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

Gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a safe and effective procedure for obese patients seeking weight loss. After surgery, you will make several dietary changes. There are four phases to your new diet plan. This is the second of four articles to help guide you through the process of what to eat after gastric sleeve surgery.

Phase Two: Thin Liquid Diet

This phase of your gastric sleeve diet will be for approximately two weeks after your surgery. It is important to consume only thin liquids at this time. The rule of thumb is that you can have anything thin enough to sip through a straw. However, you must not use a straw at this time. As with Phase One, this could cause discomfort through gas bubbles. It is best to sip fluids slowly all day. Here are some guidelines for success during Phase Two:

• Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding says that water is the best form of hydration, always. Plan to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water per day.
• Drink all liquids as if you were sipping hot tea: very slowly.
• Consult your doctor on choosing the right protein shake. You will drink at least 3 protein shakes a day.
• Protein shakes may be diluted with water or milk for the first few days.
• Avoid all carbonated drinks.
• Choose sugar-free beverages, including
  • Sugar-free drink mixes
  • Plain (no sugar) iced tea
  • Skim milk
  • Tomato or vegetable juice
  • Vitamin-infused waters (sugar free)
• Any and all medications must be crushed or in liquid form for two weeks.
• Your doctor will recommend a chewable or liquid multivitamin supplement.

Other Tips for After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding tells her patients that the first two weeks after gastric sleeve surgery can be the most challenging. It is important to keep your mind busy with activities other than TV, because of the many food commercials. Instead, activities like these will help pass the time:

• Reading
• Journaling
• Knitting or crocheting
• Internet games
• Movies/DVDs
• Brain games like sudoku or crossword puzzles

Gastric sleeve surgery can help you achieve your weight loss goals. Your overall health will improve, as well as your quality of life. It is very important that you follow the four dietary stages of what to eat after gastric sleeve surgery. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding says to have patience with the process as each step is vital to healthy weight loss.

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