How to Feed in the Postoperative Period of Bariatric Surgery?
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The change in eating habits begins to be incorporated in the preoperative period. Through simple and practical changes the patient gradually becomes aware and prepares for the changes that their eating habits will suffer. The main objective is to train the patient to eat slowly, chewing the food well, with small and spaced “forks” and being motivated to a quality choice.
This process will facilitate the postoperative, avoiding discomforts and favoring healthy weight loss, especially fat mass. Nutritional monitoring begins in the preoperative period and should be regular throughout the period of weight loss. After stabilization, the patient should return every six months.
1st month of post-surgery
The goal of the diet in this period is not weight loss, but rather to assist in the healing process of the stomach. Care can be divided into five phases after surgery:
Liquid feeding phase – objective: adaptation to small volumes, hydration and gastric rest (first 2 weeks):
The first days of post-surgical feeding are specific and should be followed to avoid complications. The food is liquid and consists of small volumes (around 50 mL per meal).
As a consequence of the liquid diet, weight loss is quite large in these two weeks, and the use of Bariatric Advantage, specific nutritional supplements should be introduced to avoid vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Nutrition counseling should be initiated by the physician and nutritionist already in the hospital, prior to discharge.
First week
Diet: Liquid restricted (without lactose, without sucrose)
