Posted by Patient Help Desk on March 4, 2008 under Diet and Health | 
Eating Out After Your Bariatric Surgery Procedure
Have you recently had weight loss surgery? Well, you’ve taken an essential and health-boosting step for yourself and your loved ones. And as you’d expect, one area that will involve many alterations is that dining out. You may want to avoid restaurants, as your body simply can’t handle your previous amounts of food.
Today, most places serve huge amounts of food, swimming in fat and calories. Multiple studies have concluded that for bariatric surgery, larger portions are associated with slower rates of weight loss. Be on the alert for signs of “dumping syndrome,” a harmful condition in which undigested food (sugary treats are particularly bad) leaves the stomach, and rapidly gathers in the small intestine’s lower end (or “jejunum”). This condition can lead to weakness, sweating, and dizziness.
Dining Guidelines Away From Home
If you must eat out, you can monitor your dietary habits. Don’t think of this occasion as an excuse to ignore your condition. You should definitely plan ahead: consider reviewing the menu online. But it’s also important to eat something, and not starve yourself, which is just as dangerous. And here’s some good news: (very) occasional overeating won’t result in weight gain!
You may want to have a glass of milk or a small snack before leaving for the restaurant, as this can minimize your hunger. Once you arrive, avoid eating bread before the meal, as well as appetizers, in general. Another good idea is to order your salad with the dressing in a cup, like a dip. It’s wise to share your entree or take half home for another meal. Engaging in conversation while you eat causes you to eat much slower, as does sampling small amounts of new dishes.
Dining Out With Your Loved Ones
No matter how hard you try, when mealtime rolls around, you may end up inadvertently offending family and friends. But think about it this way; isn’t your long-term good health worth a little awkwardness now? Below, you’ll find some guidelines that should make dining out a more comfortable transition:
- Talk It Over – your family, friends and co-workers may not be familiar with what you’ve gone through, or will go through. So, you may need to have a conversation that tells everyone what to expect, as well as why you had the surgery. Of course, you should only do this if you’re comfortable.
- Support System – a bariatric surgery support group can provide you and your loved ones with an understanding of the procedure, as well as vital information
- Provide Information – it can be helpful to show the research and literature you used when considering surgery
- Subject Change – if you just don’t feel like explaining things, that OK, this is a private matter! You may want to try talking about something else (but approach this politely)
- Practice Avoidance – as with any situation, certain individuals just don’t “click.” You may need to keep away from these people, now and in the future
Posted by Patient Help Desk on February 17, 2008 under Diet and Health |
Have you undergone a weight loss procedure? If so, congratulations on taking an essential steps towards improving your health and life! But you’ve actually only begun your journey; there is a lot of hard work to focus on, for the rest of your life. You’ll need to ensure your post-operative guidelines, especially when it comes to your diet.
These guidelines will help you eat well and manage your weight. They also protect against common unwanted side effects that can sometimes follow bariatric surgery, like pain, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea, dizziness and fatigue. Following a proper diet can decrease the likelihood of “dumping syndrome,” as well. This condition involves undigested food (sweets are particularly dangerous) leaves the stomach and rapidly accumulates in the lower end of the small intestine. Once you’ve recuperated, you’ll find that a healthy post-bariatric eating plan revolves around two concepts: you need to practice carful portion control, and stay away from “problem foods.”
Follow These Guidelines for Healthy Eating
Your qualified medical team can provide you with the necessary guidance and information. And most likely, they’ll have some “suggestions” for healthy eating. But you’re going to need common sense, as well as a commitment to learning some valuable information. Various clinical studies show that post-bariatric surgical patients may ensure their long-term dietary health by following these guidelines:
- Keep An Eye On Your Food – for all patients who have undergone weight loss surgery, it’s crucial to follow a plan of proper nutrition and health. Your diet may require some alterations. You see, you may notice that you’re not getting the same satisfaction from foods you enjoyed before surgery, while other foods are now more appealing.
- Meet with a Nutritionist –speaking with a knowledgeable and helpful nutritional expert is an excellent idea, both before and after the procedure. You will be informed of dietary facts and choices.
- Remember to Chew Slowly – one (temporary) side effect following weight loss surgery is the inability to eat solid foods; this can last up to 7 weeks. Once you’re able, you’ll want to only take little bites. You should practice slow chewing; wait 2-3 minutes, from swallowing until the next bite. Unfortunately, you need to avoid meats that aren’t ground up and chewed thoroughly (such as steak), as they’re not easily digested.
- Stop at “Full” – the key is to decrease the space in your stomach. . Eating excess amounts can make you ill, so you’ll have to force yourself to push your plate away once you’re full.
- Stay Away from Snacks – you’re going to want to give up junk food and snacks. You see, post-surgery, you’ll be taking in far less calories. As such, you need to ensure that the food you eat provides the necessary nutrients for your body. You’ll need to adopt a plan for consuming nutritious mini-meals instead.
- “So Long” to Sugar –consuming sugary snacks can result in the onset of dumping syndrome in those who’ve had bariatric surgery. If you must eat sweet treats, make sure they’re no larger than 3-5 grams per serving size.
- Vitamin Wanted – after undergoing surgery, taking a daily multi-vitamin can provide vital nutrients for your body’s general health and well-being.
- Fluid Facts –bariatric surgery patients should not drink fluids at meals, as this can lead to vomiting and dumping syndrome. Drinking fluids can also quickly increase feelings of hunger after you’ve eaten. Choose instead to make these fluids between-meals snacks. You should also stay away from high-calorie milkshakes and nutritional supplements.
- Alcohol Do’s & Don’ts — for the first full year after weight loss surgery, you should refrain from non-carbonated alcoholic drinks. However, ALL carbonated beverages (especially beer and other carbonated alcoholic drinks) should be permanently removed from your diet.
- Protein Is Key – post-surgery, you’ll need to consume a lot of protein; at least 35-65 grams of daily protein 18- 24 months after surgery. The reason is that while you quickly lose weight, your body can burn valuable muscle. So, you must “trick” your body into burning fat. But you won’t be eating enough to gain this protein from food alone. So, you’ll need protein supplement drinks or protein-enriched bars as supplements. Several foods can offer higher protein levels, including: beans, eggs, cheese, soy products, fish and seafood, chicken, turkey, beef, liver, lamb and veal. Fats should be limited in a healthy post-bariatric diet, as well.
