Post-Surgical Nutritional Care Flashcards

A patient 3 weeks after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass reports dizziness, sweating, and rapid heartbeat 30 minutes after eating a sweetened yogurt. What is the most likely cause?

Answer: Early dumping syndrome

Early dumping syndrome occurs 15-30 minutes after eating high-sugar foods due to rapid gastric emptying into the small intestine.

What is the recommended daily protein intake for most patients following bariatric surgery?

Answer: 60-80 grams

Most post-bariatric guidelines recommend 60-80 grams of protein daily to preserve lean body mass during rapid weight loss.

Why are patients advised to avoid drinking liquids within 30 minutes of meals after bariatric surgery?

Answer: Liquids can flush food through the pouch, reducing satiety and increasing intake

Drinking with meals accelerates pouch emptying, which reduces fullness and can lead to overeating or dumping symptoms.

Which form of calcium is preferred for supplementation after gastric bypass, and why?

Answer: Calcium citrate, because it does not require stomach acid for absorption

Calcium citrate is absorbed without gastric acid, which is reduced after bypass procedures.

A sleeve gastrectomy patient at 6 months reports hair loss. Which nutritional factors should the counselor evaluate first?

Answer: Protein, zinc, and iron intake

Telogen effluvium after bariatric surgery is commonly linked to inadequate protein, zinc, and iron.

During the immediate post-operative diet progression, which stage typically comes directly after clear liquids?

Answer: Full liquids

The standard progression is clear liquids, then full liquids, then pureed, then soft, then regular textures.

Why is vitamin B12 supplementation lifelong for gastric bypass patients?

Answer: Reduced intrinsic factor and stomach acid impair B12 absorption permanently

Bypassing the stomach reduces intrinsic factor and acid needed to release and absorb B12 from food.