Gastric sleeve is a safe and clinically proven bariatric surgery to reduce body weight. The procedure involves reducing the size of the stomach by separating the upper part of the stomach from the rest of the organ.
The effectiveness of gastric sleeve surgery depends largely on your pre- and post-operative diet.
What should I eat before gastric sleeve surgery ?
The preoperative diet before your gastric sleeve surgery is important for the success of the intervention.
In many cases, you should begin your diet three weeks before your surgery.
You can ask your dietitian or program coordinator for more details.
Preoperative diet for gastric sleeve : 3 weeks before surgery
During the three weeks before surgery, you will typically plan your meals in the following way :
Reduce calories such as carbohydrates.
Maximize protein intake.
Choose healthy fats that are found in foods like fish, nuts and olives. Other fats such as those found in butter or oils should be reduced.
Drink enough water.
Don’t hesitate to consult your program coordinator or dietitian for more details.
Preoperative diet for gastric sleeve : 2 to 3 days before the operation
You will need to opt for an all-liquid diet two to three days before surgery. Limit your diet to water, broth, gelatins and low-calorie sports drinks (no sodas). You will need to stop all consumption from midnight on the day of surgery, including water. Failure to follow these guidelines may compromise your eligibility for the gastric sleeve procedure.
What should I eat after gastric sleeve surgery ?
Your post-operative diet following gastric sleeve surgery is as important as your pre-operative diet. You will start with liquids and then gradually reintroduce solid foods.
Following your post-operative diet is essential. It will also help you avoid potential health complications including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation and gastric leakage.
Here is a week-by-week diet plan detailing what to eat after gastric sleeve surgery :
Diet after gastric sleeve : 1st week after surgery
During the first week after surgery, you will be limited to clear liquids. In addition to water, you can drink clear broth, decaffeinated beverages and sugar-free drinks. Avoid soda, caffeine and anything with added sugar.
Diet after gastric sleeve : 2nd week after surgery
During the second week, you will add thicker liquids to your post-op diet. These may include applesauce, cream of wheat, Greek yogurt, protein shakes, ice cream and sugar-free puddings.
Gastric sleeve foods : 3rd week after surgery
Next are soft and pureed foods. These include eggs, ground meats, fish, beans, cooked vegetables and soft fruits.
Food after gastric sleeve : 4th week after the operation
Solid foods are finally back starting in the fourth week after surgery. At this point, the post-surgical diet is similar to your pre-surgical diet. Some foods remain prohibited : fried foods, candy, nuts, seeds, whole milk products, bread, pasta and fibrous vegetables such as broccoli. You are allowed to reintroduce caffeine, but only in small amounts.
Over time, you may add some of the above excluded items, but always in small portions. You should continue to focus on lean protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods and products with added sugar. Eat slowly, chew carefully and stop eating when you are no longer hungry.
