10 Point Guideline to Eat Right After Bariatric Surgery

 Maintaining a healthy diet is critical to the success of any bariatric procedure. Dietary control extends beyond immediate postoperative restrictions on liquids and pureed foods. Once a patient has progressed to solid foods, exercising portion control, chewing well, and staying hydrated are important lifestyle habits. The habits help patients enjoy a healthy relationship with food without regaining weight. Weight loss surgeons in Fort Worth, Texas, help patients get on an optimal daily diet after bariatric treatment. Patients work with a team of medical experts to help them follow prescribed dietary guidelines before and after surgery. Consulting a leading centre for bariatric care ensures patients have access to medical experts, top physicians, and some of the best dieticians. Let’s look at some of the basic guidelines for bariatric patients to eat right after surgery.

1. Include All Food Groups In Your Meals

A balanced diet has protein, carbohydrates, fibre and healthy fats. Include small portions of all food groups in your meals to get fuel for the muscles, immune system, healthy bowel habits, and overall physical vitality. 

2. Eat Your Protein First

Protein is the building block for muscles in the human body. Healthy consumption of protein supports physical activity & recovery, helps gain strength, and keeps you feeling full longer. The daily protein requirement depends on the patient’s weight, gender, and muscle composition. Reach out to a licensed physician in Dallas, TX, to get guidance on daily protein requirements. As a thumb rule, a human body needs .8gm of protein per kilogram of body weight. This estimate can vary based on a patient’s medical condition and parameters. 

3. Chew Well

Slowly chew every bite when taking meals and avoid eating in a hurry. Food entering the small intestine too quickly can cause nausea, vomiting, and sweating, commonly called the dumping syndrome. It is a common occurrence post-Bariatric surgery. Earmark 30 minutes for each meal and enjoy your food one small bite at a time. Also try to avoid conversations while eating. 

4. Avoid Liquids At Meal Time

While hydration is critical, it is imperative to avoid any liquids at mealtime. Drink water at least 30 minutes after the completion of a meal. Consuming water while eating can hinder the absorption of calories, causing nutrient deficiencies. Liquids can fill the stomach faster than food, limiting food consumption and preventing you from having a balanced meal. 

5. Avoid Raw Vegetables & Tough Meats

Avoid foods that are tough to chew and digest. Raw vegetables with skin and seeds are tough on the digestive system. They can also cause constipation and indigestion. Instead, peel and steam vegetables so as to absorb maximum nutrients and aid digestion. 

6. Avoid White Foods

White foods such as refined flour, bread, and dairy increase the chances of the dumping syndrome. Avoid or limit the consumption of white food, and if you do consume them, ensure it is a small part of your meal. Pair white foods with protein, vegetables, and other fibrous foods to mitigate its impact on digestion.

7. Have 3 Balanced Meals Everyday

Enjoy moderately sized balanced meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All meals should have protein, carbohydrates, and fibre by way of whole grains, vegetables, and legumes. Eat just enough to feel moderately full and stop eating when feeling full, as the stomach takes a few seconds to process the food. Minimally invasive weight loss specialists in TX strongly advise patients against overeating. Frequently overeating can also increase chances of the stomach pouch expanding over time. 

8. Maintain A Diet Diary 

Note down food groups you consume every day to identify items that don't suit you. Caffeine, dairy, spices, and sweets are common triggers for dumping syndrome and indigestion. Keeping an eye on what you eat every day can help identify a reactive pattern to certain foods so you can remove them from your diet. 

9. Stay Hydrated

The adult human body needs at least 64 ounces of liquids a day. Water is essential to digestion, bowel movements, and overall health. Make it a habit to occasionally sip some water throughout the day. 

10. Follow Up On Dietary Guidelines Regularly

Body composition and medical parameters change with age and lifestyle changes. Stay current with your optimal diet through regular follow-ups with medical experts. Follow their advice by updating your dietary plans accordingly.

Wrap Up

A bariatric procedure is successful only with thorough post-operative care and lifestyle changes. Dietary control is a critical aspect of a new lifestyle. In addition to the above pointers, weight loss surgeons in Dallas, TX, help patients with specific dietary requirements suiting their medical parameters and body composition. Reach out to a reputed centre for bariatric procedures to start a successful weight loss journey.