6 Foods to Avoid After Your Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass is a major weight-loss surgery that helps reduce the amount of food you can eat and how much nutrition your body absorbs.
The amount of weight you may lose depends on your diet and exercise plan.
Read more: How Much Weight Will I Lose After Gastric Bypass Surgery?
To ensure you meet your post-surgery weight loss goals, here are some food items to avoid:
1. High-fat Meats
After your gastric bypass, high-fat meats like bacon, sausage, bologna, and salami should be avoided entirely. Not only are these types of meat fatty and high in calories, but they can also cause digestive issues due to their rich fat content. Eating high-fat meats can lead to more stomach discomfort and diarrhea.
2. Sugary Foods
When it comes to bariatric surgery, you must avoid sugary foods. Sugary foods can spike your blood sugar levels, which can cause weight gain and other health issues. Many of such foods are also high in calories and low in nutritional value. Examples of sugary foods to avoid include candy, cakes, pastries, cookies, ice cream, sodas, and other sugary drinks.
3. Alcohol
Gastric bypass involves a drastic change in how your body absorbs food and drinking alcohol after the procedure is not recommended. It can be challenging for your body to process the toxins in alcoholic beverages, which could lead to liver damage and serious health risks over time. Additionally, alcohol has a high-calorie content which can contribute to weight gain if you do not account for them in your daily caloric intake. If you choose to drink alcohol after gastric bypass, you must limit yourself to no more than 1-2 servings per day and avoid high-calorie beverages such as beer or wine coolers.
4. Dry Foods
Dry, crunchy foods are not recommended after gastric bypass surgery because they can be challenging to digest. Dry-roasted nuts, crackers, and pretzels should all be avoided, as these can create a blockage in the stomach or intestine. Additionally, some dry cereals, such as oatmeal, could cause nausea and vomiting if your stomach has not healed completely. Stick to softer, less processed foods that are easier to digest.
5. Caffeinated and Carbonated Beverages
Caffeinated and carbonated beverages should be avoided after gastric bypass surgery. This includes caffeinated coffee or tea, energy drinks, soda, and sparkling water. Caffeine can cause dehydration and increase the risk of dumping syndrome for those who have post-gastric bypass surgery. Carbonated beverages may cause bloating and discomfort.
Read more: Can You Drink Coffee After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
6. Dairy Products
High-fat dairy products, such as ice cream and cheese, should be avoided after gastric bypass surgery. Dairy products are more likely to cause nausea, vomiting, and dumping syndrome due to their high-fat levels. Try to choose low-fat alternatives such as low-fat or non-dairy milk and yogurt. Also, many dairy products are high in sugar, so it is essential to read the nutrition labels carefully. Call Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital for the best Roux-en-Y in Maryland. We offer a range of surgical services with excellent outcomes and take every precaution to ensure safety and comfort. Our Maryland Bariatric Surgery team will also provide comprehensive after-care instructions and advice regarding lifestyle changes.