Although undergoing a bariatric surgery Houston is a big step towards an effective weight loss journey, it is not enough to provide you with long-term success. Adhering to the right diet after your surgery will is crucial if you do not want to regain the lost weight.
Your diet immediately after the surgery
The first few weeks after the surgery are by far the most challenging but the most vital. Your diet will have to be in various stages until your digestive system can tolerate solid foods.
Stage 1
In the first week following the surgery, your physician will recommend a liquid diet. Apart from giving your body time to heal, a liquid diet will keep you hydrated and prevent malnutrition. Your liquid diet could include; water, skimmed milk, fat-free broth, decaffeinated tea or coffee, unsweetened juice, and sugar-free gelatin.
Stage 2
Your physician may recommend full or thick fluids two weeks after the surgery. These could include protein shakes, yogurt, skim milk, smoothies, and creamy soups. Remember to take the recommended 64oz. of water daily.
Stage 3
Depending on how well your pouch has healed, you may begin taking soft foods three weeks after the surgery. Introducing high-protein soft foods in your diet accustoms your pouch to solid foods while still giving it time to heal. You can blend your foods with skim milk or liquid broth to make a puree. Your diet could include mashed potatoes, pureed fruits, cream of wheat, cottage cheese, and egg whites. It is recommended that you take soft foods three to six weeks after the surgery.
Stage 4
Once your body is able to tolerate soft foods, it’s time to start introducing firmer diets such as tender meats, fish, well-cooked vegetables, oatmeal, eggs, and pasta. Introduce these foods one at a time to assess how well your body responds. Most people who undergo bariatric surgery Houston have problems with spicy foods and dairy products.
Rather than taking multiple meals a day, start training yourself to consume three major meals in a day at this point. While eating, chew small bites of food and chew thoroughly. Keep track of your daily food portions along with your protein and calorie intake. Your diet should include lots of vegetables and nutritious foods.
Foods to avoid after a bariatric surgery
While most patients are able to tolerate most foods, there are foods that are not helpful to your weight loss journey. Avoid foods that are empty of calories including sweets, pastries, rice cakes, popcorns, and pretzels, alcohol, high-fat foods, highly-caffeinated and sugary drinks, and tough meats such as pork chops, steak, ham, and hot dogs.
The above only give you a rough guideline on your diet. Your physician will develop a customized plan for you. Remember to take lots of water between meals.
