Search the Community

AFTER GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY DIET You’ve made it past surgery and you’re on your way to a healthier life. You may think it’s clear sailing from here. Unfortunately, the hard part is just beginning. Now is not the time to cheat. While the two week diet was important reduce your risk of surgical (intraoperative) complication, the week 1 to 4 post-op diet will help prevent post-op complications. The first few weeks after surgery, you will experience frequent irritability and it’s not uncommon to second guess your decision to have surgery. The very extreme diet after your sleeve gastrectomy may seem like your surgeon is being overly cautious. It is utterly important that you follow his or her instructions to the ‘T.’ Cheating on your post-op diet can cause diarrhea, dehydration, constipation, bowel obstruction, or a very serious gastric leak. If you need more motivation to follow your post-op diet, this article will help. Below is a typical diet after gastric sleeve surgery for weeks 1 to 4. WEEK 1 – CLEAR LIQUIDS ONLY In week one you are limited to clear liquids only. This sounds tough. And it is tough. However, most patients have very little desire to eat. The hunger hormone ghrelin is almost non-existent after surgery. The part of the stomach that produces the majority of ghrelin is removed during surgery. Make sure all items listed below are sugar free. Water Broth Jell-O Decaf tea Decaf coffee Sugar free Popsicles Sugar free drinks that are not carbonated You should avoid: Carbonated beverages Very sweet beverages Sugar Caffeine WEEK 2 – FULL LIQUID DIET WITH PROTEIN During week two you may start to feel some hunger pains. Continue to stick to your surgeon’s recommended diet. Your diet may include all items from week 1 plus: Protein powder mixed with a sugar free non-carbonated clear liquid. Sugar free pudding. Soup with soft noodles. Non fat yogurt. Carnation instant breakfast. Look for the sugar free option. Very thin creamed soups. No chunks. Sugar free sorbet. Very watery hot oatmeal. Check the sugar content. Diluted no-sugar added juice. Sugar free, nonfat ice cream Thinned applesauce. Check sugar content. WEEK 3 – SOFT PUREED FOODS Week three after gastric sleeve surgery is tough. But the good news is that you can start adding some real food into your diet, albeit pureed. You still need to be careful to limit sugars and fats. The goals for week 3 include: Get your 60 grams of protein per day Eat slowly Introduce new foods one by one. Food may taste differently and will be tolerated differently than they were before surgery. You may find that dairy is harder to digest. It’s recommended that you introduce new foods slowly. Give your body some time to react to each new food. By doing this you’ll be able to identify foods that are causing gas, stomach upset, and/or diarrhea. The foods listed below are typically acceptable for week three after surgery. 1 protein shake per day. You can now blend them with yogurt or non-fat milk. Almond milk or coconut milk makes a great protein shake. Hummus Cottage cheese (low fat) Soft cereals – Let your cereal sit in the non-fat milk until it’s soft. Soft vegetables – steam or boil them until they are soft. Soft cheeses – limit these, they are typically high in fat. Ground chicken or beef. Add some beef or chicken stock to keep the meat soft. Soups Scrambled eggs – these are a great source of protein. Soft (steamed) fish. Remember to chew well. Canned tuna and salmon (you can add low fat mayo). Great source of protein. Mashed fruit. Bananas, avocados, and canned fruit (watch sugar content). You should avoid the following foods: While smoothies are ok, limit their sugar content. Sugar Starchy foods like pasta, rice and bread. Fibrous vegetables like celery, broccoli, asparagus, raw leafy greens. WEEK 4 – INTRODUCING FOODS! You’ve followed your diet up to week four. Now it’s time to start introducing real foods. Your sleeve and stomach are still sensitive, so go slow and remember to chew each bite thoroughly. You’re done with pureed foods, but you should continue to look for softer versions of food during this week. Continue your daily protein shakes Introduce chicken and beef very slowly. Ensure you chew thoroughly. Any type of fish. Fruits Vegetables (it’s still recommended that you cook these to soften them a bit). Sweet Potatoes Mashed and baked potatoes. Cereal Caffeine can be introduced. It’s recommended that you limit this. You should avoid the following foods in week four: Sodas Fried foods Fibrous vegetables (i.e. celery and asparagus) Sugary drinks Candy Dessert Pastas and other high carbohydrate, low nutrient foods (pizza). Whole milk and other whole milk dairy foods. Nuts WEEK 4 HEALTHY SNACKS While it is recommended that you only eat 3 small meals each day and hydrate in-between meals, you may need a small healthy snack. If your surgeon approves this, the items below make healthy snacks. Hummus with rice crackers or softened (boiled and cooled) baby carrots. Hard boiled egg. Quarter cup of oatmeal. Quarter of a baked sweet potato (or microwaved) Banana Strawberries or fresh fruit. WEEK 5 AND BEYOND Continue to introduce foods one by one to see how well they are tolerated. Watch out for constipation, diarrhea, and upset stomach. Eat three small meals every day. Hydrate throughout the day. Stop drinking fluids 30 minutes before each meal. Avoid snacking. If you do, choose a nutrient-dense food (fruit, vegetable, nuts). Take your recommended daily vitamins. Ensure you get 60 grams of protein. Supplement daily with a protein shake. Incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Make it a habit. Avoid sodas. Prepare for bad days. How will you cope when you are in a difficult situation? Find an accountability partner. Go to a support group and make friends that you can call. 6 TIPS – HEALTHY EATING AFTER GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY Choose foods that are nutrient dense. Bread is not nutrient dense. An apple, banana, fish, etc. are nutrient dense foods. Do not drink your calories. It won’t fill you up and most caloric drinks are filled with sugar. Expect an emotional roller-coaster. Don’t let food be your comfort. Create a plan. Chew your food thoroughly and take your time eating. Plan what you will eat if you’re going out. Ask for half the portion size at restaurants. You may get a discount and you won’t be tempted to overeat. Make water your new best friend. Drink it regularly throughout the day. Buy a reusable 64 oz bottle that you can carry to work with you. Make sure you finish the entire bottle each day. But remember not to drink with meals (this helps prevent stretching your pouch).

