Bariatric basics

Bariatric surgery basics

It is recommended that you begin following these guidelines before surgery for the optimal post surgical outcome. After surgery, compliance is necessary for the best results and minimizing the risk of complications.

1. “Chew for 22”- Each meal or snack should take 20 to 45 minutes to consume. Chew each bite of food at least 22 times or to the point of pureed consistency. Your pouch or sleeve can only hold a small amount of food after surgery and eventually it can hold more. If you eat large amounts of food, you may stretch the pouch or damage the esophagus.

2. Pay close attention to early signs of fullness and stop eating. You may feel discomfort at the breastbone. If ignored, vomiting or pain may result.

3. Avoid concentrated sugars and fats. These types of foods can slow down weight loss. Avoid high calorie liquids (sports drinks and fruit juice) and high fat foods. This may trigger “dumping syndrome” (sugars go directly from stomach pouch into the small intestine causing a rapid rise in blood sugar levels causing heart palpitations, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea).

4. Drink at least 64 oz. of fluids, preferably plain water, per day to prevent dehydration and constipation. Take frequent sips. Do not eat and drink at the same time (except soups, stews and cereal) and do not drink until 30 minutes after eating. Carry a water bottle.

5. Carbonated drinks, straws, mints and chewing gum cause gas and bloating and should be avoided.

6. Avoid caffeine for 6 months after surgery as it can cause dehydration and stimulate the bowel resulting in diarrhea or cramps. One cup of caffeinated tea or coffee per day is allowed after six months. Plan on weaning off all caffeinated beverages prior to surgery 1 cup coffee = 6 oz

7. Eat 3 balanced protein containing meals and 1-2 protein containing snacks. Goal is 60-80g protein daily Please refer to your dietary nutrition guide for more information.

8. If you cannot tolerate dairy try using Lactaid or soymilk. Use a high protein containing milk (>10g).

Do not use coconut, almond or rice milk as they have a low protein content. You can also add

Lactase or Dairy Ease drops to milk.

9. Eliminate all alcohol for one full year after surgery. Thereafter, alcohol may be consumed on occasion- one drink no more than 3 times weekly. 1 drink = 12 oz beer, 1.5 oz liquor, 5 oz wine.

10. Be consistent about taking your vitamins/minerals. Follow the schedule that you were given by the program and remember not to take calcium and iron together.