Diet Tips Following Weight Loss Surgery

Posted by Dr. Nick Nicholson on May 29th, 2015

It’s no secret that weight loss surgery requires rather dramatic dietary changes for patients. Learning to eat smarter and healthier can promote long-term weight loss and maintenance while helping people avoid potential post-surgical complications. Surviving the transition though can be tough, but there are some tips that can help.

Here are some tips that can help in the days, weeks and months following bariatric surgery to assist with weight loss:

• Take it slow – It’s important to eat and drink slowly following weight loss surgery. Keep in mind that procedures are designed to make the stomach smaller, so it simply cannot hold what it once could. With this in mind, savor each bite or sip, paying attention for signs that the body is feeling “full.”
• Cut out the garbage – All too often people consume empty calories that might taste good going down, but they do the body no good. Post-surgery it’s especially important to cut out the garbage since each bite will need to matter in regard to nutrients. With that in mind, choose foods that are low in fat and surgery and are high in important vitamins and minerals.
• Keep it small – Meals should be rather small. In fact, it’s best to eat several small meals a day that are limited to about a half-cup to a cup in size. Again, it’s important to stop eating when a full sensation begins to appear.
• Don’t forget to drink – Lots of water is very important following surgery. It’s recommended that about 64 ounces be consumed a day. Be sure to drink liquids between meals since actually drinking during meals can overfill the stomach and cause pain.
• Chew thoroughly – Chance are the “new” stomach just can’t handle bites as big as it used to. With this in mind, take the time to thoroughly chew every bite. This prevents blockages and it can also help ensure that eating stops when fullness begins to occur.
• Experiment – Once it’s safe to start adding “normal” foods back into the diet, experiment with healthy foods and flavors. Try adding new spices to foods and look for lower-fat options to replace old habits, such as yogurt in place of mayo.

For more advice on eating right after surgery, be sure to consult with your bariatric surgeon or a nutritionist.

About Author

One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson – along with a full staff of surgeons, nurses and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with LAP-BAND, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Revisions.