Potential Problems following weight lose surgery

Potential Problems Following Weight lose Surgery And Suggested Dietary Modifications

Nausea and Vomiting

• If nausea and vomiting occur after eating a new food, wait several days before trying that food again.
• It may be necessary to return to liquids or pureed foods temporarily.
• Eating / drinking too fast may cause nausea or vomiting
• Eating / drinking too much may cause nausea or vomiting.
• Insufficient chewing may cause nausea or vomiting
• Avoid cold beverages those with caffeine or carbonation
• If nausea and vomiting persists, call your surgeon

Dumping syndrome – Abdominal fullness, nausea, weakness, warmth, rapid pulse, cold sweat, diarrhea

• Avoid all sweetened foods and beverages
• Avoid high fat, fried, greasy foods
• Do not drink fluids with meals
• Wait at least 30 minutes to drink beverages after meals.

Pain in shoulder or upper chest area (occurs when you eat too much or eat something hard to digest)

• Stop eating if pain occurs during eating and try to eat later after pain has resolved.
• If pain persists, call your surgeon.

Dehydration

• Dehydration can occur with inadequate fluid intake, persistent nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. At least 6-8 cups of fluid a day are recommended.

Constipation

• Constipation may occur temporarily during the first postoperative month
• This generally resolves with adaptation to changes in volume of food
• Drink low-calorie fluids regularly – this will prevent constipation
• You may need to add a stool softener or fiber supplement, speak with your dietician or surgeon about available products.

Diarrhea

• Limit higher fiber, greasy foods, milk and milk products
• Avoid very hot or cold foods
• Eat smaller meals
• Sip fluids between meals
• If diarrhea persists, call your surgeon.

Heartburn

• Avoid carbonated beverages
• Avoid citrus fruits and beverages such as lemonade, orange or pineapple juice. (You may resume citrus foods and beverages once on a regular diet, you do not have to avoid citrus after gastric banding).
• Avoid caffeine
• Do not use a straw.

Bloating

• Limit liquids to 2 oz at one time
• Sip slowly

Taste/Sensory Changes

• This may occur during the first few months after surgery but will resolve over time
• Some foods may taste too sweet or have a metallic taste
• Strong smells from cooking may affect you, try to avoid the kitchen while someone else is cooking

Blockage of the stoma (opening of the stomach)

• The stoma may be temporarily blocked if foods with large particle size are eaten without thorough chewing
• If symptoms of pain, nausea and vomiting persist, your surgeon should be contacted
• Do not progress to solid foods until your surgeons tells you to.

Rupture of the staple line after gastric bypass

• Rupture of the staple line is unlikely, however, avoid eating an excessive quantity of food at one time.

Stretching of the stomach pouch/stoma dilation

• Avoiding large portions of food at one time can reduce the risk of stretching the stomach pouch.
• The risk can be decreased by gradually increasing the texture of foods in the early postoperative weeks.
• Follow the recommendations for advancing your diet to prevent this stretching.
• Avoid carbonated beverages

Weight gain or no further weight loss

• You might be eating high calorie food or beverages
• Keep a record of all foods, beverages and snacks eaten to determine the exact reason for this.
• Measure portion sizes
• Avoid prolonged use of nutritional supplements such as Ensure, Boost etc.
• Use only low calorie beverages in addition to fat free milk
• If you had gastric banding, you may need your band adjusted
• Lack of physical activity.