Although having a gastric bypass surgery is the first step for the obese or morbidly obese to losing weight, it is only the first step. Combined with a proper diet and physical activity, it’s scientifically proven to be the best way to lose excess weight and keep that weight off.
A Quick Look at Gastric Bypass Surgery
Also known as the Roux-en-Y, the gastric bypass procedure involves creating a small pouch in the stomach where it meets the esophagus. The rest of the stomach is sealed off, never to see food again. That small pouch is now the stomach, linked to the “roux limb” part of the small intestine.
Similar to other bariatric surgeries, this procedure is designed to help the patient lose weight by limiting the amounts of food allowed into the stomach at any one time. The stomach still performs the same functions, just on a much smaller scale.
That’s why the strict diet in the day, weeks, months, and years is so important. Let’s say you have a balloon that can hold a certain amount of air. When you try to put that same amount of air into a balloon that can only hold 25 percent of that air, what happens?
Pop!
There really isn’t a danger of the smaller pouch exploding per se. But too much food or liquid at one time can cause discomfort, severe pain, and even injury. Other results of eating too much after a weight loss surgery include dumping. This is when food goes directly into the small intestine before being properly digested.
This is followed by a bloated feeling, feeling of nausea, and usually diarrhea. By forcing too much food intake, the surgery itself could also be compromised, especially shortly after surgery. That’s why it is extremely important to follow the personalized diet plan laid out by a dietitian or nutritionist.
Gastric Bypass Diet at a Glance
After the gastric bypass has been performed, you will begin the first phase of your diet. For the first two weeks, you will keep to an all-liquid diet augmented with supplements to help provide vitamins, protein, and other nutrients. During this time – and really for the rest of your life – it’s important to stay hydrated.
Water is the best way to do this, and you will need to drink at least 96 ounces every day to prevent dehydration. Because you won’t be getting any additional hydration from foods, it’s very important that you reach this goal every day.
This will help you feel full and along with the protein supplements keep your body nourished. If water is just too bland for you, consider throwing in a slice of lemon or another citrus fruit to add a little flavor. Talk to your dietitian about drinking protein shakes to meet your protein requirement.
Don’t gulp the water, but rather take little sips throughout the day. Remember, your stomach is much smaller now and won’t be able to handle too much. Avoid liquids high in sugar and stay away from carbonated drinks that may upset the stomach.
As the weeks turn to months, soft foods and then solid foods will be introduced to the diet. By this time, hormonal changes in your body will diminish the number of hunger pangs you feel and you’ll adapt to the smaller intake of food.
In the beginning, do not drink water with your meals. Your stomach will fill up before getting the amount of food you need. You still need the water, so wait at least 60 minutes before having a few sips. This will allow the stomach to properly digest the food you’ve just eaten.
Your long-term meal plan will include healthy, natural, or unprocessed foods. You will eat foods that are low in fat and sugar and you will be eating small meals for the rest of your life. This will be a complete lifestyle change, but an important part of living a healthy – and longer – life.
Are You A Candidate For Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Many weight-loss patients have heard the comments – that surgery is the “easy way out.” Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. There is still a long way to go and it takes a lot of determination to lose that initial weight and keep it off.
Unfortunately, there are some patients that don’t feel the need to change their eating habits or will decline to follow a workout schedule. That’s why before any patient is admitted into the WeightWise program, they will meet with a surgeon to talk about the past and the future.
This will include patient and family history, any injuries that may complicate meeting goals, and what brought about the weight gain in the first place. However, it isn’t a one-way conversation. This is the time for the patient to discuss what they want from the procedure and how to meet those goals.
It’s the first step of the WeightWise Program, designed to give our patients the best possible experience and care during this life-changing decision. Once accepted, you will then meet with our dietitians and exercise physiologists to talk about immediate and life-long changes to your lifestyle.
This includes what and how much you eat, including how to avoid foods detrimental to your weight-loss journey. Although our laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery has decreased the amount of recuperation you’ll need, your physical activity will start slowly and begin to increase as you gain strength, flexibility, and stamina.
We feel it’s important to provide all three phases of the procedure under one roof to make things as easy as possible for you. After all, you’ll be working on this new lifestyle for the rest of your life! WeightWise understands how difficult it can be at first, so we also assign you a patient advocate.
We like to refer to these staff members as your own personal cheerleader. Here to pick you up when you’re feeling down, answer questions, or just to listen after a particularly hard day. The first weeks or months can be hard so we want to be there for you when you need it.
