Diet After Bypass Surgery

Submitted by Loring A. Windblad on February 9, 2010

Diet After Gastric Bypass Surgery

In our day-to-day life, stress levels have increased so much that it is evident in the health of the general populace to a great extent. Environmental pollution further affects health in an adverse manner. In this fast-paced life people seldom get the chance to squeeze in some time for physical exercise in order to keep fit. Therefore, the rate and severity of heart diseases are increasing at an alarming rate. More and more people are becoming victims to heart ailments.

Junk food habits also exacerbate this problem. Smoking and the excessive consumption of alcohol further add to the woes of our heart.

The good news is that with the advancement of technology in medical facilities, many efficient ways to treat heart diseases have been invented.

One of the most precise and efficient of these techniques is bypass surgery. To put it simply, during a bypass surgery, surgeons open alternate blood vessels in the heart to allow the unimpeded flow of blood. Thus, they bypass the damaged or dead part of the heart.

After the surgery, the patient is advised extended bed rest for a period of 2-4 months. Physicians also advise a restricted diet to patients after a bypass surgery. Immediately after surgery, they are not allowed to consume oils and fats in their diet as cholesterol may again get deposited in the blood vessels and may damage the heart by blocking or narrowing the blood vessels.

Patients are also advised to include multi-vitamins and minerals in their diet. Fresh green leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, cabbage, and broccoli are a few of them. Various colored seasonal vegetables and fruits like tomato, turnip, pumpkin, gourd, okra, papaya, mango, grapes water-melon, and musk-melon are very effective in facilitating a speedy recovery after a bypass operation.

One should try incorporating fiber rich food items in small amounts initially and increase its intake as per the body’s acceptance with the passage of time. Fiber rich food items include whole meal bread, whole-grain rice, pasta, beans, and pulses. Slowly enhance your intake of healthy foods so as to replace the calories lost during surgery. Avoid drinking too many juices and liquids during your meal as these items give you a feeling of fullness. You should partake of these items regularly but in small quantities.

Soak some oats in water overnight and have them with milk in the morning for breakfast. However, if you are suffering from gastrointestinal problems, avoid consuming milk products like curd and cheese.

People may face early dietary problems that occur just after bypass surgery. The late onset of these problems may even occur a few weeks after surgery. For all kinds of bypass surgeries, patients and care-takers are advised to avoid over-eating and abstain from alcoholic beverages.

A dietician can advise the patient what suits his body but it is up to the patient to actually follow these diet recommendations. Keep in mind that your diet plays a crucial role in recovery after bypass surgery and the doctor’s advice should be followed strictly.