BOPDHB Patient Resources Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve Procedure | Page 59

• Eat slowly, chew all food well, and take you time with your meals. If you try to eat too quickly, or too much, pain and vomit- ing may occur. Handy Hints • Avoid drinking liquids with meals. Do not drink 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after eating, or vomiting may occur. • Between meals, sip liquids slowly, drinking at least ½ cup every hour to avoid dehydration. • Remember to focus on an adequate protein intake. Protein foods should be eaten before carbohydrate (starchy) foods. • Avoid high calorie liquids such as fruit juice, soft drinks, cordial, or milkshakes. • Continue to eat regular meals. You may not feel hungry, but you should still eat 3 meals each day. • It is important to select nutritious, healthy food options that are low in fat and sugar. This will optimize your continued weight loss, while still providing all the nutrients your body needs. • After your surgery, you will need to start taking a multivitamin every day, for the rest of your life. You will leave the hospital with a prescribed multivitamin, but you may choose to buy a higher quality supplement, such as “Centrum”. • Because you are eating less, constipation may become a problem. Keeping up with your fluid intake, and occasionally using a gentle laxative will help with this. • Small amounts of toasted vogels bread can be eaten. Avoid soft white breads, and instead have low fat crackers such as rice crackers or cruskits. These should have less than 5gms of fat per 100gms. • Order entrée size meals when dining out at restaurants. • Minimise alcohol intake as it is high in calories, may cause an ulcer, and the effects may be felt much more quickly. 55