Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding works with patients through every step of their bariatric surgery journey. From helping them decide to preparation, the surgery, and after care she is involved at each step. She counsels patients on their eating habits and works with them to start eating in new ways after surgery. Part of this includes preparing patients for the fact that they won’t be hungry after the surgery. No matter how many times she tells them, patients are still shocked by this new normal. Post surgery, patients are given a diet to follow to help them transition into their new, smaller stomach while making sure to nourish a body that simply isn’t hungry anymore. This is referred to as the gastric sleeve diet.et.

What is the Gastric Sleeve Diet?

The gastric sleeve diet is a multi-week plan patients follow to stay hydrated, heal, and learn how to read their body’s signals. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding wants all patients to work with their healthcare team to be as comfortable and healthy post surgery and as they begin eating in a new way.

Liquids

For the first 3-4 weeks, Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding has patients stick to a strict liquid diet. The stomach is healing from major surgery and is also tight and small. It should not be strained in any way. This is also a time when food can get stuck, causing vomiting and discomfort. This is why patients stick to shakes, broth, juice, and water in the first few weeks after surgery.

Dr. Ren-Fielding advises patients to sip water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Soft Foods

The next few weeks will see the introduction of soft foods. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding suggests patients continue with liquids also introduce soft food. Scrambled eggs and soft ground meats for protein along with mashed veggies are good choices during this time before going back to regular food.

Regular Foods

Regular food, Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding urges patients to remember, doesn’t mean old habits. Patients should focus on eating healthy foods and due to the limited amount they can, and will want to, eat they should follow three rules:

1. Eat very slowly with a break between each forkful. Pay attention to how the food tastes. Are you still hungry? (food will lose flavor as your body needs less of it)
2. Eat protein first.
3. Next eat something green.

If patients are still hungry after a break, they should eat whatever they except for carbs, regular soda, added sugar, diet soda, and junk foods.

Most patients feel full very quickly. Enjoy this! Eat slowly, putting your fork down between each bite. This allows the food to travel to the stomach in a way that won’t result in it getting stuck.

Patients should eat healthy, green foods to fill them up. Arugula, spinach and broccoli are great choices. Other vegetables, like tomatoes, are also great. Protein should always be the priority to keep patients strong and energetic. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding reminds patients that the occasional treat is okay. A bit of ice cream enjoyed slowly or serving of pasta is fine. Patients can even enjoy a drink with dinner. Beer, wine, bourbon — anything but regular soda. Patients should also dine at restaurants but plan on bringing home most of their food or going to a place that encourages sharing, like a tapas restaurant.

As patients lose weight and start eating solid foods they should also exercise. Walking; playing with children, grandchildren or dogs; or even joining a gym. Group fitness classes are a favorite activity of many people because they are fun and social. They also provide an excellent workout.

You can learn more about every facet of bariatric surgery by visiting NYU Langone Weight management here.