Did you know that bariatric surgery procedures are just the first step in long-term weight loss management and long-term health? Do you think that just because you have an affordable laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy that you won’t have to watch what you eat anymore? Finally, did you know that a surgeon removes approximately 50% to 60% of your stomach during a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy procedure and that you can’t get it back? 

This is why it is so very important for patients, regardless of age, receiving a bariatric surgical procedure such as a gastrectomy to understand that the surgery is just the first step in the best weight loss programs. Lifestyle changes, attitude changes, and approaches to food must also change for the long-term success of the procedure.

Following bariatric surgery, many patients must change their eating habits and patterns. Not only is this important for the long-term success of your weight loss procedure, but to avoid unpleasant side effects like stomach pain, cramps, bloating, and nutritional deficiencies.

Following a gastric sleeve surgery or procedure such as one performed by world-renowned bariatric surgeon Dr. Jorge Maytorena of Obesity Surgery in Baja California, you’ll be on a liquid diet for a week after the surgery. After that, you’ll go to a pureed food diet for weeks 2 to 4 post surgery. After that, you’ll move on to a soft food diet for weeks 4 to 6 following your bariatric sleeve gastrectomy.

Yes, you’ll gradually be able to add soft foods to your diet, and then regular foods. However, Dr. Maytorena and other accomplished bariatric surgeons want patients to understand that bariatric surgical procedures are only the first step toward long-term health and wellness.