Dietary Guidelines After Gastric Bypass

Your diet after gastric bypass surgery should begin with clear liquids. Gradually add thicker liquids. Take only two to three bites at a time of any new food and then wait 10 minutes before consuming more. This will help you learn your limits and tolerance. This is important because your stomach is very small, with a capacity of less than a 1/4 cup or 60 cubic centimeters, and the opening that allows passage of food out of your stomach is very narrow.

Liquids will empty faster from your stomach than soft solids. If you overeat or eat too quickly, you may experience nausea or pain.

In the Hospital

You'll receive clear liquids such as diluted juices and broth as well as Jello for your first meal after surgery. These foods are high in sugar but your portions will be very small. Gradually increase the amount you drink at each meal as tolerated.

First 2 Weeks

Begin adding thicker liquids that are low in fat and sugar. The goal is to eat small portions that empty easily from your pouch. Begin with portion sizes of only 1 tablespoon and increase to 2 tablespoons as tolerated.

Begin drinking 1/4 cup of liquids at a time and increase to a 1/2 cup as tolerated. Daily calorie intake should not be more than 400 calories a day. Focus on getting plenty of liquids — 1 to 1.5 liters per day — to stay well hydrated.

Thicker liquids include:

Blended broth or low-fat soups
High protein supplement diet drinks — less than 200 calories and 5 grams of carbohyrdrate and more than 20 grams of protein — per 8 to 11 ounce serving
Lactose free or soy based low-calorie drinks
Nonfat or 1 percent fat milk, if you can tolerate milk

For additional protein, add 2 tablespoons nonfat dry milk powder or egg substitute to each half cup of nonfat or low fat milk.

Other foods that can be consumed include:

Diet pudding
Hot cereals — refined cereals low in fiber such as cream of rice or cream of wheat do not use oatmeal — made with increased liquid to a soup-like consistency
Low-fat cottage cheese
Sugar-free and nonfat yogurt

Remember to drink a cup of water or other non-caloric fluids between meals. Take a multivitamin supplement everyday.

3 to 8 Weeks After Surgery

Add very small portions of pureed and soft foods as tolerated. Take very small bites and chew food very well. Do not take more than two bites every 20 minutes when consuming a new food.

These foods include applesauce, cottage cheese, hot cereals, mashed potatoes, noodles, well cooked, pureed vegetables, scrambled egg whites or egg substitute. You also may try canned fruits, canned tuna, other lean fish and ground meats or poultry.

Avoid bread and meats that are not easily chewed.

For up to two months, food intake is usually no more than 500 calories consumed in six to eight small meals a day. Recommended portion sizes are a 1/4 cup for solid foods and a 1/2 cup for liquids. Adjust foods to fit your preferences and tolerance.

The following is a sample menu.

Breakfast — 1/4 cup hot cereal made with nonfat milk

Mid-Morning — 1/2 cup nonfat milk

Late Morning — 1/2 cup tomato juice

Lunch — 1/2 cup low fat chicken noodle soup

Mid-afternoon — 1/4 cup low fat cottage cheese

Late Afternoon — 1/4 cup juice-packed canned fruit

Dinner — 2 ounces ground meat, 1/4 cup pureed or well cooked vegetables

Bedtime Snack — 1/4 cup nonfat milk

Remember to drink 1 cup of water or other non-caloric fluids between meals. Take a multivitamin and mineral supplement everyday.

2 to 6 Months After Surgery

During this period, increase your calorie consumption to 900 to 1,000 calories and at least 65 to 75 grams of protein a day. Recommended portion sizes are 1/4 cup for solids and 1/2 cup for liquids. Your daily servings for balanced nutrient intake should include:

Three servings of milk or dairy, nonfat and low fat.
Three servings of meat and meat alternatives, lean and low fat.
Three servings of starch. Limit bread and rice.
One serving of fruit serving. Avoid dried fruits and fruits with skin.
Two servings of vegetables, well cooked only.

Discontinue high protein diet supplement drinks, if possible, and meet your protein needs with food.

This sample menu includes eight small meals a day. You may wish to eat more or less often. Adjust your meals to fit your preferences and tolerance. Be sure to eat at least six times a day, drink a cup of water or other non-caloric fluids between meals, and take a multivitamin supplement everyday.

Breakfast — One egg or 1/4 cup egg substitute, 1/2 cup hot cereal

Mid-Morning — 1/2 cup nonfat milk

Late Morning — 1/2 cup tomato juice

Lunch — 1/2 cup low fat chicken noodle soup, two saltine crackers

Mid-Afternoon — 1/4 cup low fat cottage cheese, 1/4 cup water or juice-packed canned fruit

Late Afternoon — 1/2 cup sugar free nonfat yogurt

Dinner — 2 ounces lean meat or fish, 1/4 cup mashed potatoes, 1/4 cup pureed or well cooked vegetables

Bedtime Snack — 1/2 cup nonfat milk

6 Months After Surgery

Continue the goal of 900 to 1,000 calories in three meals and one to two snacks a day. Discontinue protein supplement drinks and increase the variety of low-fat, low-sugar and low-calorie foods as tolerated. Avoid raw vegetables, fruits with skins, dried fruits, breads, popcorn, nuts and red meats only if poorly tolerated.

Over time, increase the variety and consistency of foods in your diet. Some foods may continue to be poorly tolerated including red meat, chicken, breads, high fiber fruits and vegetables. Focus on low fat, low sugar and low calorie foods and continue to count your calories every day.

Consume at least 2 liters of fluids daily unless otherwise restricted by a medical condition.

Long-Term Diet

Over time, increase the variety and consistency of foods in your diet. Some foods — including red meats, chicken, breads, high fiber fruits and vegetables — may be poorly tolerated. Focus on low-fat, low-sugar and low-calorie foods.

Your calorie consumption should not exceed 1,000 a day and your protein goal should be 65 to 90 grams a day. To stay on track, maintain a daily record of food portions and calories.

More Information:

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated April 30, 2012

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.