If you’re thinking about a gastric bypass procedure or another type of bariatric surgery, watch our free online seminar for more information. When you’re ready, contact WeightWise and we’ll set up an appointment for you to meet with our surgeon. We look forward to hearing from you!
Do you do repeat bypass surgery? Had surgery 34 yeatz ago and still weigh 225 pounds. Beginning wright was over 400.
Good Morning Kimberly! Yes, we do perform revision surgeries. The first step is to watch the free seminar. Then we will get you in to see the surgeon whom will discuss the pros and cons of each surgery, review your health history, and discuss our process to operation. They will also go over any questions/concerns that you may have at this time.
You can watch the seminar online at https://weightwise.com/seminars/#seminar-tabs
My wife is having a hard time keeping weight on. She started at 200 + , and since the surgery she’s down 100 + pounds. What are some good healthy foods that she’ll get maximum nutrition from with not being able to eat much ? More smaller meals ?
Hey Dewey! I would have your wife contact her dietitian in regards to this question. That way they can do a full assessment and provide recommendations based off of that assessment. Or, you can contact our front desk at 405-359-2475. They will set her up with an appointment to see one of our dietitians.
I am 71 does that matter as long as long as I am healthy?
Hey Sylvia! Age does not prevent someone from having bariatric surgery at WeightWise. The first step is to watch the free online seminar. Then we will get you in to see the surgeon whom will discuss the pros and cons of each surgery, review your health history, and discuss our process to operation. They will also go over any questions/concerns that you may have at this time.
You can watch the seminar online at https://weightwise.com/seminars/#seminar-tabs
My bypass is about 15 years old. I’m 73, I would like a diet to help me lose 15 to 20 pounds. I weigh 175 now, female, live a sedentary life, I have peripheral artery disease. Can you advise me, I tried Adkins Keto, had to quit.
Good Morning Carolyn! We offer a medical weight loss program. It is very similar to our surgical program in terms of you would meet with a dietitian, nurse practitioner, and exercise physiologist. If this is something you are interested in, contact our front desk at (405) 359-2475.
I’m 7yrs out have gained about 25 lbs in the last 2 years I need to lose it ca t seem too how many carbs protein and calories should I be eating or what should I do
Where are you located had surgery several years ago i still cannot get rid of the last 50lbs, need information please.
Hey Lysandra! Our address is 1800 Renaissance Blvd, Edmond, OK. 73013.
Hello I had the bypsss surgery over10 years ago . Two Summers ago they did a procedure That made my pouch smaller and was on liquids for 6 weeks as I healed . Now after Covid pandemic I’ve gained the 20 + that I lost from this and very upset with myself .
Dr started me on pills called phentermine which does curb appetite but not something I want to live my life taking .
They think I should have a scope done which is one day in and out then 6 weeks liquids why can I just find something to help me – I feel now that the bypass was done so many years ago I’m stuck without any help which I need – each doctors at Boston Brigham hospital in this area seems to bounce me around . I’m 47 female wanted to drop from 205 to 175 lbs what do you suggest ? Now lately my upper stomach from belly button up feels tight bloated and huge which concerns me is that normal ?
Hey Michelle! I would try and contact a bariatric dietitian in regards to this question. That way they can do a full assessment and provide recommendations based off of that assessment. Or, you can contact our front desk at 405-359-2475. They will set her up with an appointment to see one of our dietitians. We are offering telehealth visits as well since you do not live in Oklahoma.
I had g-y surgery. 15 years ago lost 100 lbs. Never gained. However, deal with illness eating meat, dairy, bread, pasta. Menu becoming very limited. Thinking celiac disease but not sure.
Hey Katherine! I would contact your operating physician and/or dietitian regarding this. That way they can provide you with full evaluation and recommendations based off of your individual circumstances. Or, you could call our front desk and they will set you up with an appointment to visit with ours 405-359-2475.
Hi I had gastric bypass 13 years ago and lost over 100+pounds. I’ve gained back 30 pounds. What diet do you recommend to lose and keep it off .
Hi, Betty! I recommend you contact your operating surgeon or dietitian, as they will be able to do a full evaluation, as there are many factors to consider. Also, each program has different guidelines for diet recommendations. The first step to the program is to watch the free online seminar. Then someone will contact you to set you up with an appointment to see our providers whom will discuss everything in detail. You can watch the seminar online at https://weightwise.com/seminars/#seminar-tabs
You can call our front desk as well, and they can set you up with a virtual appointment to visit one of our providers, at 405-359-2475.