Foods for Gastric Bypass Patients

by Therese Pope

Overview

Gastric bypass surgery shrinks the size and shape of a person's stomach. As a result, he needs to eat a special diet after undergoing surgery. Recommended foods are necessary to prevent the person from becoming ill.
High Protein, Low Fat Drinks

High protein, low fat drinks such as adult supplement drinks (Ensure) help patients' stomachs adjust slowly and prevent nutrition loss. Doctors usually recommend this high protein liquid diet for a few weeks.

Soft, Smooth Textured Foods

After the stomach adjusts, soft, smooth textured foods (the puree diet) are incorporated into patients' diets after a few weeks. The puree diet includes baby food, mashed potatoes and soft eggs.
Lean Meats

After a few months, gastric bypass patients introduce lean meats (which contain protein and helps the body recover after surgery) into their diet. Patients are recommended to eat smaller portions since the size of the stomach has been reduced and large portions can cause nausea and vomiting.
Low Fat Dairy Products

Low fat dairy products are soft and easy to digest. Gastric bypass patients need to be aware of the fat content and should stick to low fat yogurt and light, soft cream cheeses.
Warning

After gastric bypass surgery, patients should consult with their doctor and registered dietitian. Each patient has specific dietary needs and if they have medical conditions or issues with low iron, they may need extra vitamins and supplements.

References & Resources