Potential Problems Following Weight Loss 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 persist, 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 surgeon 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.