After obesity surgery, the aim is to lose 40-50% of body weight in the first 6 months. The nutrition programme consists of three stages: liquid foods (first week), soft foods (first month) and balanced diet (long-term). The first week’s nutrition plan aims for a protein intake of 0.8-1.0 grams per kilogram of body weight. 6-8 portions (45 ml) of clear liquid and specially formulated whey protein (3-4 times a day, 20 g) are consumed. Total fluid intake should be 1.8 litres per day. Vitamin supplementation is required: morning-evening multivitamin, monthly B12 injection (1,000 mcg), daily iron (100 mg) and calcium citrate (3×400 mg). Physical activity starts with a 15-minute walk in the morning, 10 minutes at noon and 15 minutes in the evening. The risks of postoperative complications are low: gastrointestinal bleeding 1.2%, wound infection 0.7%, deep vein thrombosis 0.4% and anastomotic leak 0.3%. The most common long-term problems are vitamin deficiencies: B12 (33%), iron (20%) and vitamin D (25%). Therefore, 3-monthly nutritional assessments and annual endoscopic checks are mandatory.
| Period | Nutrition | Activity | Monitoring |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Week | 45 ml clear liquid (every 2 hours), protein (20g x 4/day) | Circulation exercise every 2 hours, 3x5 min walking per day | Wound care and blood sugar control on days 3 and 7 |
| First Month | Pureed soup (120ml/meal), protein shake (25g x 4/day) | 15 min walk morning and evening, stretching (3x10) | Blood test on day 15, CT scan on day 30 |
| Long-Term | 6 meals (200-250 kcal), 1,300-1,400 kcal/day | 5 days cardiovascular (30 min), 2 days strength | Bone density at 3, 6, 12 months, annual check-ups |