Patients who have bariatric surgery typically lose 30 to 50 percent of their excess weight within 6 months and 77 percent of the excess in 12 months. However, the surgery requires a life-long commitment to significant diet and exercise changes to maintain the weight loss.

With a smaller stomach pouch, weight loss surgery patients are only able to take in a very tiny amount of food before they become full. Thus, they need to carefully follow diet recommendations after the surgery. Immediately after surgery, patients are placed on a liquid diet.

Laura Periou, R.D., L.D.N., Registered Dietitian with Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, says the diet changes are progressive to allow the body to adapt to the new digestive conditions. After leaving the hospital, patients eat only liquid protein supplements or pureed baby food. Gradually, soft, moist foods are added to the diet. Patients must focus on protein because other foods will fill the stomach but provide little nutritional value.

About three months after surgery, patients can gradually transition to solid foods. It’s important for patients to chew food thoroughly because larger chunks of food can become stuck in the small opening leading out of the stomach. Lean protein continues to be the main ingredient in the diet. Periou also recommends non-starchy vegetables, fruits and, eventually, whole grains. Patients need to avoid highly processed foods, white bread, pasta and white rice.

Since patients feel full so quickly, they must eat more often. In addition to the three main meals of the day, Periou says small supplements, like a protein drink, hard boiled egg, or a small piece of meat, are ideal for these mini-meals.

It’s sometimes hard for patients to stick to such a restricted diet. Thus, patients receive a significant amount of counseling and dietary advice before and after surgery. Periou says patients for whom weight loss surgery fails often regain weight because they start snacking on junk foods.

To keep the diet satisfying, she recommends good planning and judicious use of herbs and seasonings to enhance the flavors of foods. She also recommends shopping with a list and choosing foods from the perimeter of the grocery store for the healthiest choices.