During a sleeve gastrectomy (also known as a “tube stomach” procedure), a significant portion of the stomach is surgically removed, leaving behind a narrow, tube-shaped pouch. Performed laparoscopically, this operation typically involves a short hospital stay of one or two days. The postoperative period requires close attention to diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors to support healing and avoid complications. Your medical team will monitor your recovery and address any concerns as they arise.
A stage-based meal plan is crucial after surgery to allow the new stomach to heal and adapt. The first stage typically consists of fluids only, followed by puréed or soft foods, and finally returning to a more normal diet. Foods not recommended by your surgeon should be strictly avoided, as they can harm the stomach while it is still healing.
Weight loss varies from patient to patient. Some lose weight more quickly, while others see slower progress. Following the postoperative meal plan precisely is essential to maximize the amount of weight you lose and maintain good health.
First Week After Sleeve Gastrectomy: Liquid Diet
During the first week, you will be on a liquid diet. You will generally stay in the hospital for 1–2 days. Starting the day after surgery, you will begin sipping small amounts of water. Additional fluids are often administered via IV (intravenous drip) to ensure hydration. From the second day onward, you should gradually drink about 1 liter of water over the course of the day.
By the third day, you will likely switch to a clear-liquid diet, typically including small amounts of protein supplementation to help prevent muscle loss. If recommended by your doctor, you may also start taking multivitamins.
An example of a liquid-diet meal plan in the first week might include:
- At least 1.5 liters of water daily
- Weak tea or herbal tea
- Sugar-free, pulp-free compote
- Diluted fruit juices (e.g., apple, grape) – avoid acidic juices such as orange or tangerine
- Fat-free chicken or beef broth
- Fat-free, lactose-free milk, kefir, and yogurt drinks
- Almond, soy, or coconut milk (unsweetened, if possible)
- Strained vegetable broth
During this liquid phase, sip fluids in small amounts. Stop drinking when you feel full. If you experience pain or nausea, pause your intake and resume later in smaller sips.
Second Week: Transition to Puréed Foods
Beginning in the second week, you can move on to puréed or soft food. By this point, the stitches in your stomach have started healing, allowing you to tolerate food with a thicker texture.
- Stop drinking fluids 30 minutes before each meal, and avoid drinking fluids during the first 30 minutes after eating.
- If you experience pain or nausea, follow your doctor’s and dietitian’s recommendations.
Puréed foods should be well-blended to remove any solid chunks, and they should not be served too hot or too cold. Example puréed foods include:
- Fat-free milk with one softened biscuit
- Strained or finely mashed yogurt or cheese
- Finely mashed, soft scrambled eggs or omelets
- Puréed chicken, fish, or lean red meat
- Puréed vegetables (e.g., carrots, zucchini, potatoes)
In this puréed stage, limit each serving to 2–3 teaspoons (up to a couple of tablespoons, depending on your doctor’s advice). Aim to spend around 20–30 minutes on each meal. Stop eating as soon as you feel full.
Third and Fourth Weeks
By the third week, you enter the soft-food phase. You no longer need to blend everything completely; foods that can be easily mashed with a fork are now acceptable.
Suitable soft foods can include:
- Lean ground meat (mashed or finely chopped)
- Canned tuna or soft chicken
- Boiled or scrambled eggs
- Soft cheese or lean meat patties
- Boiled potatoes, soft fruits, and cooked vegetables
Continue to serve yourself small portions of around two tablespoons. If you feel any pain or nausea after trying a particular food, stop eating and try again a week later.
After the Fourth Week: Returning to Normal Eating
Starting from around one month post-op, you can gradually reintroduce solid foods into your diet. You will learn how different foods affect you as your stomach heals. You can generally add citrus or firmer fruits during this stage if tolerated.
At this point, aim for 5–6 small meals a day, typically three main meals and two or three snacks. Around the fifth week, you may include:
- Lean cuts of meat
- Low-fat cheese
- Well-cooked beans, lentils, or other legumes with minimal gas formation
- Egg whites
- Low-fat or 1% milk, low-fat yogurt, and puddings
- Low-fat cream soups
- One slice of bread, or 60 g of boiled potato, or small portions of pasta or rice
- Raw vegetables in small quantities
By the third month, most foods are permitted, but very fatty foods, carbonated drinks, and fried snacks are best avoided if you want to prevent weight regain. Consuming high-calorie, high-fat foods can easily stall or reverse your weight-loss progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does eating return to normal after sleeve gastrectomy?
- Usually around the fourth week post-op, though some patients may need more time if they feel discomfort or nausea when introducing solid foods.
2. Which foods are prohibited after surgery?
- Right after surgery, you must follow a phase-based plan: liquid, puréed, then soft, and finally solid. Avoid carbonated beverages, highly fatty foods, and fried items.
3. Why does nausea occur after sleeve gastrectomy?
- Nausea may arise if you overeat, eat too fast, or do not chew thoroughly.
4. How to lose weight quickly after surgery?
- Adhering to your doctor’s guidelines and following the dietary plan consistently is the most effective way to achieve optimal weight loss.
