Mini Gastric Bypass Diet: A Week-by-Week Guide

Bariatric surgery helps patients shed excess weight to lead a healthier, more active lifestyle. While these surgeries are remarkably effective, many patients are hesitant to undergo a major operation. A mini gastric bypass, however, is a less-invasive way for patients to effectively initiate their weight-loss journey.

Oasis of Hope Bariatrics is the leading location for safe, effective, and affordable bariatric solutions in Tijuana, Mexico. Our years of expertise and training allow us to provide the highest level of care to patients from all backgrounds. But, more than that, our team offers unparalleled support through each step of the bariatric-surgery process, including recovery.

In this blog post, our bariatric surgeons and specialists discuss the mini gastric bypass diet. A week-by-week guide can help patients anticipate the recovery process and set themselves up for long-term success.

Week One: Liquid Diet

During the first 24 to 48 hours after a mini gastric bypass, patients should strictly limit their diets to transparent liquids. This may include:

• Water and ice chips
• Low-calorie, sugar-free sports drinks
• Diluted, unsweetened fruit juices
• Diluted, fat-free broths

After two days, patients may begin introducing more opaque liquids into their diets, such as:

• Undiluted, artificial-sweetened fruit juices
• Undiluted broths
• Skim milk
• Sugar-free gelatin
• Sugar-free popsicles

Patients should reintroduce both clear and colored liquids back into their diets slowly. Otherwise, they may experience pain and discomfort that delays their recovery.

Weeks Two through Four: Blended Foods

Following the first week, patients may begin introducing blended or pureed foods into their diets. These foods should be added incrementally, and patients should eat them slowly and mindfully. Additionally, patients should blend foods completely - no solid pieces should remain in the mixture.
 

Easily pureed foods include:

• Lean proteins, like eggs, meat, and fish
• Cottage cheese
• Oatmeal
• Soups and stews
• Soft or cooked fruits and vegetables

During weeks two through four, patients should plan to eat between three and six small meals per day. Each meal should contain no more than four to six tablespoons of food.

Weeks Four through Eight: Softer Foods

Once cleared by our bariatric surgeons, patients may begin reintroducing softer foods back into their meals. These foods must be tender and easy to chew, like:

• Scrambled and hard-boiled eggs
• Rice and pasta
• Hot and cold cereals
• Ground lean proteins, like chicken or turkey
• Seedless, soft fruits
• Skinless, cooked vegetables

Patients should eat three to five meals a day, with no more than one-half cup of food per meal. Additionally, patients should thoroughly chew each bite into a mushy pulp before swallowing.

Week Eight and Beyond: Solid Foods

Approximately two months after a mini gastric bypass, most patients may begin eating solid foods, like:

• Raw fruits and vegetables
• Tougher cuts of meat
• Nuts and seeds
• Popcorn

Once cleared by our team, patients may also begin testing spicy and fried foods. But, we recommend testing these foods slowly and incrementally. Reintroducing them too quickly may cause undue gastrointestinal distress.

Schedule a Mini Gastric Bypass Consultation Today

If you’ve never heard of the mini gastric bypass diet, a week-by-week guide can help you succeed after the procedure. Contact Oasis of Hope Bariatrics today to see if a mini gastric bypass is right for you. Simply call (619) 690-8417 or send us a message to get started now.