Ready for your Post-Bariatric Surgery Diet tips from our Bariatric Surgeon?
Bariatric surgery is a wonderful tool for those looking to lose weight. However, many people who come to us think that once the surgery is over, they’ll be miraculously healed and lose weight. While we wish this was the case, there’s actually more to it than that.
Here’s what our bariatric surgeon wants you to know about the ideal post-bariatric surgery diet.
The Post-Bariatric Surgery Diet & How to Stick With It Here are our post-surgery guidelines.
1. Stage I: Week One When a patient gets home from their bariatric surgery, we want them on a clear liquid diet. The liquids need to be non-carbonated and low in sugar.
Some options include: • Sugar free Jell-O • Crystal light • Sugar free popsicles • Vegetable, chicken or beef broth • G2 Gatorade.
After the second day, thinned-down protein shakes can be added. Slowly sip drinks every couple of hours, and don’t drink more than one to two ounces at a time.
2. Stage II: Week Two During the next stage, your bariatric surgeon will want you to stick to liquids. • Creamy soups • Low-sugar puddings • Plain or Greek yogurt • Cottage cheese • Cream of wheat • Apple sauce
3. Stage III: Week Three & Four Next, patients will graduate to a soft food diet. Our patients typically eat soft scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, or anything pureed.
After the fourth week, our patients can now eat soft meats and veggies, as well as plenty of high-protein foods. Foods high in sugar, fats, fiber, and caffeine should be avoided.
We also want our patients to recognize when they’re full. They will feel pressure, tightness, or even heaviness below the breast bone in many cases.
Stop once you feel 80 percent full.
4. General Guidelines for Success
Follow these guidelines for optimal healing and health.
• Learn proper eating habits, like eating three small, well-balanced meals a day. • Keep portions to between 2 and ounces only, eat slowly, and take ten minute breaks. • Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Don’t drink any fluids 30 minutes before or during your meal. • Take vitamin and mineral supplements. • Consume adequate protein. • Follow a diet low in calories, sweets, fats, caffeine, and sugary drinks. • Sip fluids slowly and avoid straws (they cause bloating). • The first few months after surgery, caloric intake should be 300-700 calories; after that—no more than 1000 calories per day.
A Successful Bariatric Surgery Is Dependent On Healthful Post-Surgical Dietary Changes
Post-surgery, a carefully planned diet is vital. Patients who follow our post-surgery guidelines have the most success.
Do you have questions about Post-Surgery Diet or how to stay healthy after bariatric surgery? Please contact us today for more information. Looking for a weight loss support community online? Join our facebook group!
Las Vegas Bariatrics 7220 South Cimarron Road Suite 100, Las Vegas NV 89113 (702) 384-1160
