Do I have to follow a liquid diet prior to surgery?

Yes, you will have to follow a liquid diet prior to surgery. Your surgeon and dietitian will discuss the length of your pre-op liquid diet with you. The diet consists of clear liquids such as broth, crystal light, water, Jell-O, Italian ice and popsicles throughout the day and three meals of low-fat strained cream soups, low carb/low sugar protein drinks, skim milk and drinkable yogurt.

I heard that I cannot eat or tolerate certain foods after surgery?

Your ability to tolerate certain foods depends on how much of that particular food you are consuming. You need to stop eating once you feel full.

I heard protein is the most important nutrient after surgery. What are the best choices of protein?

Eggs, low-fat cheese, low-fat cottage cheese, tofu, fish and other seafood, beef, chicken, turkey, yogurt and soy products.

Why is my hair falling out?

This may be a sign that you are not getting enough protein in your diet. You should be aiming for 60-65 grams of protein per day. You can also take a daily zinc supplement to help with some hair loss. For more information on proper protein intake consult your surgeon or registered dietitian.

Do I need to take a daily multivitamin after surgery?

It is recommended that you take a chewable daily multivitamin. Discuss with your registered dietitian some appropriate multivitamin options.

How long will I not be able to consume solid foods after surgery?

Most surgeons recommend a period of four weeks or more without solid foods after surgery. A liquid diet, followed by semi-solid foods or pureed foods, and then soft foods, may be recommended for a period of time until adequate healing has occurred. Your surgeon and dietitian will provide you with specific dietary guidelines for the best post-surgical outcome.

Should I buy protein drinks or shakes to have after surgery?

You should purchase some low-carb/low sugar protein drinks for your pre-op liquid diet and for the first week after surgery. After that, your surgeon and dietitian would like you to choose solid foods to ensure you feel full longer and faster. Once you have progressed to the regular solid food stage (weeks 4-6 after surgery) you should not be consuming protein drinks as your meals.

What will meals consist of after surgery?

After your post-operative diet progression and you have progressed to a regular solid food diet, the main focus of your meals should be protein based foods. The main portion of your meal should be protein based, followed by vegetables/fruit then carbohydrates. Your meal sizes should be around 4oz or ½ cup for each meal.

Why can't I snack between meals?

Snacking, nibbling or grazing on foods, usually high-calorie and high-fat foods, can add hundreds of calories a day to your intake, defeating the restrictive effect of your operation. Snacking will slow down your weight loss and can lead to regain of weight. If you are snacking properly, which is on protein based snacks, you may be able to have 1-2 snacks per day. A proper diet and meal plan should be discussed with your surgeon and registered dietitian.

For more information email nutrition-chicago@dayonehealth.com