Gastric Bypass Surgery Diet

The gastric bypass surgery diet must be followed very carefully following weight loss surgery. Since surgery combines both the creation of a small stomach pouch to restrict food intake and the bypass of the duodenum and other segments of the small intestine, the result is malabsorption. It doesn’t matter which type of surgery you had, you should make sure you follow your diet religiously to maintain the integrity of your pouch, and your post-operative success. 

Types of Gastric Bypass Surgery 

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB or RNY): The most common gastric bypass surgery performed in the U.S. First, a small stomach pouch will be created by stapling part of the stomach together or by vertical banding. Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the duodenum as well as the first portion of the jejunum. This causes reduced nutrient absorption. This procedure can now be done with a laparoscope for some people. It involves using 5 small incisions to perform the procedure instead of a long vertical incision, and generally has a faster recovery time. 

Extensive gastric bypass (biliopancreatic diversion): This is the most complicated gastric bypass operation. A portion of the stomach is removed. The remaining portion of the stomach is connected to the lower portion of the small intestine.

Due to gastric bypass surgery offering both a malabsorptive and restrictive elements, the result is more weight loss than restrictive operations, which only decreases food intake. People who have bypass surgery generally lose two-thirds of their excess weight in the first couple of years. 

People Who Have Gastric Bypass Surgery are at Risk For: 

1. Leakage of stomach contents into the abdomen
2. Pouch stretching – the pouch gets bigger over time
3. Band erosion – lap-band begins to disintegrate
4. Nutritional deficiencies – can usually be prevented with proper follow up care and supplementation 

Gastric bypass surgery may also cause “dumping syndrome.” In this case, stomach contents move too rapidly through the small intestine. Symptoms include nausea, weakness, bloating, sweating, rapid heartbeat, faintness, and, occasionally, diarrhea after eating.  

Complications Due to Nutritional Deficiencies 

The bodies limited absorption of vitamin B-12 and iron can cause anemia. The lack of calcium absorption can cause osteoporosis.

Let’s focus on what we have control over. You can prevent, and treat nutritional deficiencies by taking your bariatric vitamins religiously, and eating food basics such as vegetables, fruits, and lean meats. Take the time to find bariatric supplements that are free from fillers. The more invasive your surgery the more complications can result. Make sure you are doing everything you can to ensure a speedy recovery by taking supplements and adhering strictly to your new diet.