It will take at least 5-6 weeks to go from only liquids back to eating normal textures (like salads and meat). Taking your time is the best way to help the stomach heal so be patient! Some people take longer to get back to foods like tough meats and carbohydrates like bread, pasta or rice.

After surgery you need to serve meals or snacks that are 1 metric cup in size (about the size of your fist). This makes sure that you aren’t eating too much and causing discomfort in the stomach.

While your meal sizes are very important, the proportions of what is on your plate matter a lot. For example, if you eat 1 cup of pasta you will get mostly carbohydrates. But if you eat 1/2 cup protein with a little vegetables and carbohydrates you will get a much better balance and a better change of hitting your protein goal.

The most common problem I see with people after surgery is not getting enough protein and fluid. Find out from your dietitian how much protein you should aim for. If you don’t get enough protein you risk losing muscle which can impact your strength and metabolism. So aim to include a source of protein at every meal. In terms of fluids you should aim for at least 1.5L of low calorie drinks per day.

Weight loss surgery changes the structure of your stomach so you need to take vitamins forever. Which vitamins to take can be quite individual and based on your blood test results. Your surgical team will tell you what to take and you should get regular blood tests to make sure your levels are still ok.

There are a lot of behaviours that need to be different after surgery. You will need to chew a lot, eat small bites and take time with your meals. You should avoid drinking with meals, you need to choose mostly unprocessed foods and you should aim to exercise most days. In the first few weeks, you will be aware of the physical change in your stomach. But it’s over the following months that you will need to change your lifestyle to reach your goals.

Some people don’t feel hungry for months after surgery but hunger comes back with time. There are a few signs of hunger; an empty or gnawing feeling underneath your rib cage, shakiness, a loss of energy or a loss of concentration. These are all great indicators that it is time to eat. Once your hunger comes back, you want to feel a bit hungry before most of your meals or snacks. This helps you to know that you are eating the right amount of food for you.

While there is a lot to learn about eating after surgery, these tips are a great place to start. If you need more information, you’re welcome to come in and visit me or send me an email on dietitian@lapsurg.net.au .