From the Guidelines
To mitigate hunger and maintain weight after gastric sleeve surgery, focus on protein-rich foods, high-fiber foods, and healthy fats, while avoiding simple carbohydrates and sugary foods, and supplement with recommended vitamins and minerals as directed by your healthcare provider, typically including B12, calcium, vitamin D, and iron, as supported by the most recent guidelines from the British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society 1.
Key Dietary Recommendations
- Eat protein-rich foods like lean meats, fish, eggs, and Greek yogurt, aiming for 60-80 grams of protein daily, eating protein first at each meal 1
- Include high-fiber foods such as vegetables, berries, and legumes to promote fullness
- Stay hydrated with water and sugar-free beverages, but avoid drinking 30 minutes before or after meals to prevent washing food through your smaller stomach
- Eat small, frequent meals (5-6 per day) and chew thoroughly
- Healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and olive oil in moderation can help with satiety without excessive calories
- Avoid simple carbohydrates, sugary foods, and carbonated beverages which can cause dumping syndrome or rapid weight gain
Importance of Nutritional Counseling
- Specialist postoperative dietetic support should be provided, including individualized nutritional supplementation, support, and guidance to achieve long-term weight loss and weight maintenance 1
- Patients should have a postoperative follow-up care package within the bariatric surgery service for a minimum of 2 years, including monitoring nutritional intake, dietary and nutritional assessment, advice, and support
Prevention of Nutritional Deficiencies
- Daily intake of calcium from food and supplements should reach 1200–1500 mg/d, with single doses not exceeding 600 mg and separated by 2-h intervals from iron supplements or a multivitamin that contains iron 1
- Women of childbearing age or at increased risk of anemia should consume 50–100 mg elemental Fe/d
- Patients should begin taking fat-soluble vitamin supplements 2–4 wk after surgery, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as zinc and copper 1
From the Research
Dietary Recommendations After Sleeve Gastrectomy
To mitigate hunger and prevent weight gain after undergoing a sleeve gastrectomy, several dietary recommendations can be considered:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals to manage hunger and prevent overeating 2, 3
- Increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass and support overall health 4
- Taking vitamin and mineral supplements, such as iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, to prevent deficiencies 2, 5, 6, 3
- Monitoring and adjusting caloric and nutrient intake based on individual needs and health status 2, 5, 3
- Working with a professional nutritionist or dietitian to develop a personalized dietary plan 3, 4
Nutritional Deficiencies to Watch For
After sleeve gastrectomy, patients are at risk for several nutritional deficiencies, including:
- Iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia 2, 6
- Vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause fatigue and neurological problems 2, 6
- Vitamin D deficiency, which can contribute to bone health problems 2, 5
- Protein deficiency, which can lead to muscle loss and other health issues 4
Importance of Ongoing Monitoring and Support
Ongoing monitoring and support from a healthcare team, including a nutritionist or dietitian, are crucial for preventing nutritional deficiencies and promoting overall health after sleeve gastrectomy 2, 5, 3, 4. Regular check-ups and adjustments to the dietary plan as needed can help patients maintain a healthy weight and prevent complications.