As anyone who has suffered from weight problems knows, weight loss surgery is an extreme measure. If you want to put in the time and effort necessary in order to make gastric bypass work, it is absolutely essential that you follow a solid bariatric diet.

In the beginning of your bariatric diet, you will need to modify your thinking. Gastric bypass surgery is life changing. Not only can you lose drastic amounts of weight, but you will likely gain an entirely new relationship with food. Immediately after the surgery, you will be placed on a clear liquid diet, followed by the addition of other liquids. You will then progress to a pureed diet. At this stage, anything that can be brought to the consistency of applesauce is okay. Soft foods are then added, slowly transitioning to a regular diet. In this recovery period, the most important thing to pay attention to is your level of protein. Your modified digestive system cannot gain adequate levels of protein and supplements will be prescribed.

For bariatric patients, dietary changes are not temporary. The ability to control your diet is what makes gastric bypass successful. The bariatric diet is absolutely crucial. Bariatric surgery creates a stomach pouch that can only hold about 1-1.5 cups of food. Therefore, quality is extremely important. First, you will be focusing on protein. You should include this basic building block in every meal. Then, add fruits and vegetables. To get your daily allowance, it is advised that you eat small meals more frequently throughout the day. Also, drink plenty of water and take quality supplements to ensure long term success.

Gastric bypass surgery actually modifies your natural digestion process, effectively shrinking your stomach and interfering with normal digestion. According to statistics, the 20 percent of patients who experience gastric bypass failure do so because they neglected to follow the diet their doctor recommended. To avoid wasting the time and energy you have invested, the most important thing is to stick with your doctor’s orders. They are critical your health.