Deciding to have weight loss surgery always comes with a slew of questions from my patients. One of the most common questions is what kind of diet to expect once you have taken the plunge. It is important to know that there are certain foods to ignore post-bariatric surgery, and others to make sure you don’t avoid. Choosing healthy food choices will give you the best results for health and quality of life after surgery.
For example, protein is key because the body will need additional protein during the period of rapid weight loss to maintain your muscle mass. If you don’t get enough protein, your body will take from your muscles to feed the body the protein needed for functioning. Protein also assists in the healing process.
After surgery your stomach is much smaller. You will fill fuller much faster than before the surgery. Avoiding foods considered to be empty calorie foods will help you maintain your health and assist you in your weight loss. Foods high in added sugar such as sweets, chips, muffins, donuts, pretzels, cookies, and popcorn and also refined carbohydrates such as white breads, pastas, crackers, and refined cereals are all considered empty calorie foods. Besides just focusing on how much weight you have lost, you must remember the body needs nutrition to stay healthy to avoid illness and disease.
It is also very important to monitor your fluid intake. Dehydration is the most common reason for readmission to the hospital. Once you are dehydrated is harmful to your organs and your body cannot function at optimum levels. Keeping hydrated also burns stored fat calories. Although you may feel you are drinking enough water because your stomach is much smaller, carrying around a bottled water and commit to drinking consistently throughout the day can help prevent dehydration.
There are phases to what you should do and not do post-surgery. A great guide through the phases can be found at Tufts Medical Center to review if you are thinking about having weight loss surgery. And of course, if you do decide to have weight loss surgery, I am there to guide you through the process when you get home from the hospital. I will instruct you to follow a diet that is much different than the pre-surgery diet. During the first few months of recovery, I guide you through the process that starts with consuming liquids to eventually having solid foods.
Weight loss surgery has not only assisted many in the losing of weight while building confidence, but assists people in the journey to improved health.
To learn more about the various weight loss procedures, including The Wrap if you have 50 pounds or less to lose, please contact my office.
