Gastric Sleeve Surgery: Diet Plan For Success

The diet plan for a gastric sleeve surgery is a strict one, reducing calories and carbohydrates. It's important to follow a liver reduction diet before the surgery, and then stick to a liquid diet for the first two weeks after the operation. This will help your body heal and avoid health complications such as nausea, vomiting and gastric leaks. You will then transition to pureed and soft foods, before reintroducing solids.

Pre-op liver reduction diet

A pre-op liver reduction diet is required before gastric sleeve surgery. This involves drinking more water and eliminating other beverages like carbonated drinks, alcohol, soda, juice, energy drinks, and coffee with cream or sugar. You should try to drink at least 64 ounces of water daily. It's also important to stop drinking fluids with your meals and wait at least 30 minutes to drink water.

Two days before surgery, you will switch to a clear, liquid diet that includes one protein shake, broth, decaffeinated coffee or tea, Jell-O, and sugar-free popsicles.

Following a pre-op liver reduction diet is important to prepare your body for the post-op diet, which will be crucial for healing after surgery.

Post-op liquid diet

After gastric sleeve surgery, the post-op liquid diet is crucial for healing. For the first week after surgery, you will be restricted to clear liquids. This includes water, clear broth, decaffeinated beverages, and sugar-free drink mixes. It is important to avoid drinking from a straw and to focus on fluids that are thin in consistency.

During this initial liquid diet phase, it is recommended to drink at least 64 ounces of water daily. It is also important to eliminate other beverages like carbonated drinks, alcohol, and coffee with cream or sugar. You should also stop drinking fluids with meals and wait at least 30 minutes to drink water.

The liquid diet helps prepare your body for the post-op diet, which is just as important as the pre-op diet. Following the post-op diet guidelines will help you realise the benefits of the bariatric procedure and avoid potential health complications such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and gastric leaks.

After the first week of clear liquids, you will continue with the liquid diet for another week. During this time, you can also start to introduce protein shakes and sugar-free popsicles.

Reintroducing solid foods

From weeks 3-4, you will transition to pureed and soft foods. This is a gradual process, and it's important to prioritise protein during this time. It is also important to distinguish between physical and head hunger to manage eating habits effectively.

By week 5, you will be ready to reintroduce solid foods. This should be done gradually, and it's important to continue prioritising protein-rich foods. You should also continue to focus on fluids, particularly water, and ensure you are staying hydrated.

Your doctor may give you a caloric goal to stick to daily, and it's important to reduce your intake of carbohydrates and sweets. Instead, focus on lean proteins, vegetables, and low- or no-calorie fluids.

Caloric goals

The diet plan for a gastric sleeve surgery is a strict one that reduces calories and carbohydrates, such as sweets, potatoes and pasta. You will eat primarily lean protein, vegetables and low- or no-calorie fluids.

Your doctor will give you a caloric goal to stick to daily. This will be a low-calorie diet, which will help to reduce your liver size before surgery. Two days before surgery, you will switch to a clear liquid diet that includes one protein shake, broth, decaffeinated coffee or tea, Jell-O and sugar-free popsicles.

After surgery, the initial two weeks are a liquid diet. You will need to focus on fluids that are thin in consistency and not drink from a straw. You can drink water, clear broth, decaffeinated beverages and sugar-free drink mixes.

From weeks three to four, you will transition to pureed and then soft foods. In week five, you will reintroduce solids and prioritise protein. You will also need to distinguish between physical and head hunger to manage your eating habits effectively.

Head hunger vs physical hunger

Following a gastric sleeve surgery, it is essential to distinguish between head hunger and physical hunger to effectively manage your eating habits and ensure a successful recovery. Head hunger refers to the psychological desire to eat, while physical hunger is the physiological need for nourishment.

During the initial two weeks after surgery, when you are restricted to a liquid diet, it is crucial to focus on fluids that are thin in consistency and avoid drinking with a straw. This helps you distinguish between head hunger and physical hunger. Head hunger often manifests as cravings or a desire to eat specific foods, while physical hunger is a true physiological need for nourishment. By focusing on fluids and avoiding solid foods, you can better recognise the signals your body is sending and differentiate between head hunger and physical hunger.

In the weeks following surgery, as you transition to pureed and soft foods, and eventually solids, it is important to prioritise protein. Protein helps promote satiety and can assist in managing both head hunger and physical hunger. By ensuring adequate protein intake, you can feel more satisfied and reduce the intensity of cravings associated with head hunger.

To effectively manage head hunger, it is crucial to address the underlying psychological factors. Head hunger can be triggered by emotional states, stress, or environmental cues. Identifying your triggers and developing healthy coping mechanisms can help you manage head hunger effectively. Engaging in mindful eating practices, such as eating slowly, savouring your food, and paying attention to your body's signals, can also help you distinguish between head hunger and physical hunger.

Physical hunger, on the other hand, is a physiological response indicating your body's need for nourishment. It is important to listen to your body and respond to physical hunger appropriately. Eating regular meals, including lean protein and vegetables, and staying hydrated with low- or no-calorie fluids can help address physical hunger. By distinguishing between head hunger and physical hunger, you can make informed choices about your eating habits and ensure a healthy recovery following your gastric sleeve surgery.

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