The modifications made to your gastrointestinal tract will require permanent changes in your eating habits that must be adhered to for successful weight loss. Most important is that you adhere strictly to your surgeon’s recommended guidelines.
Post-Operative Diet
The postoperative diet will be progressed by the surgeon and dietitian and will gradually transition to whole foods. It is important to follow the progression and adhere to the specific instructions in order to maximize healing and minimize the risk of complications. Post-operative diet is divided into three phases: Liquids (Phase I), Softs (Phase II), and ―Regular ‖ Bariatric (Phase III).
Phase I Diet:
- Phase I consists of a full liquid diet. The most important aspects of the first months after surgery is proper hydration and protein.
- Should not consume carbonated or high-calorie sugary beverages. Avoid becoming dehydrated. Avoid fluids high in caffeine as they can increase your risk for dehydration.
- Milk and liquid protein supplements will be included to ensure proper healing. Longterm protein goal is 60–80 grams per day; however, during Phase, I, a more realistic and the obtainable goal is 30–40 grams per day.
- Nutrition guidelines with a more comprehensive list will be given.
- This phase is for about the first 7–10 days after surgery, depending on the type of surgery and surgeon’s instructions.
- Phase II diet includes soft, easily digestible foods. This phase will be about four weeks. These foods may be slowly introduced into your diet like soft meats/fish, soups, cooked vegetables, fruits, low-fat or fat-free dairy, lean meats, and low-sugar items.
- Begin by eating 3 small meals per day.
- Should not snack throughout the day.
- Eat the protein portion of the meals first and get in the habit of eating protein-rich the food at each meal.
- Everyone’s tolerance is unique, and you may have more difficulties with some foods than others. Moist, well-cooked foods are initially tolerated better.
- Phase III diet is a ―regular‖ bariatric diet.
- Will be able to eat foods of a regular consistency.
- However, this does not mean you should go back to your old eating habits.
- Continue to eat nutrient-rich foods such as lean meats, poultry, pork, low-fat dairy products, vegetables, and fruit.
Exercise
Commit to an exercise plan preoperatively and get started. Benefits of Exercise: The Surgeon General’s report on physical activity and health states that exercise helps to: 1. Reduce the risk of dying prematurely 2. Reduce the risk of dying from heart disease 3. Reduce the risk of developing diabetes 4. Reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure 5. Reduce blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure 6. Reduce the risk of developing colon cancer 7. Build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints 8. Reduce feelings of depression and anxiety 9. Control weight Getting Started: Remember: The key to weight loss is using more calories than you take in!!!! Walking is an excellent way to start an exercise program. 1. A walking program can be started before surgery and resumed once home from the hospital. 2. A walking program can be followed year round. Walk outside during good weather and move indoor to a gym or mall on cold, rainy or humid days. 3. Start by walking on a flat surface and gradually add hills or slopes, as you get stronger. 4. Gradually increase the distance or amount of time you walk. 5. Alternate your walking routes will keep you from getting bored with your walking program. 6. It may help to join a walking club or walk with a family member or friend to keep you motivated. 7. Walk only where you feel safe. 8. If you can, invest in a good pair of walking shoes. 9. If you have not exercised in a long time, it might make you feel better to take a cell phone with you on your walks. 10. Take a bottle of water with you on long walks. Sip water at intervals, especially if you walk outside on hot days. Aerobic Exercise: 1. Check with your doctor before starting any form of strenuous exercise program. 2. The best form of aerobic exercise is one that you will enjoy. It is difficult to stick with an exercise program you don’t enjoy. 3. A variety of aerobic activities can help you from becoming bored with your exercise program. Try doing different activities on different days. 4. Swimming and water aerobics are a good form of exercise, especially if you have joint problems or joint pain. 5. If you want to take an aerobic class, always start with a low impact class. Make sure the class is geared for beginners. 6. Research has shown that increasing lifestyle activities can have the same effect on health and weight loss as a structured exercise program. Examples include:- Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
- Parking at the far end of the parking lot and walking to the office or store.
- Mowing the lawn and raking leaves
- Getting up from your desk to deliver a message instead of email
- Walking to do errands instead of driving
- Protein first
- Avoid refined carbohydrate foods
- A healthy snack is ok