The golden rules of bariatric nutrition and lifestyle guidelines
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Remember there is no painless way to melt the pounds away. But following these post-surgery "Golden Rules" will help make your weight-loss surgery results successful.
Tips for success after bariatric surgery
- Eat three meals a day.
- Eat protein and a carbohydrate choice at each meal. Eat your protein first.
- Take 30 minutes to eat your meal.
- Chew your food to a pureed/mush consistency. This takes 20 to 30 chews.
- Eat nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and lean meats.
- Do not eat calorie-dense foods such as chips, cookies, crackers, ice cream, fried food, candy, hot dogs, brats, and bologna.
- Do not eat non-nutrient-dense foods such as pretzels, rice cakes, and animal crackers.
- Drink 8 ounces of skim or soy milk for a snack three times a day. You can eat light yogurt or light Greek yogurt instead of drinking milk.
- Do not drink carbonated fluids such as pop, juice, or alcohol. Carbonation can stretch out your pouch. These drinks have extra calories and sugar that is not needed.
- Drink 6 or more cups of plain water a day. After you drink 6 cups of water you may drink unsweetened coffee or tea. Do not drink anything with citric acid.
- Do not drink fluids 30 minutes before meals, with meals, or for 30 minutes after meals. This does not apply during the full liquid stage after surgery.
- Do not use tobacco or nicotine. It slows down healing and can lead to complications.
- Exercise 30 minutes or more a day.
- Keep detailed food and activity records (bubble sheets). Bring them to your next dietitian appointment.
- Do not use straws. Air bubbles form in your new pouch and cause stretching and pain.
- The first three months after surgery, do not eat acidic or citrus foods such as tomatoes, lemons, oranges, or limes.