Here are the recommendations that I follow. They were given  to me by a bariatric program that is a Center of Excellence in Los Angeles, California:

Roux-en-y gastric bypass diet requires each day:

• 80 gm protein per day (preferably low fat sources).
• 1200 mg calcium per day (with 500 mg magnesium and 400 mg vitamin D – both help calcium absorption)
• 2 multivitamins with iron per day
• 500 mcg B12 sublingual
• 6-8 glasses of fluids per day (non-caloric beverages)

Note: What protein a patient can handle varies from patient to patient. I have no problem handling all forms of protein, but beef and tough meats require more chewing.

When it comes to weight loss surgery, I’m not pro-surgery, I’m pro-choice. WLS (weight loss surgery) is not the right solution for everyone, but the fact is, it saves lives and gives people their life back. Sometimes it gives life to people who have only been living a shadow of a life because they have been obese all their lives.

If you read enough blogs, you will find there are people who are very anti-WLS. Some of these people haven’t had surgery. Some have never been overweight. Some are people who are trying to sell you some other weight loss solution. Some of these anti-WLS opinions come from medical professionals. The fact that someone is in the field of medicine does not mean they are an expert on weight loss surgery, nutrition or even obesity.