That's the fear that I have because of my babies. I guess you don't really realize how much you really live for your kids until you're faced with something like this. My kids are my world but I know if I dont do this, I'm more than likely going to die young anyway from some obesity related complications.

Suspect my hospitalization in late November was for that reason, they told protein- anemia complicated by malnourishment My body was in that mode perhaps to save ME A PICC line and 3 months of TPN ensued, sure stopped my fast weight loss, but I accepted that, I truly did want to live! As soon as the PICC line was removed, I dropped 30 pounds and am I happy to report I now weigh 228. If that still,seemed excessive, remember I weighed 365 when I raised my little hand to join bariatric Palm So I am happy to report this! Still a big girl,may simply be my Karma but I am smaller, not in so much pain and feel I have a strong hope for my future. At 73 you just no longer know how many days your allotment is, but stiil The Rest of My Life will be The Best of My Life, this I do promise. Now I can get up and say "Lord what have planned for me today?;" ther is no scale on the bathroom to reproach mr, and I find something of beauty in each day. I do believe Frustr8 is gonna make it after alll!

I got denied the first request for revision. My denial said, "You didnt follow your surgeons diet plan that's why we are denying your request for revision to rny." I wrote them back a very detailed letter citing I didn't want to lose more weight. I imcluded that the complications are taking a serious toll on my health amd asked them to reconsider and they did then approved me. They may deny you at first, appeal it. They aee doing their job trying to save their company money

https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/423992-what-you-had-no-surgery-complications/?tab=comments#comment-4758950

@nssmia A thought, bmi 30 and over is obesity range, WIll lyposuction get you healthy long term or will you regain with that proceedure? I'm also concerned about all the posts recently about weight gain and revisions. Know there are many of us that bounce back from surgery with no complications and have kept the weight off. I had the sleeve in 2014. I reached goal in six months. I maintain in the 130's. Many people at goal or maintaining no longer need the support on this site.. the positive is not getting enough recognition. You will see mostly. People researching, new to wls complications, weight gain and a handful of vets that stick around I have a link of positive experiences to help balence out the other posts. It may help calm someone's anxiety. Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app

It's normal to be afraid, after all there are risks with surgery. But look at all the people here on this forum that survived it. I had zero complications and no pain.

