‘SOLID-LIQUID SEPERATION’ AS THE GOLDEN RULE AFTER BARIATRIC SURGERY

We now know that people who have undergone obesity surgery differ in their diet. Protein needs, water consumption, number of meals and portions are different from non-surgical individuals…

What is the ‘solid-liquid’ separation of patients who undergo obesity surgery and why should it be done? when should it last?

There are 3 major reasons fort hat solid-liquid seperation which is emphasized as the golden rule;
* Protein deficiency; As post-operative gastric volume is limited, consuming liquids together will lead to protein deficiency, since it will cover more volume in the stomach. For example; Let’s imagine I have a glass of ayran and 1 meatball in the menu; when we consume the ayran, there will be no place for meatball which is our original source of protein. Therefore, especially zinc, B12, iron deficiency will develop. As can be seen, protein deficiency may also cause other vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

* Dumping Syndrome; Taking liquid just before or after the solid food we consume will cause the solid food’s passing through the small intestine in a fast way. Accordingly, small intestine can not absorb food and complications such as cramping, cold sweating, fatigue, dizziness and vomiting may occur.

* Stomach enlargement; The consumption of solid and liquid together will lead to stomach enlergement as the solid expabds with the liquid together.

This distinction, which is also known as a 20 minute rule, involves consumption of liquids 20 minutes before or 20 minutes after meals. For example, when we wake up in the morning, we should have our breakfast 20 minutes after drinking water and we should consume liquid 20 minutes after we have our meatball in lunch.

As a result; Patients should pay considerable attention to solid-liquid separation and should make this a habit.

Yours,
Bariatric Surgical Nutrition Consultant

Pinar SEYREK