Bariatric surgery patients seeking optimal weight loss must follow their surgeon’s diet progression plan in order to experience maximum effectiveness of surgery.
After your surgery, a liquid diet including protein shakes and milk products must be strictly adhered to for at least six 8 oz glasses of water a day.
Protein
Protein is one of the essential elements to any healthy diet, helping build muscle mass while simultaneously increasing metabolism and aiding weight loss after bariatric surgery. Protein also serves as an energy source, making an essential contribution towards energy balance within your body.
After bariatric surgery, it is recommended that individuals consume 60-80 grams of protein daily; however, some individuals may require as much as 100 grams based on various factors including age, gender, health condition, exercise routine and lean muscle mass.
After weight loss procedures, patients are closely monitored to ensure they are getting enough protein intake to meet their needs. This may involve meeting with a dietitian and following an individualized treatment plan.
Initial postoperative diets typically consist of liquid-only meals. Most protein needs are met through low-cal, high-protein liquid supplement drinks or powders; as you gradually consume more whole foods and begin eating soft food again, your need for protein supplements should diminish, thus increasing total protein consumption in your diet.
Whey, casein or egg white-based protein products offer optimal protein intake during this stage of your cycle; their PDCAAS and DIAAS values are higher than pea, rice or collagen-based alternatives.
Once your bariatric surgery has taken place, it is crucial that you begin taking protein supplements as soon as possible – at least twice per day during the initial phase of recovery to ensure you’re getting all of the amino acids your body requires for recovery.
Once your appetite returns to normal, it is crucial that you add protein foods and snacks into your daily menu. Protein will help fill you up faster while simultaneously curbing hunger.
After surgery, to ensure you obtain adequate protein intake is by eating a variety of different sources, such as meat, poultry, seafood, beans and peas, eggs, nuts processed soy products and whey. These proteins provide all of the amino acids essential to maintaining and building new muscle mass post surgery.
Vegetables
Vegetables are an integral component of the bariatric surgery diet because they contain plenty of nutrition to keep you feeling full for longer and help prevent excess weight gain. Plus, vegetables contain no extra calories that could potentially add unnecessary pounds!
Bariatric surgeons advise their patients to add one serving of vegetables per meal in order to maximize their nutrient intake and achieve overall better health. Vegetables contain many important vitamins, minerals, and fiber that contribute towards keeping health at its optimal. Doing this will also decrease risks of chronic health conditions like hypertension.
Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of calcium, essential for strong bones. Plus, their high antioxidant levels reduce inflammation while shielding us against cancerous tumors or heart disease.
Vegetables are an excellent source of vitamin C, helping boost immunity and combat infections. In addition, vegetables contain plenty of dietary fiber which is proven to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce diabetes risks.
One cup of cooked carrots provides 5 grams of fiber while only 2 grams of carbohydrates, significantly lower than in similar servings of peas, corn, winter squash potatoes or sweet potatoes which all have significantly more carbs per portion.
Vegetables are an excellent source of nutrients such as iron, potassium and zinc – essential components to strong immunity, digestion and energy production.
When eating vegetables, proper preparation is of utmost importance. For instance, steaming rather than frying may provide better flavor and texture compared to deep frying.
An effective way to add zest and variety to your vegetables is through herbs and spices. Mother nature has provided us with an abundance of naturally calorie-free flavors and spices bursting with taste, making your spice cabinet an invaluable resource when trying something new with protein or veggies.
If you eat many vegetables, fresh or frozen varieties will provide more nutritional benefit and better overall health benefits than canned versions. Canned low-carb veggies often contain excessive salt which may cause bloating and gas.
Carbohydrates
Carbs are essential elements of a bariatric surgery diet as they contain naturally-occurring sugars, starches and fibers which provide fuel to your body. You should consume them in moderation.
Carbs are an essential factor in weight loss, but eating too few can have negative repercussions. A low-carb diet may lead to insulin resistance and increased risks for diabetes and cardiovascular disease; additionally it could decrease muscle mass and strength leading to muscle injuries and fatigue.
After surgery, your amount of carbs depends on your body type and weight loss goal. In general, 35-45% of their calorie intake should come from carbs – this allows active people to obtain sufficient energy while reaching their dietary objectives.
Avoid carbohydrates high in sugar such as candy and soda in favor of healthier alternatives like fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Consume plenty of non-caffeinated fluids each day – water or otherwise – in order to stay hydrated and avoid “dumping syndrome”, caused by eating too many sweet or fatty foods.
Eating a variety of carb-rich foods can also help maintain stable blood sugar levels and decrease constipation rates, both common issues among bariatric surgery patients.
Ideal, patients should consume at least 100 grams of carbs during each meal – this can be achieved through eating small portions of different types of food such as fruit and yogurt.
When it comes to weight loss, eating moderate levels of carbs can help you shed fat faster than a low-carbohydrate diet. When starting off on this journey, aim for gradual reduction of daily carbohydrates before increasing as you go. Start at lower numbers than desired and gradually work your way up from there.
An increase in protein consumption after bariatric surgery may also prove beneficial for recovery. Protein serves as the building blocks of muscle growth and eating plenty of it can aid muscle recovery while making you feel full and satisfied after meals, helping prevent overeating.
Fat
The bariatric surgery diet is designed to help you lose weight safely and sustain it long term. Comprised of foods, vitamins and minerals, this plan not only supports weight loss but also safeguards health in the long term.
An ideal diet includes fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish and poultry. Incorporating foods rich in fiber as well as essential nutrients is also key.
Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines to follow prior to surgery, which could include participating in a pre-bariatric surgery diet to reduce abdominal fat storage, which will make the surgery safer and reduce risks and complications.
Post-operative phase involves eating a wide range of nutritious food such as fruit, vegetables, lean meats, eggs and milk. You will also take small meals and drink liquids throughout the day.
Staying hydrated requires drinking at least eight ounces of clear liquid daily – sip slowly and stop when full; avoid beverages containing caffeine, sugar, carbonation or alcohol.
When eating foods that aren’t clear liquids, take your time chewing until the food has been completely blended in your mouth – 20 to 30 times should suffice before swallowing them.
Once the post-operative phase has passed, you can gradually introduce more foods back into your diet. For example, you could include red meat that has been slow cooked into stews; fish such as salmon or tuna; chicken/turkey salads with reduced-fat mayo; etc.
Protein is an indispensable nutrient for bariatric surgery patients, providing all nine of the amino acids essential for building and repairing tissues and muscles in your body.
At least one gram of protein per pound of your bodyweight should be ingested daily – this could come from food or supplements.
A diet rich in proteins can help increase calorie burn during exercise, keep your metabolism working at peak efficiency and suppress hunger – ultimately helping you shed unwanted pounds and inches from your frame. But to achieve the maximum benefits, long-term discipline must be maintained when it comes to eating habits and lifestyle decisions.
