Begin the Myocel protein supplement two-three weeks before your surgery. Take two scoops 2-3 times each day. This will prevent your liver from tearing during surgery. If Dr. Benavides feels there is a chance your liver might tear, we will reschedule your surgery.

DECREASE THESE IN YOUR DIET:

• All fats including butter, fatty meats, fried foods, whole milk products
• High sugar foods
• Carbonated drinks
•  High carbohydrate foods such as breads, starches

back to top

Discharge Instructions:
These instructions will serve as general guidelines to assist you in your recovery after surgery for severe obesity. If you have any questions or problems, do not hesitate to call our office for instructions.

Discharge instructions:

1. Call if you have a fever of 101 or higher.

2. You may shower daily- NO tub baths for 1 week. Do not scrub incisions for 3 weeks. (Notify us if redness or drainage from incision occurs.)

3. Contact us if you experience any vomiting.

4. Use incentive spirometry bottle 4 times daily for 10 days.

5. Walk daily until you can walk 30 minutes at a time.

6. Increased gas is common for the first 3-6 weeks. We recommend Gas-X or Digel for relief.

7. Do not take any anti-inflammatory pain medications unless approved by Dr. Benavides.(i.e. Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn, Aleve, Daypro, etc.)

8. YOU MAY TAKE LIQUID TYLENOL.

9. Take chewable Flintstones vitamin supplement daily when advised.

10. Female patients should NOT become pregnant for 18 months until weight loss has stabilized or injury could occur to the unborn child.

11. If you encounter a problem contact Dr. Benavides or return to the emergency room where you had your surgery, or have the physician where you are immediately contact Dr. Benavides (972-331-8100) if you are present for treatment. There are many physicians that are unfamiliar with weight loss surgery and serious errors could occur. DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO INSERT A STOMACH TUBE FOR ANY REASON

back to top


Post-Op Diet Instructions:
The post-op diet is divided into 3 stages to allow a gradual adjustment.

STAGE I
Liquid diet of 3 meals per day for 2 weeks with 3 protein supplements (Myocel) per day.

STAGE II
Full liquid diet of 3 meals per day for 2 weeks with 2 protein supplements (Myocel) per day.

STAGE III
Soft diet of 3 meals per day with 1 afternoon protein supplement (Myocel).

back to top


STAGE I – FIRST 2 WEEKS POST-OP

1. Liquids only from list below 3 times daily at set times.

2. Liquid protein supplements (Myocel) 3 times daily between meals and bedtime.
    NOTE: Most people can only drink 1 protein drink per day the first 2-3 days due to swelling.

• Remember: small amounts (4-6 ounces)
• GO SLOWLY (30 minutes to drink 6 ounces)
• When you feel full STOP!
• NO carbonated drinks for 4 weeks

LIQUID DIET:

• Coffee, tea, fruit juice (NO orange or grapefruit)
• Crystal light, Nutrasweet, Sugar free Kool-Aid
• Diet drinks
• Protein drinks as advised by the doctor (Myocel)
• Broth
• Skim milk or Lactaid milk
• Sugar free Jell-O or Sugar free popsicles
• Low fat yogurt
• Sugar free pudding
• Applesauce or baby food fruit

PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS: You will be advised and instructions will be given as needed. Visit www.medacor.com for more information regarding Myocel.

These are best mixed with skim milk or Lactaid milk as lactose intolerance can occur the first few weeks after surgery. The protein powder (Myocel) can also be mixed with yogurt or with fruit and fruit juice blenderized.

back to top


STAGE II FULL LIQUIDS FOR 2 WEEKS
Full liquids from the list below can now gradually be added to your diet.

1. 3 meals per day with a liquid protein supplement (Myocel) twice daily between meals.

2. NO liquids with meals if soft food is included. You must wait 30-45 minutes for the pouch to empty before drinking.

3. CHEW WELL- the food must be almost liquefied before swallowing.

FULL LIQUID DIET:

• Mashed potatoes
• Blenderized soup
• Soup with noodles
• Cottage cheese
• Oatmeal
• Grits
• Cream of wheat

back to top


STAGE III – SOFT DIET

• Soft fruit (banana, melon, strawberries)
• Cooked vegetables and fresh green vegetables
• Soft pasta (well chewed)
• Eggs
• Toast or crackers

Gradually add regular foods and remember:

1. Eat only at set meal times
2. NO LIQUIDS with meals or for 30-45 minutes afterwards.
3. Avoid cheap calories
   • Fats
   • High Calorie Liquids
   • Sweets, ice cream, junk food, cookies
4. Protein supplement drinks (Myocel) 1 time a day for 1 month

back to top


SUMMARY:

• Follow three-stage diet plan to allow gradual adjustment.
• Eat only at set mealtime.
• Go slowly!
• Chew well!
• When you feel full STOP!

Liquids, junk food, and sweets do not relieve hunger! Only solid food, which fills the pouch and empties slowly, will relieve the hunger.

back to top


Post Band Vomiting

1. Some degree of vomiting or regurgitation may occur after you eat.
2. This may indicate you are:
   • Eating too fast
   • Trying to eat too much
   • Not chewing your food adequately
   • Eating the wrong foods (Refer to the list in your nutrition guide for common foods that may give you problems)
3. Every person is different and some foods may give you problems and not others. Avoid those foods that give you problems.
4. Prolonged vomiting for more than 12 hours is not normal.
   **NOTIFY US IF THIS OCCURS**
5. If you cannot tolerate liquids - notify us.
6. If you go to the ER, have them immediately contact Dr. Benavides before treating you for stomach associated problems.

back to top


Post Band Vomiting Protocol

1. If you Vomit solid food:
   • Stay NPO (no food or liquid by mouth) for two hours.
   • Do not force the issue and try to eat or drink again immediately as this may induce more vomiting.  The more you vomit the more swelling that may occur across your band. This may lead to further obstruction.
2. After two hours try solid foods again.
3. If you vomit again:
   • Stay NPO (no food or liquid by mouth) for four hours.
   • After four hours try water only.
   • If you can tolerate water stay on clear liquids for 12 hours before trying solid food again.
   • If you cannot even tolerate clear liquids or water without vomiting notify us immediately.
4. Prolonged vomiting (more than 12 hours) is not normal.
   **NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY**
5. If you go to the ER, have them immediately contact Dr. Benavides before treating you for stomach associated problems.

back to top


Post –Fill Instructions

1. Stay on clear liquids for 48 hours. Protein shakes (Myocel) before meals are ok.
2. After 48 hours resume solid food.
3. Notify us immediately if you develop vomiting.
4. See us back in a month for a follow up visit

back to top