The Gastric Bypass Diet:
The gastric bypass diet has many stages to it, it starts out from liquids only, and then graduates to very small meals that consist of soft and squishy and high-protein foods. Your new meals will be smaller than normal, and the foods that you eat will be smooth in texture. It is important to remember that you MUST drink water at all times, call it your "hydro" stages, and drink often. You also MUST take nutritional supplements because you will now forever be predisposed to having nutritional deficiencies. The gastric bypass diet is not meant to be fun, it is meant to keep you healthy while maximizing your results.
Stage One - Clear Liquids:
The first stage of your new diet is the "clear liquids" stage. Clear liquids are fluids that you can see through, so don't cheat. If you can't see through it, don't put it into your body, period. This stage only lasts 1-3 days, so you can do it. Yes, it does suck. Basically you can drink water, non sugar juice, and clear broth...yummy isnt it?
Stage Two - Low Fat and Full Fluids:
If you haven't run into problems with stage one (most people don't, but some do), then you are ready for the second stage. Now you are ready for high protein liquids such as Carnation Instant breakfast, ensure, etc...basically any of those products, remember to check the labels of the products you introduce into your body to make sure they don't have any nasty additives that you don't want. This stage can go anywhere from one to two weeks depending on how your body adjusts to the surgery. Many people begin to take a multivitamin at this stage.
Stage Three - Soft and Puree:
First things first, are you doing your regularly scheduled checkups? Good, then you will know when to start this stage, do not start this stage until you talk to your doctor first, and don't cheat! A lot of people start at two weeks, but many people need to wait longer. You are now ready for mushy type foods such as eggs, blended tuna, chicken, pork, etc. Make sure that the foods are very soft and almost liquid like. You can't digest hard foods yet, trust me...it will hurt.
Stage Four - Your New Regular Diet:
You are now ready to eat those basic foods that people eat. No, not junk food. No, you can't have Fritos, no...not even one chip. DON'T CHEAT! You want to eat high protein foods (noticing a pattern yet?), each meal will be very small, and remember to hydrate at all times.
*Consult with your doctor before entering each stage of the diet, with each of the foods you eat, and with any questions you have*