What to Eat After Bariatric Surgery
We have already discussed that getting a Gastric Sleeve is only part of the equation. The magic formula to losing weight and keeping it off? A long-term healthy diet after the procedure. In fact, the secret to being a successful bariatric patient? Still, a healthy, balanced diet for life.
If you are reading this, you are probably doing research on life after bariatric surgery. The bariatrics staff at VIDA Bariatrics wants to help you be prepared and know what to expect, once you’ve been discharged and are ready to take your new stomach pouch for a spin. Let’s start your weight loss journey the right way, with realistic expectations and knowing how you can make the most out of the procedure.
Food after Gastric Sleeve Surgery will not change.
Your habits won’t change automatically either. This is where you must consult with your doctor so you can eat the right way after getting any bariatric surgery. One of the benefits of getting a Gastric Sleeve is that not only are you getting a smaller stomach, but also the Grehlin hormone, which causes hunger, will be substantially reduced. Even after all of this, it is still possible to overeat.
Eating Too Fast After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Eating too fast after Gastric Sleeve surgery is also something you should be conscious about. First, your stomach is still elastic, so if you overeat constantly, you will overstretch it again. Second, take into account that as you eat, your stomach sends a signal to your brain so you get that feeling of fullness. This is not always simultaneous, and like any muscle, your stomach has memory: it was used to being overfed. It is particularly important for bariatric patients to remember this and be aware of their eating habits!
Understanding your diet after Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The following weeks are a vital part of the procedure. Your bariatric surgeon will give you simple instructions on how to reintroduce food the proper way to your new stomach. Remember that in the first week after surgery, your diet will mostly consist of clear liquids. Introducing food too early can potentially hurt your esophagus and cause you unnecessary pain. Around 10 days after surgery, you can expect to start feeling like new again, this includes feeling hungry. The focus is still on a mostly soft diet. At the 3-week mark, soft solid meals can be included. Most patients will be cleared to eat a normal diet around a month post-surgery. This, however, means that you still have to be mindful of the ingredients in all of your meals, be it liquid or solid. Simple carbs, fried foods, over-processed foods, and large amounts of sugar after Gastric sleeve are a straight no. Being conscious of your diet post-surgery and for the rest of your life are the key to success!
From entrées to bariatric snacks: what and how you should eat!
Apart from some dangerous problems that may result from not eating balanced meals; such as diarrhea, gas, and vomiting, life-long benefits will only be achieved through life-long eating habits.
It is important to know the nutritional quality of our food. These are some of the basics to keep in mind:
- Eat small portions and at a slower pace
- Don’t drink your calories, beware of carbohydrate and sugar contents in sodas, juices, and other drinks
- Avoid drinking water while you eat
- Plan your meals and snacks
With the help of a nutritionist, you can work on a meal plan that is feasible for you and gentle with your Gastric Sleeve.
Best Snacks for Bariatric Patients
Snacking is sometimes associated with weight gain. While any dedicated bariatric patient will take all the precautions to follow a healthy diet, avoiding snacks is the wrong approach. VIDA Bariatrics advises to instead practice mindful snacking. Go for low calorie, high protein snacks such as plain yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese, egg whites, and lean meats. Choose whole foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables make great snacks. Raw nuts such as almonds and cashews, with no salt or sugar added, are easy to carry and their “crunch” will help curb cravings.
Reaching Ketosis after Gastric Sleeve
Eating healthy fats instead of carbs or sugars will also help you reach ketosis. Ketosis is a normal metabolic process that will help you burn unwanted fat. The principle of ketosis is simple: you burn more fat when you rely on healthy fats for fueling your body instead of carbs. Bariatric patients can benefit from reaching ketosis after Gastric Sleeve surgery and lose weight, lose stubborn fat and achieve an overall healthier metabolism.
Are you considering bariatric surgery but want more information? Let us help you understand the procedures, their advantages and prepare you for the changes you can expect afterward! Contact us now at (619)610-1667.
Read Also: Portion Sizes for After Weight Loss Surgery
DR. GABRIELA RODRIGUEZ RUIZ MD Ph.D. FACS
Dr. Gabriela Rodriguez specializes in General and Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery. She brings to VIDA Wellness and Beauty a wealth of experience in bariatrics. Dr. Rodriguez is a founding associate of the Mexican College of General Surgeons. A world-class bariatric surgeon with double certification in the US and Mexico.