- After your operation your new stomach will not be able to
manage normal food. You will be advised on the type of food
and quantities to eat after the surgery by the dietitian. - Initially, whilst still in hospital you will be advised to commence
fluids and remain on fluids only for three to four weeks.
The fluids you choose must not be sugary or fizzy. After the
liquid phase everything will need to be puréed or blended.
This stage will last at least three weeks. At the next stage you
will be able to have small amounts of soft, mashed foods. - Three to six months after the operation, most people will be
able to start having more normal texture foods and may be able
to manage a small plate of food. Everyone is different so this
may take longer in some cases. - Do not be tempted to move between the stages too quickly
as your stomach and gut need time to recover and must not be
overstretched. The following pages are a general guide only.
You will be advised on the type of food and quantities to eat as
part of your on-going care with the dietitian. - Take a chewable multivitamin and mineral supplement
each day. e.g. Asda chewable multivitamins, Centrum fruity
chewables, Bassetts adult multivitamins pastilles. - Avoid taking other vitamin and mineral supplements until you
have spoken to the dietitians. - If you are struggling with the volume or have a lactose
intolerance, please speak with your dietitian so that advice can
be given about adding alternative protein rich drinks such as
protein water or protein powders to your drinks.
Stage 2: Introducing puree foods
You must follow this stage for 3 weeks
Your body is still healing from the surgery and your stomach will still
be very small and tight. You will therefore need to gradually move
from liquids only to blended or pureed foods. The texture should
be smooth like yoghurt and pour off a spoon so that lumps of food
don’t get stuck. Use a blender or food processor to get it right.
- Take very small amounts (5-6 teaspoons) of pureed food per
meal for the first few days. It can be difficult to puree small
amounts so try freezing leftovers in small containers for later use. - Always use nutritious liquids to add to food for blending such as
milk, yoghurt, milk or cheese based sauces. Instant or powdered
soups may seem easy but they provide very little in the way of
nutrients so try not to waste filling your stomach on these – you
need the maximum amount of nutrients from everything you
eat. - Aim to eat 4-6 meals per day at this stage and only increase the
amounts when you can do so comfortably – ask your dietitian if
you are unsure about this. - It can be difficult to take enough protein which is essential for
- general health and healing. Include high protein foods and
- drinks such as meat, chicken, fish, milk, eggs, yoghurt, cheese
- at every meal. For more information see How can I eat more
- protein? in the Frequently Asked Question section at the back of
- the booklet.
- Stop eating before you feel full. You will be surprised how just
one spoon more than you need, can be very uncomfortable. - Keep drinks to between meals only and allow at least 30 minutes
either side of food before drinking. - Sip drinks; use a sport lid if necessary, and try to have about 2
litres (3½ pints) each day. It is very important to take half of this
as milk – you will need the protein it provides for now. i.e. drink
0.5-1 litre (1-2 pints) of milk each day. - Avoid all sugary or fizzy drinks.
- Add herbs to add flavour to your food as a puree diet can be very
bland. - Remember to follow the 20:20:20:20 rule.
Source Credit: https://www.bradfordhospitals.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/After-weight-loss-surgery-diet.pdf