Dietary Considerations after Bariatric Surgery
A common theme in recovery after bariatric surgery is protein. After undergoing a gastric sleeve, the food and beverages you consume will help determine the rate of your recovery and your long-term ability to lose weight.
Protein is a very important nutrient that performs many vital functions, including:
- Speeding healing and recovery.
- Making you feel fuller for longer.
- Leveling out the blood sugar spikes that contribute to type II diabetes.
- Helping minimize or avoid hair loss after surgery.
Protein comes in many forms, including meat, fish, tofu, and beans. It can also be consumed as a protein bar or shake. No matter how you get your protein, three basic rules are that 1) protein should be complete, containing all 9 essential amino acids, 2) the average patient should consume between 60 and 75 grams of protein per day, depending on their particular diet, and 3) the protein should be low in sugar, low in sodium and low in saturated fat.
It may be difficult to achieve that level of protein intake, especially in the first few months after surgery. Therefore, we recommend protein shakes as part of the early postoperative diet protocol. However, as time goes on, you will learn new ways to consume enough protein to stay healthy and lose weight.
Navigating Intensive or Fad Diets
With the rise in obesity and the consequent proliferation of alternative diets—such as Keto, Paleo, and raw food diets—many patients are curious about these methods for faster weight loss. While some of these diets offer unique benefits, such as the high-fat satiety of the Ketogenic Diet or the whole-food focus of the paleo diet, they are not always ideal for post-bariatric surgery patients. Before considering such a diet, consider the following three issues:
Sustainability
Is the diet sustainable? This is central to any lifestyle change. More extreme diets, such as very low-carb Keto or an all-raw food diet, can often lead to burnout, especially if you cut out entire food groups all at once. After quitting a restrictive diet, you may regain most of the weight you lost or sometimes put on even more than before. If an intensive diet is truly something that you wish to undertake, ensure that it remains well-balanced and provides sufficient nutrients for your recovering body.
Medical Concerns
Another consideration is the risk of nutrient deficiencies or medical complications. For example, high-fat diets like Keto can sometimes cause digestive distress or gallbladder issues for bariatric patients, while raw diets can lead to an increased risk of foodborne illnesses. Raw dairy products, meats, and even some raw vegetables can be dangerous for those with a compromised immune system. Elderly patients and those considering pregnancy should be particularly wary. Make sure that you speak to your physician before you begin any specific dietary trend to ensure that your body can handle the change.
Missing the Good Stuff
Your dietary options and caloric intake may be significantly limited. Many popular diets restrict healthy carbohydrates and fiber, which are necessary for digestive health after surgery. Furthermore, certain lean meats like pork and chicken cannot be consumed raw, and some keto-friendly foods may be too heavy or rich for your smaller stomach to process comfortably.
Intensive diets are an interesting concept that, in moderation, could offer a benefit to your health. Rather than following a rigid fad diet, you may wish to consider a modification in which specific components constitute only a portion of your overall plan. We hope you find the approach that best suits you. We also emphasize the importance of adhering to your post-bariatric surgery guidelines, as they are critical to a successful and healthy lifestyle transition. After surgery, please contact r our office if you have any questions or concerns about a specific diet and its suitability for your lifestyle.
