So, you’ve undergone bariatric surgery – a big step towards weight loss and better health when nothing else has worked. Now, the real work begins with your diet. The food you eat after surgery is crucial for recovery, achieving your weight loss goals and avoiding any nutritional issues. This guide is here to tell you about the essential post-surgery diet that will help you stay on your health and wellness journey. Bariatric surgery includes procedures such as gastric bypass (ROUX-en-Y) and sleeve gastrectomy. In India, the general guideline for surgery is a BMI of 32.5 or more, or a BMI of 30 if you have diabetes, sleep apnea, high BP or any other serious health problem.
After surgery, your diet goes through a few phases: clear liquids for 10 days, then pureed foods for about a month, soft foods in the second month, and by the third month, you’re back to regular foods. You’ll be on a very low-calorie diet at first, with calories gradually increasing depending on your condition. Here’s what you need to focus on.
Transitioning to a new diet
Your digestive system changes a lot after bariatric surgery, so you’ll need to make changes to your diet as well. You’ll start with clear liquids, then slowly work your way back to pureed foods, soft solids, and eventually regular foods. Follow your doctor’s guidelines for when and how to proceed through each stage. It’s all about recovery and avoiding any problems.
Also read: 5 easy ways to make sure your body is actually digesting protein
Protein is your best friend
Protein is your most important nutrient after surgery. It helps repair muscles, maintains your lean body mass, and keeps you feeling full for longer. Eat protein-rich foods like lean meat, chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, legumes, and low-fat dairy. Make sure you are getting protein in every meal to help with your recovery and weight loss.
stay hydrated
Drinking enough water is important to keep everything running smoothly in your body after surgery. It helps with digestion, prevents constipation, and makes you feel good overall. Sip water throughout the day, but don’t drink during meals to avoid overfilling your stomach. Aim to drink at least 64 ounces of fluids per day, mostly from water or other calorie-free beverages.
Drinking water is very important for health benefits. Photo Credit: Unsplash
Don’t skip your supplements
Since bariatric surgery can impair the way your body absorbs nutrients, you may develop vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Your doctor will recommend supplements to keep you healthy. This may include multivitamins, calcium, vitamin D, B12, and iron. Keep up with your follow-up appointments to ensure you meet your nutritional needs and change your supplements as needed.
Choose nutrient-rich foods
With a smaller stomach, every bite counts, so focus on nutrient-rich foods. Think fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These will give you the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your body needs. Stay away from empty-calorie foods that contain sugar, fat, and refined carbohydrates, as these can affect your weight loss and nutrition.
Eating mindfully is a must
After surgery, eating mindfully becomes your new best habit. Eat slowly, chew well and enjoy your food. Stop eating when you’re full and avoid overeating or binge eating. Pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness signals – listening to them will help you avoid discomfort and stick to your weight management goals.
Also read: Dietitian shares a quick and healthy weight loss lunch recipe to try at home
Switching to a new diet after bariatric surgery can be difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get support from healthcare professionals, dietitians, and bariatric nutrition groups. They can give you tips, motivation, and strategies to help you stick to your diet plan and meet your health and weight loss goals.
Navigating nutrition after bariatric surgery isn’t easy, but with thoughtful measures, you can make it work. By focusing on self-care, patience, and sticking to it, you’ll be on your way to a healthier, happier life in no time.
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