Meals on the new menu will be much smaller than normal, and the foods eaten must be very smooth in texture. On all stages of the diet, it is especially important to drink enough water, and to take vitamin and mineral supplements as prescribed. This stage of the diet is started before discharge from the hospital and lasts for 1 to 2 weeks. Some patients are able to start this diet after they have been out of the hospital for about two weeks. Others may need to wait longer.
Some patients find it more convenient to use strained baby foods.
The regular diet starts about 8 weeks or later after gastric bypass surgery. While this diet includes all 5 food groups, it is important to start with high-protein foods, like lean meats or milk, at every meal. Each meal or snack should be small, with liquids consumed in between meals. Ask a dietitian for advice on planning an individualized regular diet pattern. In all stages of the gastric bypass diet, the way to eat is just as important as what to eat.