Lifetime Success

Fluids

Drink one and a half to two liters (48–64 oz.) of water per day, between meals (increase this amount by 20 percent if you are sweating). Water is the recommended beverage. Diet, non-carbonated drinks or those that are sweetened with sugar substitutes are recommended in limited quantities only. Juices are high in calories and could cause you to “dump.” They provide very little nutritional value.

Tips:

• Avoid carbonated beverages. When a carbonated beverage is consumed, it warms and releases gases, distending the stomach pouch and stretching the stomach. It then creates undue stress and subsequently causes the stretching of the anastomosis (area where the bowel is rejoined to the pouch). • Do not drink 20 to 30 minutes before or after meals. This prevents pouch stretching and vomiting. Do not drink fluids with meals and snacks. This must be adhered to as an ongoing practice. • Sip slowly and carefully. • Minimize caffeine. Many beverages contain caffeine, an appetite stimulant, which is detrimental to initial weight loss and long-term weight control. Caffeine may also irritate your pouch and contribute to ulcers.

• Sip fluids continually between meals and snacks to prevent dehydration. Avoid drinking from fountains or with straws, as it is more difficult to control the volume of your intake, and can introduce air into your pouch, causing gas. • Eliminate high-calorie drinks such as milkshakes, soda, alcoholic beverages and juices. Highcalorie beverages tend to be low in nutritional value, contain simple sugars, and are quickly absorbed into the blood stream, causing a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, and increased hunger. Weight loss can be slowed down dramatically and even stopped. Note: If your urine is dark or your mouth is dry, you are not drinking enough. • No alcoholic beverages for the year after surgery. After that time, if you choose to drink alcohol, limit to one serving at a time, no more than 3 times per week.

Eating strategies and behaviors

Frequent snacks slow down weight loss; however, you should not go long periods without any food. You will be more prone to overeat later and not meet your protein requirements. Try to eat three planned, low-starch, high-protein, nutrient dense meals and two to three planned, low-starch, high-protein snacks every day. Between meal “picking” or “grazing” on small amounts of food throughout the day will sabotage your weight loss and keep you from achieving your weight loss goal. • Your body needs a minimum amount of protein each day. About 60-70 grams is adequate for most people. You need protein to preserve your lean muscle mass, which in turn is going to

help you continue to lose weight. You also need protein for your body to heal properly. • Stop eating when you feel full or if feeling any discomfort. • Eat slowly. Chew slowly and thoroughly at least 22 times. Put your utensils down on the table after every bite. Remember that the pouch can only hold a small amount of food and it is best not to stretch the pouch by forcing food. Do not overeat. Listen to your body’s signals—do not look at the food left on your plate. Set aside 30 minutes for each meal. Take your time to enjoy the food. Do not eat when feeling rushed or stressed as this may cause gastric upset. Do not take more than 30 minutes to eat, as you may develop grazing habits. • Always cut food into small pieces and chew food very well to prevent vomiting, cramping or blockage. If food should stick, try a teaspoon of meat tenderizer in a glass of water, sipped slowly. • Over the long-term, well-balanced nutrition is important. Your diet should consist of protein (beans, tofu, tempeh, eggs, fish, seafood, dairy, poultry, and meats), fruits and vegetables, healthy oils, and finally complex carbohydrates. Do not overcook your meat as this makes it difficult to digest. Grill or broil, if possible. • Do not fry or deep-fry your food. You will notice that it is easier to eat protein-rich foods if they are moist and juicy. An example would be chicken thigh meat versus breast meat. • Even though you may not always experience “dumping syndrome,” too much fruit juice and foods/beverages with sugars will slow down your weight loss. It is best to restrict them to allow your surgery to work for you. Some fruit products are labeled “unsweetened” and that means that there is no added sugar, but, the product may still contain a significant amount of natural sugar. Be careful not to overdo fruit products. Non-carbonated diet beverages are permitted in small quantities only. If you do choose to drink diet drinks such as Crystal Light weaken them with water. Moderation and water is best.

• Introduce one food at a time in order to rule out food intolerance. Don’t be afraid to try new foods, but in small amounts to start. What does not agree with you now may be acceptable in a few more weeks. Keep in mind that one day, foods may be tolerated smoothly, while the next you may have some fullness or discomfort. These problems eventually disappear, so don’t be discouraged if they happen. If food intolerance becomes a chronic issue for several days contact your surgeon or nutritionist. • Food labels are a great source of information. They give you in-depth information about the amount of fat, protein, carbohydrates, sugar, sodium, and fiber in the product you are purchasing. Become a label reader and become more aware of what you put into your body. • Remember that it is okay to get pleasure out of food. Since you are restricted to small portions, we encourage you to become a gourmet and only eat the best! Make your dish visually appealing with beautiful tableware and enjoy your meal.

Foods to avoid

Here is a list of popular foods that are filled with concentrated sweets, simple carbohydrates, and empty calories with limited nutritional value that can provoke “dumping syndrome” as well as other health issues. Every bite counts after surgery. Avoid foods which contain sugar. Not only will they slow down your weight loss,but they can make you sick. • Ice cream • Pudding • Sweetened, fruited or frozen yogurt • Candied fruit • Canned or frozen fruit in heavy syrup • Fruit juice • Sugar coated or sweetened cereal • Sweet rolls and doughnuts • Sports drinks • Sweetened popsicles • Pies • Cakes and cookies • Regular soft drinks and lemonade • High fructose corn syrup sweetened beverages • Alcoholic beverages • Sugared ice tea • Non-carbonated fruit drinks • Table sugar • Honey • Candy and chocolate • Sweetened gelatin desserts • Chewing gum • Molasses • Syrups • Sherbet/sorbet • Jams and jellies • Pancakes and waffles with syrup • Milkshakes and chocolate milk • Sweet pickles or relish • White rice, white pasta, white potatoes, white bread