Diet after weight loss surgery: a new lifestyle!!

Weight loss surgery is tool which helps the patients to achieve their health goals, and this surgery always gives you good results, if you practice it well. Here are some dietary tips to guide you choosing your foods after the surgery:

• The diet after surgery is designed to aid weight loss.
• The diet progresses in 4 phases to provide appropriate time for tissue healing.
• A strict no to straw, soda, sugar, spirits and smoking is a must post-surgery.
• Include protein first at each meal to maximize protein intake to minimize loss of lean body mass.
• Take adequate amounts of fluid to maintain hydration.

Important macro and micro-nutrients post-bariatric surgery

• Water contains no calories and assists the body to flush out toxins.
• The minimum water requirement post-surgery is 1lt/day.
• You may develop distaste for water after the surgery, add lemon drops, mint or basil leaves to add flavour to it.
• Protein increases your metabolism and slows down your appetite.
• Protein is vital for the growth of muscles, blood, internal organs, skin, hair and nails.
• Go for healthy carbohydrates in the diet like fruits, high fibre cereals and fresh vegetables.
• You will still be able to absorb sugar and will slow down your weight loss.
• Moderate your sugar intake to prevent weight gain.
• Always take suggested multivitamins, iron and calcium tablets to prevent deficiencies.

Always read a food label post-WLS

• Always read food labels so you can make the best choices.
• Low calories are 40 Kcal, moderate calories are 100 kcal and high is 400 Kcal.
• Fat-free is less than 0.5 gm/serve, low fat is 3gm or less per serve and cholesterol-free is less than 2mg of cholesterol and 2 grams or less of saturated fat per serving.
• Sugar-free is <0.5gm of sugar, calorie-free is <5calories, high fibre is 5gm or more fibre per serve and a good source of fibre is 2.5 to 4.9 gm of fibre per serve

Healthy cooking techniques post-bariatric surgery

• Grill, poach, roast or stir fry instead of frying foods.
• Use non-stick cookware to sauté or brown foods or non-stick cooking spray so that you do not need to add fat and oils.
• In recipes, when using dairy products, substitute reduced-fat varieties.
• Sauté onions, mushrooms, celery and peppers in small amounts of low-sodium broth or water instead of oils or butter.
• Substitute sugar in all your recipes, partially with cinnamon, sugar substitute, vanilla and fruits to enhance flavour. 

You just need to adapt to these healthy changes for a healthier and happier tomorrow!!