Southern Maryland Dietitian
  • HOME
    • PROVIDERS >
      • Maria
      • Alina
      • Sheila
      • Christina
      • Sarah
      • Keli
      • Jennifer
      • Angela
    • FAQ
  • APPOINTMENTS
    • VIRTUAL VISITS
  • WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY
  • BODY COMPOSITION
  • CNS
  • Assisted Living / Menus
  • Meal Plans
  • Assisted Living / Menus
  • More Nutrition Services
  • Food Resources
  • Assisted Living

How Can I Be Successful With Bariatric Surgery?

9/20/2020

3 Comments

 
There are 9 main behavior changes that will help you be successful with Bariatric Surgery.

These changes should be started before surgery and will continue life-long.

1. Meal Timing & Frequency
  • Do not skip meals.
  • Eat 3 meals every day.
  • Eat at schedule times.
  • Eat breakfast within 2 hours of waking up.
  • Meals should be 4-6 hours apart. 
  • Snacks should be minimized. Have a snack if needed for blood sugar control, if needed for exercise, and if needed to meet your protein needs. 

2. Meal Size & How To Eat
  • Take small bites.
  • Eat slowly and mindfully.
  • Stop eating and drinking when you feel full. 
  • Eating past fullness can cause weight gain, stretching of the stomach, nausea and vomiting. 
  • Avoid distractions when eating. 
  • Before surgery the stomach can hold about 48 ounces. After surgery the stomach will hold between 1-8 ounces.
  • After surgery you will start off eating 1-2 oz per meal. This will increase to about 8 oz (1 cup). 
  • Use the "20-30 Rule": Chew food 20-30 times before swallowing. Meals should last 20-30 minutes. 
  • Don't graze.
  • Drink water in between meals.

3. Drink Enough Water / Fluids
  • Dehydration is dangerous.
  • Dehydration can cause constipation, poor nutrient absorption, headaches, weakness, electrolyte imbalance and stress on the kidneys. 
  • Most people will need between 48-80 oz of water daily.
  • You may not feel thirsty.
  • Keep water with you. Keep sipping. 
  • Water is the best option. 
  • Artificial sweeteners are acceptable but may cause sweets cravings, constipation and decreased nutrient absorption. 
  • Beverages must be low calorie, non carbonated, caffeine free.
  • After surgery, do not drink liquids within 30-60 minutes after eating. Don't drink at meals. 

4. Consume Enough Protein 
  • Protein is needed by every cell and tissue in the body.
  • Protein is needed for healing, hair, skin, bones, nails, muscles, strength and fat loss.
  • Protein keeps you full and reduces hunger. 
  • Protein is a top priority after surgery. Eat protein first at meals. If you fill up on other foods you won't be able to eat enough protein.
  • Most people will need 60-80 grams of protein. 

5. Vitamins and Minerals
  • Vitamin and Mineral Supplements are needed post surgery.
  • Weight loss surgeries make you consume less food, less calories and less vitamins and minerals.
  • Weight loss surgeries put you at risk for developing nutrient deficiencies. These can be life threatening if not managed well. 
  • Some weight loss procedures also decrease your nutrient absorption. 
  • Labs should be checked at least yearly to monitor your nutrition status. 
  • Routine supplements are needed.
  • You may need different supplements based on your labs and other clinical needs. 
  • Make sure you keep going to your doctors appointments and let all health care providers know that you have had a weight loss surgery. 


6. Fruit, Vegetables, Whole Grains
  • These foods keep you alive, healthy, and full.
  • Before surgery, try to have balanced meals that include protein, whole grains / complex carbohydrate foods along with fruits and vegetables.
  • The volume of foods will be limited after surgery. 


7. Avoid Sweets and High Fat Foods
  • After surgery, sweets and high fat foods can cause dumping syndrome and can limit your weight loss.
  • Avoid sugar, honey, brown sugar, cake, ice cream, baked goods, candy, soda, juice, sports drinks, ginger ale.
  • Avoid high fat foods: salami, pepperoni, bacon, sausage, chips, pork rinds, mayo, sour cream, cream cheese. Very small amounts of healthy fats may be included. 



8. Exercise
  • Exercise helps with weight loss, strength, health and mood.
  • Follow your doctors instructions for when and how to exercise.
  • Try for 30 minutes of cardio / aerobic activity most days.
  • Try for strength training 2/week. This helps you build and maintain muscle mass and may help improve your metabolism. 
  • Don't forget to stretch. I recommend yoga once a week. 

Here are some ways to increase your activity:
  • Take a 5 minute walk break when you feel stressed, bored or distracted.
  • Park you car far from work and stores. 
  • Take a family walk.
  • Walk to work if possible
  • Walk your children to school if possible.
  • Do chores at home.
  • Take an after dinner walk.
  • Do online exercise programs.
  • Find a walking partner. 
  • Look in to gym memberships.
  • Consider a pool membership. You might like lap swimming, pool exercises or water aerobics. 
  • Use a smart watch to track your steps. 

9. Get Support
  • Changing your lifestyle is tough. You need help, and help is available.
  • There are local support groups that meet regularly.
  • There are many online support groups available through social media.
  • You are not required to continue in support groups post surgery, but this is highly recommended.
  • Look in to your healthcare team: Surgeon, Primary Care, Therapist, Dietitian. There are specific requirements before surgery and less after surgery. However, you are highly encouraged to maintain regular and as-needed appointments after surgery.
  • Do you have friends, family, and co-workers who can support you?

Final Thoughts

Losing weight with bariatric surgery requires a total lifestyle change.

You'll incorporate all of these things:
  • Diet change.
  • Exercise. 
  • Increased nutrition knowledge.
  • Positive motivation.
  • Focusing on overall health.
  • Self esteem and loving yourself.
  • Realistic goals. 
  • Behavior change. 
  • A helpful support system. 
3 Comments
Michael Gamble link
10/17/2022 09:05:10 am

Per hit would right Mrs down speak series. Teacher water police American several reveal.
Near building writer. Modern people economy manager.
Act building listen expert laugh claim election.

Reply
Jessie Holloway link
12/9/2022 06:07:31 pm

Thanks so much for talking about the timing of eating and how important it is to regulate your habits. I have a friend who is trying to lose weight for his health and he's been thinking about getting surgery to help him. We've been looking into finding clinics that he can schedule a consultation with to help him build a plan for his journey.

Reply
Tex Hooper link
1/27/2023 06:09:36 pm

I didn't know that 30 mins of cardio a day could make such a difference. My wife might need to get bariatric surgery. We'll have to consider getting her diet under control beforehand.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Lisa Hugh, Registered Dietitian.

    Categories

    All
    Bariatric Surgery
    Books
    Experts
    Food Sensitivities
    Hormones
    Labs
    Lab Testing
    Supplements
    Tools
    Tracking
    Videos

    RSS Feed

    This post may contain affiliate links. If you click one of these links and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Southern Maryland Dietitian, 4560 Crain Highway Suite 11, White Plains MD 20695
Info@SouthernMarylandDietitian.com
Business Office: 240-210-9725 Fax: 240-366-1161
  • HOME
    • PROVIDERS >
      • Maria
      • Alina
      • Sheila
      • Christina
      • Sarah
      • Keli
      • Jennifer
      • Angela
    • FAQ
  • APPOINTMENTS
    • VIRTUAL VISITS
  • WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY
  • BODY COMPOSITION
  • CNS
  • Assisted Living / Menus
  • Meal Plans
  • Assisted Living / Menus
  • More Nutrition Services
  • Food Resources
  • Assisted Living