I just got approved by Dr Corvala in Tijuana. Probably last of may. Still have to schedule. Still a little nervous regarding possible complications. Leaks, gerd symptoms, nausea, so many people comment on those issues, I'm a nurse and bmi of 32. 40# to lose. Sent from my SM-J727V using BariatricPal mobile app

you won't die on the table. Weight loss surgeries are among the safest surgeries out there - much safer than a knee replacement surgery, which as you know, they do every day. Gastric bypass has a 0.3% mortality rate - the sleeve is even lower. So at minimum, you have a 99.7% chance of NOT dying on the table. Given every surgery has some kind of mortality rate, even tonsillectomies, those are OUTSTANDING odds. if you keep on top of your vitamins, you won't die of malnutrition, either. lastly, complications aren't very common, and for those who have them, most of them are minor. I know it's easier said than done, but STOP worrying. You will do just fine and once you have all this behind you, you will be so happy you made this decision!!

So how did everyone get past any fear you had? I'm so terrified of dying on the table, dying from malnutrition, or complications. On the other hand, I'm so excited that I can't stand it lol I'm having the surgery no matter what but I wanted to know if these feelings are normal or if I'm just being a paranoid psychopath....

I'm having chronic pain in my left side since 6 years after my MGB surgery; especially when I lay down in any position, back or side. I have to sleep sitting up. The pain is located from just to the left and above my navel, to the far left side of my abdomen, to under my left side rib cage. The pain can become very severe and can radiate to my chest, back and has shot pain suddenly into my left collar bone area. It feels like it's stabbing or burning or like a really bad runner's cramp. It's been intermittent for over a year. I've seen my MGB Dr. and he says it's not due to my surgery, but I've also seen 2 gastroenterologists and they suspect it is. I've had several tests including CTscans, endoscopy, abdominal and pelvic ultrasound, upper GI, colonoscopy and a cancer screening. Everything has come back "normal". The Dr's can't find the cause. I had an unrelated female surgery recently and the general surgeon inspected all organs and the bowel and did not find any masses. It is just pain, no other symptoms meaning I'm never sick. Until now I've never had a complication from my surgery and have been very happy with the results. Has anyone else had anything like this on your left side years after MGB surgery? Help please! I'm desperate to find an answer. Thx!!

Hey, I had the sleeve 2016,no complications from the surgery or recovery process. But my Reflux disease has gotten much worse because of it.My gastrointestinal doctor says I should of had the complete bypass. So my bariatric surgeon now agrees as instead of taking 2 pills a day for reflux disease I am now taking 10 pills a day. Am currently waiting for approval from insurance company to get the big surgery. Hopefully you are doing great. Good luck with your journey. Allie Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi, I am traveling to Tijuana, MExico for my surgery. I am super worried. I am looking into getting medical tourism insurance to cover any complications once I get back. As of right now I am scheduled with Dr. Maytorena.... Does anyone have advice? Reviews? Please help. I read horror stories of complocations and I cannot find much on DR.Maytorena except the reviews on real self.

Hello. I had my surgery yesterday 4/18/19. I am not experiencing any complications. Surgery went fine. I am able to walk, take in fluids, etc. No dizziness or vomiting. I’m waiting to be discharged today. Praying things continue like this when I go home.

I had doctor malhoutra from crystal run. I’m almost a year out. Feeling good. Had an issue with hair loss but other than that no complications. Been doing really well. Curious to know if he’s your doctor too. Dr Judd is also with him.

Hi everyone, My surgery day was 4/15/19 and everything went well. Doctor told me it lasted 45 min and it was a clean surgery. However I had a reaction to the antibiotics (4) different kinds of them so I didn’t take (or was given) any during or after the procedure. First day post of i felt this “hunger” pulling sensation coming from my stomach and I vomited old blood 3 times. I freaked out but my surgeon explained to me that was normal. Anyone else experience this? I was lucky to go to the bathroom 2 days post op with any problems but today my need to go “really bad” woke me up at 5:30am I rushed to the toilet and had diarrhea. I am worried because some articles say this can mean a complication. So far it’s only been one it’s been about 25 min. I felt so weak that I had to sit instead of going back to bed. I just had 1 oz of Gatorade and I’m praying it stays in. Please let me know if you’ve experience this. Every little thing freaks me out!

