A gastric sleeve decreases the size of the stomach by around 80% . Patients who have this operation feel fuller faster, so it significantly reduces overeating. But what can you eat after gastric sleeve surgery?
If you’re considering having gastric sleeve weight loss surgery you might be wondering how this effects what you can and can’t eat after the procedure. Rest assured we are here to help guide you with the do’s and don’ts for eating after a gastric sleeve.
What can i eat after a gastric sleeve?
After surgery, you should follow a 3-week plan that eases you onto normal foods. See our post-op diet plan here.
Once you have completed the first three weeks you will still need to follow rules when it comes to eating to ensure your gastric sleeve works the best for you.
So, what can you eat after a gastric sleeve? While every patient is different we recommend that you choose your foods wisely. Choosing nutrient-dense options, and avoiding empty calories.
What can't i eat after a gastric sleeve?
You will understand what your body can and can’t handle after surgery better than we do. However, there are some things we straight up do not recommend.
The only thing we tell patients to avoid is carbonated drinks. And you will need to take care with stodgy/sticky foods such as bread, pasta and rice. But as long as you follow the right eating technique you should be able to manage most foods to get a balanced diet!
Can you eat normally after a gastric sleeve?
Having a gastric sleeve alters the way in which we eat more than the foods we do it, and while there are foods patients should avoid, it’s more important than the behaviour used to eat is changed.
Following gastric sleeve surgery you should;
- Take small bites.
- Chew every bite thoroughly and slowly to help digest the food.
- Stop eating when you are full.
- Cook balanced meals that are high in protein.
- Understand the difference between head hunger and stomach hunger
- Stay well hydrated throughout the day. But, avoid drinking during meals and 30 minutes before & after eating.
- Take supplements and vitamins to ensure your body is getting what it needs.
Bariatric Dietitian Heather's Advice for Eating After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Take tiny bites (size of 20p coin), chew well and eat very slowly. You might need to eat as slow as 1 bite per minute for it to be comfortable.
Eat regularly – leaving long gaps between meals can make it more difficult to meet your nutritional requirements.
Don’t drink with a meal and for at least 30 mins afterwards. If you do, it can cause pain, regurgitation and in some cases enable you to eat more.