Leading the field in weight loss surgery

Post-Opt Diet Plan

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Napa, Sonoma, Marin and the Bay Area

What will be my diet after gastric sleeve surgery?

Patients will slowly integrate solid food back into their diet over the weeks following their vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Many patients do not have an appetite for a short period after their sleeve gastrectomy. The sensation of hunger usually returns within seven to ten days. Patients will likely need to adjust their eating habits from two to three larger meals a day to four to six meals a day to comfortably accommodate food and receive adequate nutrition. Proper hydration and water consumption will be very important.

mindful eating

For the first week, patients will need to follow a liquid-only diet. Patients will also be allowed to consume broth, jello, decaf tea or coffee, and sugar-free popsicles. Do not consume caffeinated, sugary, or carbonated drinks. Within ten to fourteen days, patients will want to consume roughly 20 grams of protein a day, but still avoid caffeine, high-fat foods, or chunks, such as vegetables in soup. Any protein powders should be sugar-free. Patients can integrate pureed, soft food over their second and third week of recovery. Safe foods to consume during this period include Greek yogurt, thinned oatmeal, baby food, mashed sweet and regular potatoes, and scrambled eggs.

Do not consume the skin or seeds of fruits or vegetables.

After four weeks, patients can begin integrating more soft foods, like soft vegetables and lean meats. Over weeks four, five, and six, patients will want to consume between 60 to 80 grams of protein. Avoid high-sugar foods at this time, as well as bread, high-fat foods, raw vegetables, pasta, and white rice. Foods like eggs, softened vegetables, low-fat deli meats, certain types of fish, and soups with minimal chunks will be good, filling sources of protein. Patients will want to consult with their surgeon about their readiness to consume one to two cups of coffee at this point of their recovery.

Constipation may occur. Patients are advised to take a daily fiber supplement during their recovery period. If you have not had a bowel movement for a few days, you can speak to your doctor about receiving a mild laxative.

Patients will receive counseling and a personally-tailored nutrition plan to help them maintain their vitamin intake. Our staff at Whole Health Weight Loss Institute will also work with you to create a workout regimen that fits your lifestyle and encourages your best, safest, long-term weight loss results.

Patients will return for follow-up appointments throughout their recovery. We will monitor every patient’s healing progress, as well as provide accessible guidance on their nutrition and weight-loss journey.