Bariatric diet is very important because the success or complications that may arises are usually results of following or non-following of the bariatric diet. Non-compliance of bariatric diet often result to complications that may need medications or even hospital stay and to avoid this, bariatric surgeons advise their patients to strictly follow the diet.
The bariatric surgeon will monitor how the patient can tolerate non-carbonated drinks like water, broth and tea.
Artificial sweeteners like Equal and Splenda are all calorie-free alternatives and can be given to patients however; too much artificial sweeteners may give dumping syndrome to patients who undergo gastric bypass.
3 days to 30 days after bariatric surgery:
If the patient can tolerate liquids, then the surgeon will likely to recommend pureed diet and start eating three meals daily. However, if the patient is not hungry then do not eat.
Examples of pureed food may include:
Chicken broth
Lean meat
Protein shakes
Scrambled eggs
Yogurt (low fat)
Milk (skim or low fat)
Frozen yogurt (low fat)
Hydration is very important. Drink forty-eight up to sixty-four ounces of water daily.
Healthy sources of proteins may be included. The daily protein requirement for adults is sixty to sixty five grams of protein.
Examples of healthy protein include:
Beans
Eggs
Lean meats
Dairy products
One month to lifetime bariatric surgery diet:
If the patient can tolerate pureed foods, then the surgeon will recommend that incorporating solid foods may now start.
Solid foods should be incorporated slowly; this means that few tablespoons are allowed and not half-cup. There might be foods which may give poor reaction but that is normal, you may try again that food after more than a week.
Hydration is still important, drink more than sixty four ounces of water or calorie free drinks. Fruit juices may contain calories, which may slow down your weight loss.
Sixty to sixty five grams of protein may still be needed daily.
Eating healthy foods should always be the main goal of people who undergo bariatric surgery.
Examples of healthy food for lifetime may include:
Fish
Tofu
Soft pasta
Lean chicken, turkey or pork
Whole cereals
Protein shakes
Vitamins After Bariatric Surgery
Vitamins are very important for those who have undergone bariatric surgery as food intake are very limited. However, do not take just any vitamins particularly if it is in pill form without the prescription of your surgeon because doing so may irritate your stomach.
Even if you have taken the vitamins prior the surgery, it is still recommended that you ask your surgeon if you can still the vitamins after your surgery.
