Bariatric surgery can help a person lose weight by restricting or reducing the quantity of food the stomach can contain. It can be performed using different techniques depending on individual requirements. One of the most crucial aspects of bariatric surgery success is the post-operative diet.

Your body will require food that can better address your nutritional needs after the surgery. You will need to eat foods that can speed up your post-operative healing and can also help with your weight loss.

For this reason, we offer free nutritional counseling to people after undergoing bariatric surgery. This counseling comes in the form of an open monthly class, no RSVP needed. This educational class will be ideal for helping you treat your body right after surgery.

Nutrition Counseling After Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery alters the size of your stomach, so you can’t continue to eat the same amount of food after surgery. This poses the problem of nutritional deficiencies, which is not ideal in any case. Without proper dietary guidelines and counseling, the surgical outcomes may not be optimal.

Nutritional counseling is also necessary so that the stomach can heal properly after surgery. After your bariatric surgery, your stomach can’t hold food like before. You will need to change your eating habits to new ones that won’t stretch your stomach.

You will need to get used to smaller portions of food. Your food choices will need to be things that your stomach won’t have a hard time digesting after the surgery. Nutritional counseling is also important to avoid any surgical complications.

It is not easy to make significant dietary changes without counseling and support. Nutritional counseling can help people to make the necessary changes without becoming overwhelmed by the process. Patients can learn to substitute ingredients with healthy alternatives rather than completely eliminating certain food items all at once.

General Dietary Guidelines

Nutritional guidance after bariatric surgery can be different for each person depending on the surgical technique and their weight-loss goals. However, there are a few general guidelines to be followed after bariatric surgery.

Eating a low-calorie diet and practicing portion control are important after bariatric surgery. Any food that is not easy to chew may not be recommended. You may need to avoid raw vegetables, rice, fruit, and meat that is tough to chew. Your doctor will determine your calorie intake after surgery. It will be highly restricted, and your nutritionist will help you maintain it.

You will need to increase your fluid intake, but you should avoid carbonated or caffeinated drinks. You will be required to eat sufficient proteins and take nutritional supplements.

For a day or two after the surgery, you will only be given clear liquids to consume. When your stomach can tolerate clear fluids, you can consume thicker fluids such as low-fat milk, broth, and sugar-free juice. After a few days, your stomach will be able to tolerate soft foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, puréed vegetables, tofu, and lean fish.

Learn More About Our Services

To find out more about the free nutritional counseling we offer following bariatric surgery, contact our office for a consultation. With the help of a skilled surgeon, you can lose that weight and keep it off!