If you are a candidate for bariatric surgery, we are here to help you regain your strength and poise post surgery so that you feel better than you have in years.
From preoperative appointments to post-surgery meals, knowing exactly what treatment plan to follow is imperative to get you feeling like yourself again sooner.
At Beltre Bariatrics, we believe it is important to understand how many changes come with having bariatric surgery, including exactly what you can and cannot eat after treatment. Planning is critical for long-term weight loss success and overall well-being when it comes to your post-surgery diet.
Let’s explore what to eat after bariatric surgery.
The way you eat, including how much, how often, and precisely what you consume, is essential for the bariatric surgery process.
Post-surgery, one of the most significant changes that patients notice is how different their diet is, but for good reason. A change in your diet allows your stomach and digestive system to work efficiently without causing any serious issues to your healing process. Because your stomach size is dramatically smaller than it was before surgery, your body must adapt to a new normal when it comes to the food it consumes.
To maintain a healthy, balanced diet, it is essential to stick to specific doctor-provided guidelines after surgery to ensure you consume the correct number of calories, ample nutrients, and the right number of meals. This promotes rapid weight loss after surgery and allows your body to heal more efficiently.
Throughout your healing process, your diet and caloric intake will change as your body adapts to the effects of bariatric surgery.
No matter where you are in the recovery, you should always stick to consuming five essential nutrients when possible unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
5 Things You Should Eat After Bariatric Surgery
1. Liquids
Immediately following bariatric surgery, you will be placed on a clear liquid diet for at least 1 week. It is important to stick to the strict guidelines provided not to deplete your body of necessary nutrients. The options often include broth, juice, or Jell-O.
After about 2 weeks, most patients begin adding thicker liquid options high in protein and lower in fats and sugars.
Some examples include:
- Refined hot cereals
- Low-fat milk
- No-sugar yogurts
- Low-fat soup
2. Supplements
During the first few weeks after surgery, it is imperative to include essential supplements in your diet that you would typically receive from foods but cannot currently consume.
The most common supplements include:
- Multivitamins
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Iron
Speak with your doctor directly to determine what supplements are right for you.
3. Pureed Foods
After a few weeks, you may begin adding pureed foods into your diet. Portion control and how slowly you eat are important factors when adding new foods. Only add one new food at a time and keep the portions small and the food options soft. Only take up to two bites every 20 minutes until you confirm that your body can tolerate the newly added food.
The most common pureed options include:
- Applesauce
- Low-fat yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Cottage cheese
- Scrambled egg whites
- Lean meat or fish
- Canned fruit
4. Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of any balanced diet. You may begin incorporating them back into your diet in pureed form around 2-3 weeks post surgery. Avoid dried or skinned fruits and ensure all vegetables are well-cooked and soft.
5. Milk and Dairy
Dairy is an important aspect of a well-balanced diet if you are not lactose intolerant. You may begin adding dairy around 2 weeks post surgery. It is important to choose options that are low fat or nonfat.
Three servings a day is the goal, and some of the best choices include:
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cottage cheese
If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of weight-loss surgery, including bariatric surgery procedures, or need assistance perfecting your new planned diet around the things you should eat after bariatric surgery, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced weight-loss team.
