The sleeve gastrectomy diet is a post-surgery diet. Here is information on the foods safe to consume and to avoid in the diet for sleeve gastrectomy.
The surgery alone does not aid in lasting weight reduction. A combination of surgical procedure, following a diet, and making changes in lifestyle can help in achieving a successful weight loss.
Sleeve gastrectomy is the surgical method of getting rid of obesity and weight loss. Bariatric surgery and vertical sleeve surgery, both mean the same. In this surgery, a major part of the stomach is removed as it contains excess fats. Nearly 85% of the stomach is removed and only a tube or a sleeve like part of the stomach is retained. Therefore, the surgery is known as the sleeve gastrectomy.
As a major portion of the stomach is surgically removed, the excess fats in the person’s stomach are automatically taken out. Secondly, as the size of the stomach reduces, the person tends to eat less. Similarly, when the stomach is removed from the body, the hunger hormones or the hormones causing hunger are cut out from the body, which further reduces the appetite. All these factors lead to weight loss. Due to numerous advantages, many people are inclined to go for this obesity surgery. However, it should be noted that not all people can go for this diet. Only those with a BMI higher than 35 can go for this surgery.
Sleeve Gastrectomy and Diet
It is advised to change the phases or stages of the post surgery diet only when the doctor recommends you to do so.
*It should be noted that the following are only guidelines on the diet to follow post surgery. For a detailed and personalized diet plan, you need to consult your doctor.
Stage 1: Immediately after the surgery, during stage 1, you will be advised to follow a liquid diet. You can have clear fruit juices, clear broth, water, clear liquids, unsweetened tea, etc.
Stage 2: After a couple of days or a week, in the stage 2, you will be advised to go for full liquids like soups, protein shakes, skim milk, etc. You can also have cream based soups.
Stage 3: In stage 3, you can progress to pureed foods like pudding, yogurt, pureed meats, pureed fruits and vegetables, soft casseroles, low-fat cheese, etc. Make sure that the food is unsweetened and low in fat content.
Stage 4: The stage 4 diet consists of semisolid foods like eggs, cottage cheese, and porridge, oatmeal, milk, mashed potatoes, fruits and vegetables that are cooked soft, cooked beans and legumes, etc. There should be no lumps, seeds, nuts, etc., in the food you eat.
Once this phase is over, you can start including other solid foods slowly in your daily diet. It should be noted that the foods that are very difficult to digest should be avoided completely.
The diet should be high in protein, and low in fats, calories and carbohydrates. Secondly, all the sugar containing foods are also excluded from the diet in the initial as well as the later phase. As fats and sugar contribute in weight gain, it is wise to exclude it from the diet.
Foods to be Avoided/Limited Include
- Candy/chocolates
- Ice cream
- All sugar-containing foods
- Processed fruit juices
- Sweets and desserts
- Soda
- Chips and crackers
- All fatty foods
- All fried foods
- Red meat
- Gravy
- Cream cheese/mayonnaise
- Pasta salads
Along with the diet, regular exercise is also essential for a healthy weight. However, consult the doctor and make sure you are fit to exercise, and only then you can proceed further.
Following the diet and other precautionary measures is essential in order to have a successful weight loss. It is recommended to have a detailed diet plan chalked out by the doctor or a dietitian, and also consult the doctor before making any changes in the diet.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical professional.
