Potential problems after weight loss surgery

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.