Your Bariatric surgery is a tool. How you decide to use that tool makes all the difference between you reaching or not reaching your goals – short and long-term.
I promote eating “real food” post-weight loss surgery. I cannot stress this enough.
What’s “real food”? It’s what you find on the outside aisles of the supermarket. It’s your meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
The surgery works by reducing the size of the stomach, which means that patients cannot eat as much food as they used to. However, even after bariatric surgery, it’s important to ensure a proper diet to maintain good health and maximize the benefits of the surgery.
Here are some tips to ensure the proper diet after any bariatric surgery:
- Follow the dietary guidelines given by your nutritionist
After bariatric surgery, your nutritionist (that’s me!!) will provide you with a set of dietary guidelines to follow. These guidelines are tailored to your specific needs and are designed to ensure that you are getting the right amount of nutrients while also limiting your intake of food. It’s important to follow these guidelines closely, as they will help you to avoid complications and ensure that you are getting the nutrients your body needs.
- Focus on protein-rich foods
Protein is an essential nutrient that is important for building and repairing tissues in the body. After bariatric surgery, it’s important to focus on getting enough protein in your diet to support the healing process and prevent muscle loss. Good sources of protein include lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, yogurt, and cottage cheese. Aim to get at least 60 grams of protein per day, depending on your individual needs. If you have questions regarding your specific protein requirements, reach out to me. I can help you calculate it
- Avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar, and calories
While it’s important to get enough nutrients in your diet, it’s also important to avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar, and calories. These foods can contribute to weight gain and can also increase your risk of developing other health problems. Instead, focus on nutrient-dense foods such as low-sugar fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
- Eat small, meals throughout the day – don’t’ graze
After bariatric surgery, it’s not easy to eat a lot of food in one sitting. Instead, it’s better to eat 3 to 4 small meals throughout the day. This will help to ensure that you are getting enough nutrients without overloading your stomach. Aim to eat 3 to 4 small meals per day, and avoid grazing between meals to prevent overeating.
- Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is important for good health, and it’s especially important after bariatric surgery. Aim to drink at least 64 ounces of water per day, and avoid drinking fluids with meals to prevent overfilling of your pouch.
- Take vitamin and mineral supplements
After bariatric surgery, your body may have difficulty absorbing certain nutrients. You are also eating very little. To ensure that you are getting the right amount of nutrients, you should take vitamin and mineral supplements. I provide you with recommendations for the supplements that you need to take, and it’s important to follow these recommendations closely. www.bariatricfoodexpert.com
Ensuring the proper diet after bariatric surgery is essential for good health and successful weight loss. It’s important to follow the dietary guidelines provided by your nutritionist, focus on protein-rich foods, avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar, and calories, eat 3-4 small, meals throughout the day, stay hydrated, take vitamin and mineral supplements, and avoid alcohol and smoking.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you are getting the nutrients your body needs and maximizing the benefits of your bariatric surgery.
I am always here to answer any of your questions. If you are unsure about something, reach out. I have my hand on your back and together we can ensure you have the correct diet for your specific requirements.
Healthy Hugs,
About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two teens and cooking up a nutritional storm in the kitchen.
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