FAQ

Bariatric Surgery -Frequently Asked questions

A curated list of common queries and their answers to help you quickly find the information you need.

What is a clear liquid?

A clear liquid diet after bariatric surgery is a temporary diet that consists only of clear liquids, typically for 1-2 weeks after surgery. The goal of this diet is to:
Allow the Stomach to Heal
Promote Hydration
Support Nutritional Needs
Clear Liquid Diet Guidelines
1. Duration: Typically 5 days after surgery
2. Foods allowed: Clear liquids, such as:
1. Water
2. Clear broth (chicken or beef)
3. Clear soups
4. Clear fruit juices (like apple or grape juice)

After bariatric surgery, patients are often advised to follow a soft food diet for a period of time. Soft foods are foods that are easy to chew and swallow, and are less likely to cause discomfort or digestive issues.

Here are some examples of soft foods:

1. Cooked vegetables: Cooked vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and green beans are soft and easy to digest.
2. Fruits: Ripe fruits like bananas, avocados, and cooked apples are soft and nutritious.
3. Lean proteins: Cooked lean proteins like chicken, turkey, and fish are soft and easy to chew.
4. Legumes: Cooked legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and black beans are soft and nutritious.
5. Dairy: Soft dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and milk are easy to digest.
6. Grains: Cooked grains like quinoa, and oats are soft and easy to chew.

Macronutrient:
– Protein: 60-80 grams/day (distributed evenly throughout meals)
– Carbohydrates: 50-100 grams/day (focus on complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables)
– Fat: 30-50 grams/day (emphasize healthy fats like avocado, nuts, and olive oil)

Yes, it’s common to experience some discomfort or challenges during the liquid diet phase after bariatric surgery.

During the preoperative liquid protein diet phase, it’s essential to stick to the recommended drinks to ensure you’re getting the necessary nutrients and to minimize potential complications. However, here are some additional drinks that may be allowed, but please confirm with your healthcare provider:

Allowed Drinks (in addition to protein shakes)
1. Water: Plain water is always allowed and encouraged.
2. Unsweetened tea: Black, green, or herbal tea without added sugars or creamers.
3. Black coffee: Without added sugars, creamers, or syrups.
4. Clear broths: Clear chicken or vegetable broths without solids or cream.

During the preoperative liquid diet phase, it’s essential to stick to liquids and avoid solid foods, including mushy foods. Here’s why:

Reasons to Avoid Mushy Foods
1. Surgical complications: Eating solid foods, even mushy ones, can increase the risk of surgical complications, such as stomach obstruction or leakage.
2. Nutrient imbalance: Mushy foods can be high in carbohydrates and low in protein, leading to an imbalance of essential nutrients.
3. Digestive issues: Solid foods can be difficult to digest, leading to discomfort, nausea, and vomiting.

Initially clear liquid diet for 5 days and high protein full liquid diet for 1 week

After 14 days of surgery it is allowed till then you can have green tea

Green Chili, red chili powder and Masalas/ hot spices should be avoided

After bariatric surgery, it’s generally recommended to avoid or limit carbonated beverages, at least for a while.

After bariatric surgery, it’s essential to approach spicy foods with caution because it causes irritation,discomfort, interfere with nutrient absorption

To identify food intolerance after bariatric surgery, keep a food diary to track symptoms such as bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea after consuming specific foods

Start with Small Amounts
When introducing new foods, start with a small amount (about 1-2 teaspoons or 1-2 ounces) to assess tolerance.

Choose restaurants with healthy options, eat slowly, and stop when you feel satisfied.

Take supplements as recommended, eat a balanced diet, and follow up regularly with your healthcare provider.

After bariatric surgery, it’s common to avoid rice and other high-carbohydrate, high-fiber foods for a period of time to allow the stomach to heal and adjust and avoid because it provides empty calorie

Salt, turmeric in clear liquid and cumin & corinader powder, freshly grated ginger garlic paste in full liquids

Whey protein or protein powder can be a valuable supplement for individuals, especially after bariatric surgery. Support in healing, weight loss, muscle mass, supoort bone health

Before bariatric surgery, it’s essential to avoid certain foods that can increase the risk of complications, hinder weight loss, or make the surgical process more challenging. Here are some foods to avoid:High-Calorie Foods, High-Fiber Foods, High-Fat Foods, Carbonated Drinks, Caffeine, High-sodium foods ,foods high in added sugars, refined carbohydrates

Typically, patients can start with short walks and gradually increase exercise intensity and duration.

To educate patients on healthy eating habits, promote weight loss, and prepare the body for surgery.

Patients are typically advised to follow a low-calorie, high-protein diet, avoid sugary drinks and foods, and increase physical activity.

To promote weight loss, prevent nutrient deficiencies, and support overall health and well-being.

Patients typically progress from a liquid diet to pureed foods, then soft foods, and eventually solid foods.

Protein intake is crucial after bariatric surgery to support weight loss, muscle mass, and overall health. Aim for 60-80 grams of protein per day.

Avoid high-calorie, high-fat, high-sugar, and high-fiber foods.

It’s recommended to limit or avoid sweets due to their high calorie and sugar content.

It’s recommended to avoid or limit alcohol consumption due to its high calorie content and potential negative impact on weight loss.

Stay hydrated, eat regular meals, and choose healthy snacks to manage cravings.

No, eat small, frequent meals to avoid discomfort and promote weight loss.

Limit or avoid sugary foods due to high calorie content and potential negative impact on weight loss.

Drink water regularly, monitor urine output, and avoid sugary drinks.

Ensure adequate protein intake, take supplements as recommended, and maintain good overall nutrition.

Eat 3-5 main meals and 2-3 snacks per day, spaced evenly apart.

While you can eat a variety of foods, it’s essential to maintain healthy eating habits and portion control to support long-term weight loss and overall health.

Patients are at risk for deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D.

We suggest to add flavor to the water like spoons of lemon juice or buttermilk and change in the temperture of water either hot/ cold

Most patients say no. In fact, for the first 4-6 weeks, patients have almost no appetite. Over the next several months the appetite returns, but it tends to be a “normal” type of hunger.

Actually, you should begin multivitamin and calcium supplements about two weeks before your surgery.

Yes. Snacking on starchy foods between meals can add hundreds of calories to your intake each day. It could also slow down your weight loss progress.

No. Make sure to drink fluids throughout the day but stop 30 minutes before and after meals

Generally you have to avoid sippers and straws because stomach capacity is small and if you use them,you are going to gulp lot of air along with water, so that you cannot take desired quantity of liquids.

Citrus and highly acidic food items which can irritate the stomach lining and cause discomfort, nausea and vomiting.

Focus on protein rich foods, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates.