The basic rules are easy to follow:
• Immediately after surgery, your doctor will provide you with special dietary guidelines. You will need to follow these guidelines closely. Many surgeons begin patients with liquid diets, then move to semi-solid foods and later, sometimes weeks or months later, solid foods can be tolerated. Proper healing of your new stomach pouch is important.
• When you are able to eat solids, eat two to three meals per day, and no more. Protein in the form of lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish) and other low-fat sources should be eaten first. These should make up at least half the volume of your meal. Foods should be seasoned to taste and cooked without fat. Avoid sauces, gravies, butter, margarine, mayonnaise and junk foods.
• Never eat between meals. Do not drink flavored beverages (even diet soda) between meals.
• Drink 2-3 quarts or more of water each day. Water must be consumed slowly, one to two mouthfuls at a time, due to the restrictive effect of the operation.
• Exercise aerobically every day for at least 20 minutes (1-mile brisk walk, bike riding, stair climbing, etc.). Weight and resistance exercise can be added three to four days per week, as instructed by your doctor.