The hardest part of bariatric surgery is acclimating yourself to the strict gastric bypass diet you will have to follow after the operation. Many patients have a real time with their new diet, because it’s like nothing they have ever had to deal with before. Most patients fall into the obese categories and have used foods as a means of coping with stress and depression. This is why their is a high rate of complications after the surgery. Most patients want to do everything they can to lose weight, stay healthy, and avoid complications, but when mental triggers that have always urged them to indulge in food kick in, it is extremely hard for them to find the will power necessary.
The hardest thing for the patient to get used to is the tiny portions of food they are allowed to eat. Anything more greatly increases the risks of complications and tearing. Typically the first 90 days or so are the most difficult for a patient to make it through. This is when they will be under the most stress, yet have the most dietary restrictions put on them. They will transition from liquids to finely blended foods, and finally soft foods over this time period. The portions will be very small, but after 90 days most become used to the diet, and complication risks decrease after this milestone is reached.
Many people do have difficulties enjoying foods that they used to eat in the past. The digestive system has now changed and some types of foods will upset it more than others. Many report not being able to tolerate spicy foods. If you enjoy spicy foods you should first try to eat them in very small amounts and wait awhile to see how your digestive system handles it. There are many changes you will have to make in your lifestyle after undergoing gastric bypass surgery, but if you follow your doctor’s orders you will lose weight fast and live a healthier life.