Many things we love most in life involve gathering with loved ones and sharing a meal. So as you consider bariatric surgeries like gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery, it’s natural to wonder how your diet will change. While your eating habits will evolve, it’s essential to know that weight loss surgery doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joy of meals and social gatherings.
With the expert support of the Birmingham Minimally Invasive team and your personal support network, you’ll discover a new, healthier lifestyle full of opportunities to enjoy life and feel great. Embrace the positive changes ahead and experience a vibrant future after surgery!
Adjusting Your Diet After Bariatric Surgery: What to Expect
After bariatric surgery, it’s important to make some key adjustments to embrace a healthier lifestyle. But don’t worry! The changes you make are meant to support your long-term goals and overall health.
Here’s what you can expect after surgery and how to keep looking forward to mealtime.
After Full Recovery: Smaller, More Frequent Meals
After bariatric surgery, your stomach will be a lot smaller than before. This means you will have to eat much smaller meals more often. This practice will keep you satisfied without eating too much. Patients typically have 3 small meals daily with 1 or 2 healthy snacks in between. Your meals will focus on protein-rich foods and plenty of veggies.
Even though your portions are smaller, they will be more satisfying. You’ll be eating nutrient-dense foods full of vitamins and minerals to help you avoid excess calories.
Learning to control your portions will be an empowering experience. It will also help you make healthier food choices for the rest of your life.
All About That Protein
Protein will be a massive part of your life after bariatric surgery. It plays a big part in recovery and helps you with weight loss. That’s because protein enables you to heal and build muscle.
Your diet after surgery will come in four stages:
- Immediately after surgery, you will stick to clear liquids like water and broth.
- In the second stage, you move on to more protein-rich liquids.
- The third stage is where you’ll be able to eat pureed soft foods.
- Finally, in stage four, you will be eating solid foods again.
Let’s look at the post-surgery diet plan a little closer. At first, you will start with liquid protein shakes and avoid solid foods. These foods will include things like:
- Broth and creamy soup with no chunks
- Sugar-free protein shakes
- Sugar-free, nonfat yogurt or pudding
- Thinned oatmeal
But after that initial stage, you will move on slowly to blended or pureed foods. These include cooked veggies (cooked until soft), eggs, beans, ground meat, soft fruits, cottage cheese, and plain yogurt.
Finally, you’ll be in stage four, where you can eat solid foods. Your main focus will be on eating lean protein, such as:
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Fish
- Eggs
- Beans
- Tofu
You should also continue incorporating protein shakes and supplements to get all the necessary nutrients.
What You Will Have to Avoid
The protein you eat must be lean. That means avoiding the fattier options. High-fat foods slow down your weight loss progress and cause discomfort after surgery. The same goes for sugary snacks – you have to cut those out for the same reasons.
Here are some other foods you will need to avoid:
- Whole milk products
- Fried foods
- Starchy items like pasta, white potatoes, and bread
- Sugary drinks and snacks
- Over-processed/packaged foods like potato chips
- Fibrous vegetables like celery, asparagus, and broccoli
- Spicy or heavily seasoned foods
It takes time to get used to how your body reacts to certain foods, but over time, you will develop a healthier relationship with food as you learn what your body needs.
Don’t Forget to Stay Hydrated
You already know how important it is to stay hydrated, and you’ve probably heard a lot about how much water a person is supposed to drink in a day. However, after bariatric surgery, it is vital to drink liquids in a way that supports your new stomach size.
Drink about 64 ounces of water or other sugar-free liquids daily, but don’t drink a lot of liquid with meals because you will get too full, which can interfere with digestion and ruin mealtime. You will also want to avoid carbonation, which can lead to gas and bloating.
Tip: Carry around a water bottle with the amount of liquid your body needs and sip it throughout the day.
It’s Time to Celebrate the New You!
After bariatric surgery, the best part of life is discovering how much more you can do! Even if you aren’t eating the same thing as everyone else around you during get-togethers, you will be more energetic and confident as you embrace your new lifestyle. Your friends and family will celebrate your milestones with you, and you can enjoy these experiences without focusing on overindulgence.
Life after surgery doesn’t mean saying goodbye to meals and social gatherings. This surgery is a step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life, and the positive outcomes are something to look forward to. From delicious, satisfying meals to more physical activities, your new life is full of possibilities.
Support and Long-Term Success After Weight Loss Surgery
It may seem tough, but you are not alone in this journey! The team at Birmingham Minimally Invasive is here to guide you through every step of your weight loss journey, including nutritional guidance, regular check-ups, and emotional support. You will have access to various professionals committed to your success who can help you build a strong support network before surgery begins. Knowing that you have this support can alleviate anxieties you may be feeling about the changes ahead.
In addition to getting help from your caring team here, you may also seek help from friends and family to help you stay dedicated to your health goals. Changing your diet and starting a new exercise routine is always best with someone encouraging you. Having a strong support network will make a significant difference in your recovery and long-term success.
Ultimately, the goal is to create lasting, healthy habits that support your weight loss and overall wellness. Embrace the changes as a new and exciting part of your life, and take joy in every success! With the right mindset and support, you will surely thrive.
Healthy Diet After Bariatric Surgery at BMI
After gastric sleeve surgery, you must remain dedicated, patient, and committed to your well-being. Each individual’s recovery journey is unique, so any diet and exercise plan will be unique to your needs. If you have specific concerns or questions about what’s right for you, don’t hesitate to contact BMI for personalized support. You can call us anytime at (205) 858-1211.
