After bariatric surgery, the portion sizes you consume will vary from individual to individual. It also depends on the type of surgery you have had (Sleeve Gastrectomy or Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass); how far along you are; and the type/consistency of food you eat.
Immediately after surgery your stomach is inflamed, which restricts the volume of food and fluid consumed. As your new stomach pouch heals, it will allow you to consume a slightly larger, yet still limited portion size.
It is very important to follow the general recommended portion size guidelines for a few reasons:
- Small portions allow the sutures to heal and minimises complications
- Small portions minimise stretching of the new stomach pouch
- Small portions help prevent symptoms such as stomach discomfort, reflux, indigestion, heartburn and vomiting associated with overeating
Portion Sizes After Weight Loss Surgery: General recommendations at each diet phase
Liquid Diet Phase: Slowly build up to 2L of high protein fluids, at an approximate rate of 15ml every 15 minutes.
Puree Diet Phase: Aim for no more than ¼ cup of pureed food at each main meal.
Soft Diet Phase: Aim for approximately ½ cup of soft foods at each main meal. Note, that this will vary depending on the type of food you are having. For example, soft foods such as salads that are light and airy may be easily tolerable in larger amounts compared to dishes such as soft meat and vegetable casserole dishes.
Normal Textured Diet Phase: Limit to no more than 1 cup of normal textured foods at each meal.
Above all else, try to listen to your hunger and fullness cues. Chewing slowly and mindful eating helps you identify those cues earlier and encourages you to stop eating when you feel satisfied, rather than feeling overfull and sick.
Tips for Eating after Weight Loss Surgery
1. Bariatric Plates and Utensils
Portion control bowls and plates are available at BN multi. (Use our discount code RA10 to obtain a 15% discount)
These are handy tools you can use after week 7; making meal portioning a breeze.
They are specifically designed for post bariatric surgery, and have markings and visuals telling you what and how much food needs to go where.
Moreover, using smaller cutlery such as entrée or dessert size spoons and forks allow you to have smaller mouthfuls of food.
2. After Bariatric Surgery Meals
Tiny Tummyz is a company, started by a Registered Nurse and chef, which provides pre-prepared meals for each of the post-operative texture phases.
These meals are snap frozen and have a 6-month freezer life.
3. Bariatric Surgery Book
Your Complete Guide to Nutrition for Weight Loss Surgery is a book which provides recipes that are specifically designed for post-bariatric nutrition (low calorie, high protein).
They are also generally acceptable for family and friends. Suggestions to modify serving sizes for those who have not had surgery are also included. You can buy it here.
Please contact us on (07) 3871 2277 or send us an email at dietitian@dradib.com.au if you have any questions.
**Please Note: Brisbane Obesity Clinic does not have any product endorsement contracts with any product companies. This article is for education purposes only.**
