Eating in the First Weeks After Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery can be an option for people struggling with obesity. However, eating properly after this surgery is very important. The first weeks after the operation are a period in which the body goes into recovery and food intake is started gradually.

What Is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery refers to surgical procedures carried out to address obesity and bring about weight loss. It is considered a method used in the care of weight and of health problems linked with obesity. These procedures are carried out to help with weight loss and, in many cases, to improve or resolve metabolic conditions that are often linked with obesity.

Bariatric surgery is generally considered when weight loss efforts with diet and exercise programmes have not worked, or when health problems caused by obesity have reached serious levels. These procedures aim to reduce stomach volume, reduce the absorption of food, or both, in order to support weight loss and weight maintenance afterwards.

How Is It Done?

The main types of bariatric surgery include the following methods:

• Sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve): in this procedure the stomach is made much smaller and formed into a tube shape. This reduces stomach volume and helps the person to eat less food.
• Gastric bypass: as well as reducing stomach volume, this surgery rearranges the intestines to reduce the absorption of food. In this way both food intake and absorption are reduced.
• Adjustable gastric banding: in this method a band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. The stomach volume is controlled through this band. The band can be adjusted when needed.
• Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD): as well as reducing stomach volume, this surgery means that part of the small intestine is not used. This reduces the absorption of food.

Eating After Bariatric Surgery

Eating after bariatric surgery is extremely important for the success of the procedure and for protecting the person's health. What to pay attention to in the first weeks after surgery includes the following. Always follow the plan given by your surgical team and dietitian:

• Fluids are important: straight after the operation, only liquid foods should be taken until the digestive system has healed. These include water, soup and liquid foods containing protein.
• Prioritise protein: protein is an important nutrient that helps tissue renewal in the body. After bariatric surgery, protein intake helps to preserve muscle mass and supports the recovery process.
• Move slowly on to solid foods: after fluids in the first days after the operation, you can move slowly on to solid foods on your doctor's advice. It is important to start with small portions during this process, because moving on too quickly can cause digestive problems.
• Vitamin and mineral supplements: bariatric surgery can affect the absorption of some vitamins and minerals. Regularly taking the supplements your doctor recommends helps to prevent nutrient deficiencies.
• Balanced and varied eating: care should be taken to eat in a balanced and varied way in the first weeks. This helps your body get all the nutrients it needs. A diet that includes vegetables, fruit, wholegrains and healthy fats can support your overall health.
• Regular check-ups and advice: regular check-ups and advice from nutrition specialists in the first weeks after surgery help the process to be managed correctly. This helps you make sure your eating plan suits your needs, and it also matters for spotting possible problems early.
• Do not forget physical activity: after bariatric surgery, physical activity is important for supporting weight loss, energy levels and general health. In the first weeks after surgery, however, take care to start with light exercise in line with your doctor's advice.

This article is for general information only; please consult your doctor and dietitian about your own situation.