After gastric bypass surgery, patients typically work with a registered dietician to design a meal plan that allows the digestive system to heal with minimal complications. Many plans have four phases, according to the Mayo Clinic, and patients often return to solid foods within three months.

Liquid Phase

One to two days after the procedure, many patients start eating liquid and semi-solid foods. Options include broth, unsweetened juice and strained soup, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Pureed Foods

In this phase, which may last from two to four weeks, patients eat foods that have been ground up, or pureed, leaving no solid chunks. Options include egg whites, yogurt or lean ground beef blended with a liquid, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Soft Foods

Cooked vegetables, canned fruit and diced meat--anything soft enough to be mashed with a utensil--are options for the third phase of a meal plan for a patient recovering from gastric bypass surgery, states the Mayo Clinic. According to Medline Plus, it is important to eat slowly and chew completely to make sure food does not block the passage between the stomach and intestines.

Solid Foods

After six to eight weeks of soft foods, many patients may reintroduce solid foods to their diet, according to the Mayo Clinic. Medline Plus states that it is important to take at least 30 minutes to eat a meal, and to take small sips when drinking liquids.

Supplements

Patients who have had gastric bypass surgery need to take multivitamin supplements for the rest of their lives, according to the Mayo Clinic. Speaking with a doctor or dietician is important to determine the correct multivitamin and other supplements.

Source:

Medline Plus: Your Diet After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Mayo Clinic: Gastric Bypass Surgery

probably nothing right away