Bariatric surgery may be a solution if you are obese and have been unsuccessful in losing weight through conventional methods. It has been shown to be an effective solution to shedding excess pounds, but it is important to note that consistency in your diet plays a crucial part in your success post-operation.
Dietary Consistency After Bariatric Surgery
The surgery itself is just the start of your weight loss journey. The dietary guidelines provided to you after the procedure are carefully designed by your healthcare providers with the goal of preventing complications and limiting your caloric intake, while still providing you with well-balanced meals.
Commitment and consistency with the dietary recommendations can help you heal without complications, adjust to smaller food portions, and help you maintain the weight loss long term.
Below are some of the recommended guidelines you can expect after the bariatric surgery:
- Fluids
For the first 24 hours after surgery, you will only be allowed to drink clear liquids. Once you’re able to tolerate clear liquids, you can slowly progress to having other liquids. Initially, you’ll be advised to stick to broth, decaffeinated drinks, unsweetened beverages, skim or low-fat milk, sugar-free gelatin, and strained cream soup. - Eating After Surgery
You’ll be on a liquid diet for a few days. Once you’re able to tolerate it, you can start eating pureed food. At this point, you can only eat food that has the consistency of a smooth paste. There should be no solid pieces of food in the mixture. After a few weeks and with your doctor’s OK, you can slowly transition to soft food. These foods should be in the form of small and easy-to-chew pieces. You can start eating firmer food after 8 weeks. The food though must still be chopped or diced into pieces that can be easily chewed. - Getting a Balanced Diet
While the size and consistency of the food matters after surgery, it is equally important to make sure that you’re getting well-balanced meals. Protein is one of the most important macro-nutrients you need to focus on after surgery. It helps in preserving muscle tissue and keeps you full longer. You should aim to get at least 65 to 75 grams of protein a day. Eggs, meat, fish, milk, and milk products are some of the best sources of protein.We also offer our own exclusive brand of Foothills Whey Protein Isolate to help with your protein intake. It’s available only at the Foothills office. Check out recipes and flavors on the Foothills website. Aside from protein, you must also take multivitamins on a daily basis to prevent nutrient deficiencies. Your multivitamin and mineral supplement should contain iron, folic acid, selenium, copper, zinc, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.
If you’re obese and feel like you’ve tried all traditional methods with little to no success, bariatric surgery may be right for you. Foothills Weight Loss Specialists is ready to be a part of your weight loss journey. If you’re ready to take the next step, call (865) 984-3413 or contact us online to register for a free seminar today.