I want all our bariatric patients to know that they are unable to eat the same types of snacks that they ate prior to their procedure. The post bariatric surgery food plan will always push high protein, adequate healthy fats and low to no sugar choices with a big nutrient bang for your buck. It is just the reality because your stomach space is now the size of a hard boiled egg and you need to fill it with a big nutrition bang by packing it with good fresh foods.
A good plan will will avoid fried foods and many types of grains. When you have these limitations, it’s hard not to feel a bit deprived because there are a lot of things that should be off limits post surgery. This is not how you should feel because there is an entire world of food out there. It’s going to be you decision or your mindset to be ecstatic with what you can have and not focus on the negative of the poor food choices that should be off limits and that are responsible for obesity.
There is such a huge selection of high protein snacks to add a good variety to your post surgery bariatric diet. Let’s chat about a few ideas.
The old protein powders don’t have the best reputation for their strange aftertaste and chalky texture but the new modern pre mixed varieties come in great flavors such as peanut butter cup, coffee latte and raspberry cheesecake. You can combine these shakes with some almond milk, your morning coffee or some real greek yogurt for an even bigger protein punch. These types of shakes are convenient and you can consume them on the go.
If you are having a salty craving for chips and doritos, replace those snacks with pork rinds and jerky varieties. There are tons of healthy recipes online for making spicy chickpeas and roasting your own nuts and seeds. At home you can prepare some devilled eggs, cheese cubes, deli meats, and greek yogurt. This requires only minimal prep and will offer you vitamins and protein when you choose to serve with a platter of sliced up vegetables.
There is a huge variety of good, healthy protein snacks that are available to you which is going to make your bariatric journey more enjoyable. If you don’t have any diversity and options, you will feel oppressed and that can lead to cheating with bad and forbidden snacks, which will in turn lead to illness at best and weight gain at worst. You need to keep your high protein snacks on hand and make it easy for yourself to grab a healthy treat when you feel the need.
Here’s something to think about: you can have anything you would like to eat, but when it comes down to making a choice… Is it really worth eating ? Will it be kind to my pouch ? Will it take you closer or further away from your goals? Choose snacks with a protein purpose ! There are plenty of snack ideas to eat if you walk on the positive side.
Allow the bariatric experts to help you if you need support. Please reach out every opportunity you get with every question that you have – it’s not just our work to assist you. We celebrate in seeing you succeed.
About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Nutritionist and Bariatric Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery patients for 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre. and post bariatric patients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two teens.
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Respectfully,
International Patient Facilitators – Cancun and Tijuana, Mexico
Dr. Sergio Verboonen and Sheri Burke – Bariatric Coordinator and Nutritionist.
info@ipf-mail.com
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Hello Sheri! Thanks for the article. I am BELOW the weight I was when I hit my bottom in 2010. I had gained some back, but decided to just reign it in. Of course, I exercise a bunch – and by that – I mean walking and treadmill/elliptical. I have had great results with brown rice and vegetables. Every day, I put a cup of rice in my cooker, add some spices, and steam vegetables. It has done wonders for me. I bring this up because you mention grains – but don’t elaborate. I think BREAD is the enemy – and pasta – and potatoes. But, Brown Rice has got me down to 225…. And it’s 7 years after my procedure!!! (I started at 330). I also get those vitamins from Amazon! Thanks.