Cardinal Health System, Inc. Bariatric Services Surgical Management

Surgical Management

Surgery has been shown to be the best long-term solution for weight loss. Bariatric surgery has a 60% national success rate of maintaining weight loss at the 5-year mark after surgery compared to <10% success rate with diet and exercise alone. Deciding to have bariatric surgery demands you make many life-long dietary changes to be successful.

Required dietary changes include:

Initially after surgery you will start out with only 1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) of food at meals.
No drinking with meals and for 30 minutes before and after meals. Hydration is very important. Fluid goal: 48-64 ounces (4-6 cups) per day.
Avoiding alcohol, carbonated beverages, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Caffeine must be avoided during the first 2-4 weeks after surgery.
Foods must be chewed to a liquid consistency.
Use of protein supplement
EAT SLOWLY-it should take 10-15 minutes to eat 1-ounce of food.
Lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation

Usual Diet Progression after surgery: As determined by physician or dietitian

Sugar-free, clear liquids (broth, Jell-O®, water)
Low-fat, high protein full liquids (cream soups, skim milk, protein supplement)
High protein, Soft/Pureed foods (egg salad, pureed meats, protein supplement)
High protein, low-fat, regular consistency foods (moist turkey, baked potato, green beans)

If you are interested in exploring the option of surgical weight loss, it is important to start making changes in your lifestyle today.

Changes to consider include:

No more fast food-eliminate fried foods
Eat breakfast every day
Reduce/eliminate all soda, high calorie beverages and juices
No alcohol
Maintain your weight or lose weight (weight gain may slow your track to surgery)

Practice eating slow-it should take 10-15 minutes to consume 1 ounce (2 Tablespoons) of food.

Regular follow-up appointments with the dietitian are required and important for your health. The surgical weight loss team will help support your weight loss efforts.

The Bariatric Center at

Ball Memorial Hospital

2401 W. University Ave.

Muncie, IN 47303-3499

(765) 747-4410