Dietary Guidelines for Success with Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding, NYU Weight Management Program Bariatric Surgeon

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a safe and effective choice for obese patients seeking weight loss. After surgery, you will need to make several dietary changes. There are four phases to your diet plan after this procedure. This is the first of four articles hosted by Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding that will guide you through the process of what to eat after gastric sleeve surgery.

What to Eat After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

There are several key things to remember when planning meals after gastric sleeve surgery. The stages of your recovery and eating plan will lead you to a new way of eating. At first you will only consume liquids, then you will begin to introduce solid foods. Here are some things to expect:

• Always chew your food slowly and thoroughly. Take your time to finish each meal. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding recommends putting your fork down between bites. Most patients take between 20 and 30 minutes to finish a small meal.
• Eat small amounts and stop when you feel full. When you begin to eat solid foods, make sure it is cut into very small pieces.
• After gastric sleeve surgery, prepare 5-6 small meals per day. These small meals are good for the recovery process.
• Protein-rich foods first. When you recover from gastric sleeve surgery, your body needs enough protein to build and repair muscle tissue. Protein comes first, followed by vegetables.
• Do not eat foods containing high fat or sugar. This is a key part of your diet moving forward. Sugars and fats (especially trans and saturated fats) are simply empty calories with no nutritional value.

Guidelines for Fluids and Beverages from Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding

• Avoid drinking liquids with meals. Instead, separate fluids from meals by 30 minutes.
• Do not gulp. After gastric sleeve surgery, be sure to sip fluids slowly.
• At first, greatly limit your caffeine intake. Caffeine-rich beverages like coffee and tea may irritate your stomach.  
• Drink at least 64 ounces of water per day. Water is the best choice. Do not drink anything carbonated, especially soda (even diet soda).  

Phase One – Clear Liquid Diet

This phase of your diet will be while you’re recovering in the hospital. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding says you should expect a clear liquid diet at this time. Do not use a straw or drink out of a bottle, because they could cause gas bubbles. Phase one liquids include:

• Water and ice chips
• Sugar-free gelatin
• Clear broths
• Caffeine-free unsweetened tea
• Sugar-free drink mixes
• Sugar-free popsicles

Gastric sleeve surgery is safe and effective. With the right planning, you will know what to eat after gastric sleeve surgery. This will help you safely lose weight and improve many aspects of your health. Following these recommendations carefully will set you up for success. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding tells all her patients to embrace each step of these dietary guidelines and changes.

If you would like to learn weight loss surgery, including gastric sleeve, consult an expert like Dr. Ren-Fielding, NYU Weight Management Program bariatric surgeon. Visit the NYU Langone Weight Management Program for more information.