4 Ways to Improve Your Eating Habits After Surgery
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Diet recommendations after a significant surgery vary depending on the patient’s situation. Weight loss surgery is one such procedure, but it is just a tool to start attaining and sustaining a healthy lifestyle. Whether or not you succeed will depend on making changes to last for a long time after surgery.
Let us look at improving your eating habits after bariatric surgery.
1. Protein
Food rich in proteins is essential in the bariatric diet. It will help if you start by eating protein-rich foods if you can’t finish your meal or get full quickly. The recommended daily intake of proteins is 55-80 grams.
You can obtain protein from milk, cheese, fish, meats, poultry, and eggs. There are also plant-based protein sources such as soy products, lentils, and beans. Avoid veal, lamb, pork, or beef as red meat is difficult to digest, especially after weight loss surgery. If you eat foods with higher fat content, you will regain what you lost in the surgery.
If you cannot get the recommended daily protein intake, you can supplement with bariatric fusion protein powder, and you will meet your target.
2. Stay Hydrated
After weight loss surgery, some patients get readmitted because of dehydration. Ensure that you sip water between meals to stay hydrated. Although this might initially be difficult because of a smaller stomach, staying hydrated to ensure your new stomach completely heals is essential.
If you don’t like plain water, you can add a piece of lemon. You can also take 100% fruit juices (diluted), broth, herbal teas, flavored waters, and decaf coffee or tea. Avoid carbonated drinks as they produce gas because they can stretch your pouch, which will make you want more food.
3. Vitamins and Minerals
Since food intake for a bariatric patient is limited, vitamins and minerals are a must. You can obtain these from supplements, but your primary source should be fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and proteins.
Your surgeon or dietitian should guide you on obtaining enough minerals and vitamins from food. You should also have an annual test to ensure that you achieve your goals.
4. Starches and Carbs
These include pasta, rice, and wheat products. Humans require carbs for energy; however, many patients struggle with them.
But you can also obtain carbs from vegetables and fruits. Ensure that each meal contains one fruit or vegetable or a serving of each. High-protein or whole-grain pasta and brown rice are also good sources of carbohydrates.
Final Take
After the weight loss surgery, the new opening leading to the small intestine from your stomach becomes very narrow. The entrance can be blocked by large pieces of food, preventing food from getting out of the stomach. A blockage can therefore cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
To avoid this, eat food in small bites and chew it slowly to a pureed consistency before you swallow the food as a whole. This will not only prevent blockages but also ease the digestion process.
*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.
