What Can You Eat Before and After Roux-Y Surgery?

Over time, a growing percentage of the population, including children, is becoming obese, which is becoming problematic. In addition, following the diet and exercise plans for weight loss is also challenging for many busy people. Plus, these strategies are not a successful remedy for all.  In such circumstances, weight loss surgeries are the only hope. Among these surgeries, some are ranking high in terms of their success rate and excellent outcomes. Roux-Y surgery is one of these.

Roux-Y surgery is an efficient weight loss operation that aims to control the appetite and absorption of nutrients. It helps patients lose notable weight. Besides the efficacy of surgery, there is another crucial element that needs attention. It is a dietary change. Usually, people do not realise the significance of dietary changes before and after Roux-Y surgery. However, its impact is notable in terms of surgical outcomes, recovery and overall health. Continue reading to have detailed information about supportive dietary routines before and after the weight loss surgery.

Knowing about Roux-en-Y Surgery

Roux-Y surgery or RYGB is an operation that aims to enable patients to reduce their weight. The basic mechanism of RYGB is the making of a small sac on top of the stomach. This sac serves as a new stomach. Further, surgeons build a connection between this bag and the small intestine. As a result, the path of your meal alters completely. A considerable portion of the stomach is bypassed. These modifications make the intake of food limited. Patients feel full sooner. Hence, they can easily decrease the amount of food they eat. Moreover, fewer nutrients and calories go to the bloodstream and thus help in weight loss.

The impact of RYGB on the release of specific hormones is also notable. It is influential on hormones that maintain blood sugar levels, hunger, and fullness. Moreover, metabolic changes are significantly helpful in preventing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

RYGB is a high-impact treatment option that makes it possible for patients to lose 50 to 60 percent of their weight. Plus, the maximum duration to achieve the results is 2 years. As a result, patients not only experience improvement in obesity-related medical problems but also feel confident and motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Impact of food on Roux-Y Surgery

Deciding to have surgery even for weight loss is difficult. The reasons mainly include the complexity of methods and longer recovery time. However, after deciding to undergo the surgery, everyone wants to get the best out of it. But it requires effort. One important factor is the food you take before and after Roux-Y surgery. Patients usually feel confused about it. Here is a complete guide that describes the preferable dietary routines.

1. Before Surgery

Usually, patients think that the need for dietary changes is a part of post-surgical care. However, it is important to reveal that it also belongs to pre-operative preparations. It is necessary to minimise the surgical risks and to boost its outcomes. The plan is applicable one or two weeks before surgery. Moreover, it is better to switch to liquid foods two days prior to surgery. The following products are usually helpful;

• Protein shakes
• Soups
• Decaffeinated and non-carbonated beverages
• Sugar-free products

All the above food items contribute to reducing liver size and fat deposits in the body, which makes surgery easier. 

2. After Surgery

The importance of diet after any operation is undeniable. However, it is evident that its impact is even higher in the case of weight loss surgeries. The same is true about Roux-Y surgery. Thus, postoperative care significantly includes specific dietary routines. Here is its description;

Stage 1: It is the first phase when patients have to start food intake right after surgery. At this stage, patients can take only clear liquid food to avoid any pressure on the new digestive system. These may include broth or green tea. In addition, avoiding straws is also preferable. It must be followed for one to two days following surgery.

Stage 2: Besides the exceptional cases, from the third day of operation, patients can intake full liquids. The examples include low-fat milk or protein shakes. The continuity of this dietary plan consists of up to ten days after surgery.                                                                               

Stage 3: It is the period comprising two to three weeks after the operation. During this time, patients need to take soft food and fruits. Some prominent examples include blended lean meats and vegetables. However, it is crucial to eat slowly and comfortably.

Stage 4: Stage 4 is about switching on chewable foods like scrambled eggs and cooked vegetables. Patients may start these foods in the 4th week following surgery and must continue them till the 5th week.

Stage 5: It is the final phase that allows patients to shift to solid foods. It starts from the 6th week and so on. The things to focus on include proper protein intake and avoiding processed and carbonated food items.

3. Long-term dietary changes

It is quite evident that no one wants to lose the excellent outcomes of a weight loss operation. Before and after Roux y eating patterns matter a lot and need attention in the long run too. Hence, long-term dietary changes can do wonders in preserving surgical outcomes. Here are some

Meal Frequency: Eating a small amount of food at a time and taking it 3 to 6 times a day is a good strategy. It does not burden the new digestive system and helps to prevent complications.

Emphasise Proteins: Giving preference to protein-rich foods helps to sustain muscle mass and overall health.

Hydration: Drinking adequate water is a good strategy. It is essential to flush away the waste from the body. However, to avoid overfilling the stomach, it is better to take it with a gap of 30 minutes from mealtime.

Mindful eating: Slow eating in a comfortable environment and slow chewing give a good sense of fullness. Hence, mindful eating helps to prevent excessive food intake that can reverse your weight.

What to avoid: All types of processed and sugary foods, carbonated drinks and smoking can ruin the surgical outcomes. 

Vitamins and supplements: Low food intake may cause nutrient deficiencies. Hence, regular intake of recommended vitamins and supplements can be helpful in this regard.

Conclusion

To sum up, Roux-Y surgery is a sophisticated weight loss operation that aspires to modify the digestive system, especially the stomach. Hence, after the operation, patients can conveniently lose their excessive weight. However, it is not all. On the patient’s end, great care regarding their dietary routines is a must. It includes critical changes before and after Roux Y. Prior to surgery, it is essential to focus on losing fat and hence to take supportive foods. Following the operation, a gradual switch from clear liquids to solids within a time of minimum 6 weeks works well. In addition, long-term dietary care is the only way to preserve surgical outcomes for an extended period.