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The changes to the digestive system brought on by surgery result in permanent restrictions on how much patients are able to eat and what kinds of food they may eat. Although the average stomach can hold 32 ounces (946 milliliters) of food, a stomach that has undergone gastric bypass surgery holds only 4 to 8 ounces (118 to 236 milliliters) of thoroughly chewed food.  Eating too much food can result in pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, bloating and diarrhea.

The dietary restrictions required after gastric bypass surgery may present problems for some patients. Most postsurgical diet problems are caused by foods high in fats and sugars, which may have represented a large part of the diet that caused patients to gain weight before surgery. Following surgery, patients will likely be urged to eat foods that are high in protein and low in fat, fiber, calories and sugar.

Patients must learn to eat and drink extremely slowly, taking at least 30 minutes to consume a meal and 30 to 60 minutes to drink a cup of liquid. Chewing food thoroughly can help prevent blockages that can otherwise form at the new opening from the stomach to the intestine.

By eating and drinking small amounts slowly, patients can also reduce the risk of dumping syndrome, which occurs when a meal high in simple carbohydrates moves too quickly through the small intestine, leading to nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, weakness, sweating, faintness and diarrhea. This is especially important when consuming high-sugar foods and drinks, such as ice cream and soda. Drinking beverages between meals rather than with them can reduce the risk of dumping syndrome and other symptoms.

Patients may lose as much as 50 to 60 percent of their excess weight within the first two years after surgery. However, there is no guarantee that patients will keep the weight off over the long term. A healthy diet, regular exercise and making other physician-prescribed lifestyle changes will increase a patient’s chances of maintaining a healthy weight level.

It is important to note that women should not become pregnant in the first year following the surgery. The rapid weight loss associated with gastric bypass can pose a risk to the fetus.