Managing Your Diet After Weight Loss Surgery
According to recent surveys, there has been a considerable increase in the number of people going through weight loss surgery these days. This may probably be due to the fact that surgery has a high success rate. The only probable reason why the procedure fails to help the individual shed the excess pounds may be attributed to post-surgery practices.
One thing that you should remember when it comes to weight loss surgery is that it is not to be considered a quick fix. It is but the start of a whole new weight loss program that entails several different changes primarily in your diet.
Because you now have a smaller stomach post-surgery, you will need to make a few changes in your eating habits and food intake. This is why your doctor will probably refer you to a dietitian or nutritionist who will help you plan your meals.
First three months
During the first two to three months following gastric bypass surgery, you will go through diet progression. In this process, you will slowly re-introduce food substances into your system – from simple liquids such as juice, milk and broth to pureed foods and then to food that is tender and easier to chew. You will also need to eat small meals each day. Your meals are generally composed of high-protein items to facilitate faster recovery.
New eating habits
Weight loss surgery will warrant permanent changes in your diet. For one, the amount of food that you can take in at a time will be greatly reduced. You will have to eat in small amounts and learn to stop intake before you feel full. Eating more than the recommended amount may result in pain and nausea, not to mention that it will just add more calories in your body.
You will also have to start learning how to drink slowly and chew food thoroughly. The idea is to limit the stress that you’re putting onto your stomach by introducing substances that are already broken down. This will make it easier for the organ to digest the food that you take in.
Re-introducing food into the body means trying one type of food at a time. Try one item at a time to help your stomach grow accustomed to it again. There are certain types of foods that are not well-taken by the stomach so you will want to minimize or temporarily avoid eating those at least until you’re fully recovered.
After surgery, you will also need to start avoiding unhealthy foods such as those that are high in fat and sugar. It’s important to avoid eating ice cream, candy and other types of sweets or drinking soda and caffeinated drinks.
Vitamins and supplements
Because your digestive tract’s functions are now limited, you will need to help keep your body nourished. Your body will not be able to efficiently absorb all the nutrients that come in the small amount of food that you eat so you may want to start taking vitamins and other nutritiional supplements to still keep your energy.
The good thing about surgery is that your new body condition is motivating you to curb your intake of bad foods such as those that are high in fat and sugar. Make sure to meet with your health care provider or dietitian so you can still keep your body nourished even when you can’t eat as much as before.
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