Liposuction Weight Loss

Diet after Weight Loss Surgery

Bariatric surgery is the final step in the weight loss merry-go-round. After failed diets, or an inability to keep the weight off, or a possibility of eventually being labeled ‘morbidly obese’, surgery may be the only choice. There are different types of surgical procedures for overweight patients, and each one comes with its specific eating plan. Surgery does not eliminate the need to diet; quite the opposite, it is necessary to be extra attentive to your food intake. There will be a modification to your old eating habits and a significant change in diet after weight loss surgery.

Post Surgical Events
Operative pain is to be expected, so the surgeon usually prescribes analgesics. Due to the intravenous solution, the patient will experience a dry mouth post surgery. Initially, only ice chips are offered until water can be tolerated. Moving around in the room is helpful. Discharge from the hospital depends on the level of recovery and tolerance to surgery.

In one to two weeks, the diet after weight loss surgery is a liquid one, which includes:

• Clear broth
• Fruit juice
• Sugarless popsicles
• Ice tea
• Skim milk
• Water

At three to four weeks post-op, pureed foods are slowly added, such as:

• Low fat yogurt or pudding
• Mashed potatoes
• Peas
• Pureed skinless fish or chicken

After five weeks post-op, small portions of soft foods are usually permissible, such as ground turkey or meat; however, all foods must be thoroughly chewed. At this stage, it is crucial to avoid swallowing any large pieces of food. Non-adherence to the rules can cause vomiting, stomach irritation, swelling, and other more serious complications.

Changes in Eating Habits:
After 5 weeks, a new eating pattern will emerge. The stomach can now hold about 2 oz or ¼ cup of food. Some tips to follow:

• Eat at least three times a day and be sure meals are nutritionally adequate
• Stop eating when you feel full or no longer hungry
• You should not drink fluids with your meals
• Eat cold or hot cereal for fiber instead of foods that are not easily tolerated
• Discuss good food choices with your doctor or dietician
• Chew food slowly, meticulously, and completely
• Eliminate any foods that are high in sugar and/or fat content

Good Food Choices:
The ADA recommends the following diet for everyone, including those on a diet after weight loss surgery, unless your doctor recommends otherwise.

• Fruits – 1-2 servings a day, fresh is best
• Vegetables – 2-3 servings a day, again fresh is best
• Breads and cereals – 6-8 servings daily, high in fiber, no sugar
• Meat, fish, poultry – 1-2 ounces per day, all fat removed, not fried
• Eggs – 1 egg daily, poached or boiled
• Dairy –2 cups skim milk or low fat yogurt and 1 oz cheese daily for calcium
• Fats - 3-4 teaspoons of butter, margarine or oil per day
• Fluids – 6-8 ounces of water a day (calorie free liquids anytime, except meal time, and no carbonated drinks)

The Challenges
Success can only be attained if the patient follows the recommended diet after weight loss surgery. It will take a great deal of will power to change years of bad eating habits. It is necessary to start an exercise plan and to adhere to it faithfully. In some cases, nutritional and psychological counseling is advised.