Patients will require a gastric bypass blended diet while the stomach pouch heals. Initially clear fluids are prescribed, and after release from the hospital a full-liquid diet is started for approximately two weeks. Following the full-liquid diet, patients are instructed to start introducing more proteins into their diet through the blended diet. The pureed or blended diet is followed for approximately two more weeks as foods of thicker consistency are added. Patients will want to eat a minimum of 60 grams of protein each day. At each sitting, you will want to try one to two tablespoons of blended food to avoid nausea and blockage. Once you know that it can be tolerated, you will work up to two to four tablespoons of food at each meal. Because protein is essential in the gastric bypass blended diet, it is important to eat proteins first. Blended or pureed lean meats, like turkey, chicken and fish are often best tolerated by patients. Baby food meats are easy, perfectly blended high protein options. Milk products also contain high levels of protein, and smooth yogurt can be another easy option. When using a blender to create the right consistency, fat-free milk, broth or fat-free gravy can help and also add protein. Post-surgically, it is most important to listen to your body. If you feel nauseated, bloated or experience gas after eating a new food or after increasing the volume, you should reduce the amount at your next meal or wait a few days before trying that food again. Proper portions are very important, as is following the prescribed diet. Even if you feel you can tolerate other foods or eat more volume, understand that the blended diet is designed to help your body heal after gastric bypass surgery and you will lessen the chance of post-surgical complications by strict adherence to the diet.
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