Diet after gastric sleeve. Longitudinal gastrectomy, or popularly known as stomach reduction surgery, is a laparoscopic operation. However, the steps after the operation are very important, and in this article, we will explain all the details related to gastric sleeve and what lifestyle should be adopted after the operation. It should be understood from the outset that losing weight and maintaining it is achieved with a lot of willpower, because although the stomach is smaller in size, its functions remain unchanged.

Diet after gastric sleeve – how to prevent hunger pangs

It should be specified at the outset that the physiological circuit of food is not changed, and you will not need to take nutritional supplements or vitamins for the rest of your life. There are some small restrictions, especially in the first part of the recovery period and immediately after the operation, says Dr Bogdan Amza. It is important for patients to be aware that this surgery also comes with a change in lifestyle and food intake.

We give you an extensive presentation of the diet after the stomach shrinkage stage and immediately after discharge.

Why is a diet necessary after gastric sleeve surgery?

Simple. To let the stomach heal itself, without demanding it with food.

Then depending on your progress, you can consume (in the first days):

• Soup;
• Unadulterated juice;
• Tea.

Only after a week, you can start integrating mashed foods into the menu. They should have a paste-like consistency, without solid pieces. Eat little and often up to 6-7 meals a day. Each meal will consist of 4-6 tablespoons of food. It is recommended to eat slowly, without rushing at each meal. Take small bites with a break in between.

For hydration, drink 2-3 tablespoons of water or unsweetened tea every 10-15 minutes.

If a feeling of weakness occurs, a vitamin drink (flat) may be taken, but only on the doctor’s advice, and should not exceed 500 ml per day. But this only from the second or third day after the operation.

Diet in the first week after gastric sleeve surgery

The products you can eat will be mashed or given to you in a blender.

Diet after gastric sleeve – Food for pureeing can be:

• Lean minced meat;
• Lean cow’s cheese;
• Cooked cereals;
• Cooked fruit or vegetables;
• Compote made from fresh fruit;
• Even baby food can be a good option.

After a few weeks with the doctor’s recommendation, you can add new food, still mashed but with small, very small pieces.

The meal should be taken 5-6 times a day and does not exceed a quarter cup. Chew each mouthful 20-30 times, until the food has a very soft consistency.

Diet after gastric sleeve – What foods can still be included after the second week?

Soft foods of a pasty consistency, well cooked.

• Poultry meat;
• Boneless fish;
• Eggs;
• Cottage cheese;
• Soft fresh fruit;
• Cooked vegetables.

Diet after gastric sleeve, what foods are prohibited?

We have a ban on foods such as:

• High-fat foods;
• Sugar;
• Carbonated drinks;
• Beans, cabbage;
• Fried foods.

After 6-8 weeks of dieting after gastric sleeve, you can gradually return to eating firmer foods. Start with 3 meals a day, each meal not to exceed 1 cup of food. It is important not to stop eating until you feel full.

Depending on how well you tolerate food, you can vary the number of meals and the quantity. You can also try new foods. You may find that some foods are not to your liking and may make you feel nauseous, especially afterwards.

Diet after gastric sleeve – Here is also the list of foods that most patients cannot tolerate after gastric sleeve:

• Bread;
• Carbonated drinks;
• Vegetables containing fiber;
• Tough meat;
• Red meat (with fiber);
• Fried foods;
• Spicy foods;
• Nuts or seeds;
• Popcorn.

In time this is remedied, but one must be careful and consume responsibly those foods that are on the green list, i.e. the list of permitted foods.

Diet after gastric sleeve – the “green list” of foods after gastric sleeve surgery

There are general guidelines on when exactly to introduce different foods into your diet. The pace of adaptation to the diet differs from individual to individual.

• White meat chicken, turkey. Preferably prepared boiled or baked;
• Lean fish. Cooked in the oven or steamed;
• Cottage cheese, low-fat yoghurt;
• Bread in small quantities;
• Vegetables (courgettis, carrots, broccoli, etc.) can be steamed or stir-fried;
• Eggs preferably boiled;
• Sauces should be prepared dietetically;
• Desserts should be homemade and as low in sugar and fat as possible;
• Water should be plain;
• Salt should be consumed in small quantities.

Red list after gastric sleeve (or what you banned)

• Pork or mutton (because it is high in fat);
• Fermented or fatty cheeses;
• Mayonnaise, or fried eggs;
• Lard or bacon, even if it is “homemade”;
• Pasta or very sweet confectionery cakes;
• Gravy or fatty soups “thickened” with cream;
• Alcoholic drinks.

It is very likely that after the operation you will need to take vitamins or minerals to temporarily supplement the nutrient deficiency. In the first phase you will eat little and probably will not be able to get everything you need from your diet.

Diet after gastric sleeve in the first weeks

• Chewable multivitamins;
• Calcium;
• Vitamin D (occasionally);
• High-protein solutions in small amounts.

Protein shakes will supplement your meals and give you that extra boost in nutrition. Afterwards you will be able to give up these supplements.

The diet after gastric sleeve will be followed by a series of tests that are repeated every three months or even sooner. That’s why it’s a good idea to monitor your body weight and make a note of it, because when you go for your check-up, all this data will have to be communicated to your doctor.

The diet will need to be high in protein and low in carbohydrates, in addition to which you will be advised to move around outdoors and walk, especially in the first few weeks. After this period, you can switch to light or moderate exercise. So you will need to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes low-calorie meals and plenty of exercise.

For more information about stomach reduction surgery as well as diet after Gastric Sleeve we suggest you make an appointment at VenArt Clinic. The medical team has extensive experience in bariatric surgery, implementing highly effective techniques and methods to cure obesity.