Dietary and lifestyle changes are two critical factors that form the foundation of success after sleeve gastrectomy surgery.
Adhering meticulously to post-operative dietary rules is of great importance. Firstly, carbonated beverages must be avoided for life. It is absolutely essential to follow a liquid diet for the first 10-14 days following the surgery. Furthermore, consuming liquid and solid foods simultaneously in the same meal should be avoided.
Since the satiety threshold of patients decreases after sleeve gastrectomy, it is crucial that the limited amounts of food consumed are high in nutritional value and quality. Foods rich in protein, especially from animal or plant sources, should be prioritized. Protein sources such as chicken, fish, turkey, eggs, cheese, and yogurt must be included in the diet. The diet plan should also adequately include vegetables, greens (in salad form), fruits, and nuts.
Regular monitoring of the diet by a specialized dietitian is important, and an endocrinologist should be involved in the process if necessary. Psychological support can be beneficial in cases of adaptation problems or difficulties encountered during the feeding process. Patients should not be pressured to eat foods they dislike; instead, with the support of a professional team, alternative foods that the patient can tolerate and that meet their nutritional needs should be determined.
In cases of insufficient nutrition, mineral, protein, and vitamin supplements may become necessary. After sleeve gastrectomy operations, the absorption of orally taken B-12 vitamin may be insufficient; this applies to both supplements and B-12 obtained from food. In such situations, B-12 supplementation should be administered via sublingual tablets, spray, or injection.