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.