liquid

Liquids
The gastric bypass diet unfolds in several stages, from "liquids only" to small meals of soft, high-protein foods. 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.
1. Clear Liquids -- The first stage of the gastric bypass diet, clear liquids (meaning beverages that you can almost see through), usually lasts for a day or two after the operation. The clear liquid diet starts with sips of water, and then allows foods like sugar-free juice, diet gelatin, boullion or clear broth, and flat (no fizz) diet soda in small amounts, usually 2-3 ounces at a time.
2. Low-Fat Full Liquids -- If no problems are experienced with clear liquids, the gastric bypass diet advances to high-protein liquids like diet Carnation Instant Breakfast™, Ensure™, or Sustacal™. This stage of the diet is started before discharge from the hospital and lasts for 1 to 2 weeks. Most patients also begin taking a chewable multivitamin/ mineral supplement at this stage.
3. Soft/Purée Diet -- The physician will indicate when it is time to advance to the soft or purée diet. 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. The purée diet includes very soft, high-protein foods like scrambled egg, low-fat cheese or cottage cheese, or blenderized lean meats like tuna fish, chicken, or pork. Some patients find it more convenient to use strained baby foods. It is important to make sure that all foods are puréed or extremely soft and smooth in texture.
4. Regular Diet -- 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.

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