Follow this diet for two weeks before your surgery and for the first two weeks after surgery.
Goals
- Adequate protein to promote healing after surgery and help build lean body mass; 60-70 grams protein per day for women and 70-80 grams per day for men
- Adequate fluid to prevent dehydration 48-64 oz per day initially after surgery; 4-5 days post-op increase to 64-96 oz sugar free, caffeine free fluids per day
- Do not drink 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after a meal
- Begin taking a chewable Multivitamin (MVI) with iron to prevent nutrient deficiencies
- Centrum chewable or Flintstones Complete are two chewable MVIs with iron you may try
- Take your MVI with iron twice a day
- Begin taking a chewable calcium + Vitamin D supplement
- Should be in the calcium citrate form (such as Citracal) 500 mg three times per day for a total of 1500 mg per day
- Take calcium and MVI with iron at least two hours apart
- Caloric intake should be 800-1000 calories per day for the post-op stage
- Pre-op calories are not limited
- Keep a food diary
- Write down everything you eat and drink during the day; this will help you stay within your calorie goal, and help you determine if you are getting enough protein and fluid
- There are various websites that can help you track your caloric intake including:
Examples of Sugar Free (or No Sugar Added) Full Liquids
- Skim milk and/or light soy milk
- HEB Mootopia milk—lactose free and 50% more protein than regular skim milk
- No sugar added Carnation Instant Breakfast
- Isopure or IsopurePlus Zero Carb beverages
- Dannon Light and Fit yogurt
- Low fat strained cream soups
- Low fat broth (with a scoop of unflavored protein powder)
- Sugar Free Popsicles
- EAS Light
- Resource OptiSource High Protein (can be found at CVS online)
Tips for the Liquid Stage
- Get creative with your protein drinks! You won't drink it if you don't like it
- Try http://www.bariatriceating.com/ or http://www.unjury.com/ for protein drink recipes and ideas
- Purchase an unflavored protein powder such as Beneprotein
- This can be added to most foods including soups, yogurts and beverages
- It is available at the Davila Pharmacy downtown San Antonio or also through a commercial pharmacy such as CVS or Walgreens
- This product is in stock at Davila but has to be ordered from CVS or Walgreens
- Can be ordered through CVS/Walgreens online
- If you find that you have become lactose intolerant try lactose free milk or a lactase supplement before eliminating dairy from your diet
- Dairy is a great source of protein calcium and vitamin D!
- Avoid sugar alcohols
- Half of the calories from sugar alcohols are absorbed
- Too much can cause diarrhea
- Avoid foods that are high in fat and (real) sugar—these foods will cause dumping syndrome
- If you are taking a calcium supplement take it separately from your multivitamin with iron
- You should be taking 1500 mg of calcium citrate
- Divide the dose up into 500 mg three times throughout the day, this helps your body absorb the calcium more efficiently
- If you have questions about your diet contact
- You may also call the Outpatient Nutrition Clinic at 292-7578
