Step 1:

Patients are to receive no food orally the first day of the operation.

Step 2: Diet A

This consists of 2 ounces of clear liquids every two hours. Clear liquids such as citrene, apple, grape and cranberry juice, Jell-O, broth, tea and coffee are allowed. This will be served by Nursing Services.

Step 2: Diet C

This step consists of very soft, small meals. Nothing more firm than scrambled eggs or creamy mashed potatoes. Food should be chewed very thoroughly and slowly. Stop eating as soon as you feel full. Clear liquids and fruit juices may still be consumed between meals. Liquids should be sipped very slowly an hour before and after meals.

Long-Term Diet for Gastric Reduction Operation

Long-term dietary objectives are to provide a minimum, but adequate food intake. Hopefully, this will cause dramatic weight loss without untoward side effects. The objectives of the diet are as follows:

1. Behavior modification-The ultimate objective is to eat eventually 3 nutritional meals each day with no snacks between meals.

2. Calorie intake must be reduced sufficiently to lose weight.

3. The staple line must be given time to heal. This takes 6-8 weeks. Great care should be taken not to overstuff the stomach during this time.

Permanent Diet

1. Never drink sweet liquids

2. Eat no more than 4 times daily.

3. Sit at the table at regular meal times. When eating, do not watch TV, read or do other activities such as needlepoint.

4. Drink beverages 60 minutes before or after a meal-not with a meal. Drink only calorie-free beverages such as water, coffee, unsweetened tea or diet sodas.

5. Slowly add new foods to your diet, one at a time. If they do not agree with you, avoid them for a few weeks before trying the same food again.

6. Stop eating as soon as you feel full.

7. Take a chewable vitamin daily.

8. Do not eat citrus fruits.

9. Crush all large pills.

10. Follow the prescribed diet.

11. If you have excessive, frequent vomiting or you become weak afte eating, call our office at (205)934-7877.