Bariatric or weight loss surgery can help obese people lose weight by physically limiting the amount of food they can consume. There are several different surgeries associated with the term bariatric, such as the lap band procedure and stomach bypass surgery. After having bariatric surgery, you will need to follow a strict diet to help ease your way back to eating solid foods. Once you have returned to eating solid foods, you will need to continue following a healthy diet in order for the procedure to be effective.
Start with a Liquid Diet
Following bariatric surgery your doctor will place you on a liquid diet. This will generally last between 10 to 14 days post-operation. According to the Penn Bariatric Surgery Program, a patient should drink between 48 to 64 ounces of liquid each day on the liquid diet. Some beverages that are recommended to drink on the diet include: water, skim or soy milk, 100 percent fruit juice, decaf tea or coffee and sugar-free beverages. Avoid drinking carbonated beverages or alcohol. If you are unsure about a beverage, read the label first before you drink it. For example, vitamin water may seem like a healthy choice, but it is often full of calories.
Slowly Incorporate Solid Foods
Once you feel comfortable consuming liquid foods, then you can start to eat pureed or ground-up foods. During this two to four week period, you can blend foods into a smooth paste or thick liquid. In order to get this texture, it is best to combine solid foods with a liquid. For example, blend lean ground meat with broth, or soft fruits and vegetables with water or milk.
After your doctor's approval, you can start eating more solid foods. Start with soft foods such as canned or soft fresh fruit, cooked vegetables and diced meat. Then, gradually introduce regular foods. Always try foods one at a time to see how well your stomach can tolerate it. According to DukeHealth.org, most people have problems consuming firmer foods at first, especially meats and breads. But, eventually you should be able to eat normally.
Helpful Tips
On a bariatric diet, you need to make sure to keep your meals small. After the operation, your stomach is no longer designed to eat large amounts of food, so you need to eat smaller portions. Also, avoid eating or drinking food too quickly, as it could cause dumping syndrome. This problem is typical of bariatric patients and causes side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and sweating. To prevent this, Mayo Clinic recommends taking at least 30 minutes to eat a meal. In addition, avoiding foods high in fat and sugar can also prevent dumping.
To ensure your body has the proper nutrients, include a daily multi-vitamin supplement in your diet. Centrum is a popular multi-vitamin brand. If you have any questions about nutritional supplements, consult with your doctor.
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