Many things that all culminated in spring 2018 1. Was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer 10 years ago at the ago of 40 2. Never lost the weight in the intervening 10 years and in February 2018 had another abnormal mammogram (thankfully not cancer again, but it scared the bejesus out of me) 3. My dear father in law passed away in December 2017 from complications of extreme morbid obesity— he was over 500 pounds when he passed. His goal was to make it to his 80th bday and he fell 5 days short. 4. January of 2018 I went on a family girls trip to Orlando to finally see Potterverse. At the time I was 250 pounds and could only get on a handful of rides. All I could think about during the trip was that we had waited for soooooo long to finally do this thing that I wanted to do so badly and my weight ruined my trip for me. 5. A trip to Belize in April 2018. I wanted so much to do an entire day snorkeling tour. I went, but had to spend half the time on the boat watching everyone else have a blast because I physically couldn’t keep up with all of the swimming. In June 2018 I decided ENOUGH and scheduled my first consult. Had surgery this February (10 weeks ago to this day) and I haven’t regretted it for one moment. I’m still very far from goal, but I’ve lost 53 pounds from my highest weight in July 2018 and loving the decision. Fingers crossed we take a December trip to Belize and I WILL be able to do that whole day snorkeling adventure!

I had a smooth sleeve surgery experience. No complications, no pain, no problems with constipation or swallowing, it's been a pleasure.

I’m glad you’re feeling better! if you don’t mind me asking tereza, what were the complications?

The night before my surgery I actually thought about canceling it. I didn’t and it has been the best decision for me. I had minor complications but doctors were on it. Just think past the surgery and pain the life you are getting back. My weight held me back from doing so many things and three weeks post op I don’t feel any pain and I am very happy to have gone through it. Don’t be discouraged, this will change your life. May God be with you through this amazing journey. May he guide the surgeons hands and make this experience an easy one for you in Jesus name. Amen!!!

I was at 227 I was 235 when I started the process and was told not to lose any weight. I was on the lower end of qualifying. I'm 18 mos post sleeve, 6 weeks post bypass and had my bypass follow up today, I'm literally 1.6 lbs from 100 lbs down ( 136.8). I expected 60 lbs. I'm completely amazing to be where I am. But it hasn't been without complications and struggles. You'll have times were you will stall, and it's gonna be frustrating. Remember just because the numbers aren't moving, you're still losing inches. You got this.

I did mine in Mexico on 3/28.. Total Cost was $3900.00. These doctors average 3 or 4 of these surges daily so they are very experienced. Of course you have to pay for flight and 1 night hotel to San Diego. No complications and have lost close to 30 lbs. my starting BMI before surgery was around 35.

To fail something means you have played. Every sports team has not won a particular play a particular game or even a particular season. Yet they are still playing. We are playing this thing called life. If you are reading this then you are breathing living and winning. Still in the game. No one medical procedure defines ones whole existence. I am not a failure because I needed a filling in the tooth or a root canal or even a crown I have had cavities that crumbled. Intern I am not a success because of a root canal or WLS. It is way more complicated than that. Now broaden your sense of who you are - you are more than just WLS person and take a long hard look at who is on your team. Do you have a supportive coach? Do you have cheerleaders who celebrate each tiny success? Do you have a mentor or someone who’s been there done that? The sports teams practice all the time change the players all the time the coaches all the time and sometimes sit out a game or season. If your negative self talk and head trip is to nasty another player or the referee may call it. And yeah the egos are bigger and taller than the Empire State Building. Get a game plan and keep on playing. The fact that you are here says your playing.

So sorry to hear about how hard the after surgery complications have been for you... but just have faith this was worth it and better for your health in the end. It’s good you are getting the help you need in the hospital even though I know how much you want to get home. Hang in there! I will pray you get to go home tomorrow.

I am 5 days post op of a sleeve revision. I was sleeved 26 days ago and had severe complications. I was unable to tolerate any liquids let alone anything else. I suffered from severe acid and bile reflux. Happy to report as of now I am feeling great. I am close to meeting my new protein goal of 80 grams. I am still in some pain as the revision lasted 3 hours and I have a few more incision sites but getting better every day. Tylenol Liquid has provided relief. I have to say reading the various posts on this site helped me get through the past 30 days. Thank you all who contribute!