjoy the benefits of those procedures long-term. Dr. Maytorena has put together a guide for his patients, which includes information regarding the laparoscopic procedure, as well as his recommended diet for a step-by-step approach toward behavior changes and attitudes regarding diet and lifestyle.

For example, the first week following a gastric sleeve procedure, you'll most likely be on a liquid diet. Such a liquid diet can include not only natural liquids, but also foods that are very soft and easy to digest. Some of the most common foods you'll be eating following your first week post- surgery will include broth, low fat cottage cheese, and sugar-free puddings, sherbet and yogurts.

Plan on having plenty of broth and water on hand, though you'll also be able to drink decaffeinated tea and coffee, skim milk, and sugar-free fruit drinks. Individuals must also take protein supplements three times a day in between their meals in order to provide their bodies with adequate amounts of necessary protein for optimal recovery and long-term health benefits.

Pureed Foods
As you transition to a more solid diet, if you'll progress from liquids to pureeing foods.  A pureed food is any type of food pureed or minced in a blender two a smooth consistency such as applesauce or creamed wheat cereal. Many patients find this part of the post surgical recovery.  the most difficult, as the thought of literally drinking your meals isn't very appealing. However, it's important to slowly transition between liquids and solids and give your new stomach a chance to adapt to the healing process.

Most types of foods can be put into the blender.  When cutting foods, chop them about the size of the tip of your finger or thumbnail and add just enough liquid such as a fat-free gravy or chicken broth to cover the blades. You'll want to blend the food until its smooth, and remove any large chunks, seeds, or lumps that may be difficult for your new stomach to digest.  While you can feel free to add flavor and spices to your food, avoid hot and spicy seasonings for now.

Food Intake
Following your doctor's instructions, you'll want to limit your food intake for both liquid and pureed fruit diets according to your treatment care plan. Two to four ounces of pureed food per meal is adequate. This equals between 4 and 8 tablespoons of pureed food, which you will eat six times a day. You will be encouraged to drink at least 68 cups of fluids daily, which should be sipped consistently throughout the day and between meals.

Your doctor may recommend a certain order for you to eat your pureed meals. For example, he may suggest that you eat your protein first, then your vegetables, then your fruits, followed by whole grains. Expect to remain on a pureed dietary plan for roughly four weeks. Following that, you can enjoy soft foods. You'll most likely be cleared for a soft food diet four weeks after your surgical procedure. You'll want to limit your food intake to 4 to 6 ounces per meal, which equates to roughly 8 to 12 tablespoons. Drink plenty of liquid while you're eating, take your time, and thoroughly to your food.

Within six weeks, you most likely will be eating "normal" foods again, although in much smaller portions.  Your gastric sleeve surgery limits the amount of food you can ingest at one sitting, so take care to follow instructions to avoid unpleasant complications such as cramps, stomachache, or diarrhea.

Learn more about Dr. Maytorena and his dietary recommendations following laparoscopic gastric sleeve at his website at www.diabesitysurgery.com and at PlacidWay.

A,  Dr. Jorge Maytorena (http://www.placidway.com/profile/836/Dr.-Jorge-Maytorena,...), With a highly trained team of surgeons, nurses, nutritionists, Diabesity Surgery is able to provide our patients with a safe and effective weight-loss surgery, comprehensive pre- and post-operative education and ongoing aftercare. A decision to have,  obesity surgery (http://www.placidway.com/profile/836/Dr.-Jorge-Maytorena,-Obesity-Surgery), is not to be taken lightly.

Thanks for everything, I'm so glad that I spoke to you and found such a Wonderful Obesity/Bariatric Surgery Treatment. If you need to visit this hospital then feel free here: 1.303.578.0719, info@placidway.com

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Dr. Maytorena has put together a guide for his patients, which includes information regarding the laparoscopic procedure, as well as his recommended diet for a step-by-step approach toward behavior changes and attitudes regarding diet and lifestyle. http://www.placidway.com/profile/836/Dr.-Jorge-Maytorena,-Obesity-Surgery