Weight-loss surgery is used to reduce the size of the stomach. The smaller stomach is reconnected to the small intestine, and the new size makes it difficult to eat large meals. The average stomach size immediately after weight loss surgery is approximately 1 oz. The stomach will eventually expand to anywhere from 4 to 8 oz., according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology.
Individuals who have had weight-loss surgery reintroduce foods to their stomach in four phases. During the final phase, the patient can begin to reintroduce solid foods and must begin to focus on developing healthy eating habits that incorporate proteins, fruits, vegetables, dairy and water.
Foods with Protein
Protein is essential to recovery and weight loss, as it will help you to heal your surgical wounds while at the same time allowing you to build muscle and lose fat. Your weight-loss surgeon and your nutritionist will work with you to determine how much protein you should consume each day, says Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology.
Healthy protein sources include lean chicken and turkey without skin, lean pork, lean red meat, fish, eggs, beans and cottage cheese. Since your meal sizes will be limited, your doctor may also recommend you drink protein shakes throughout the day.
Dairy Products
The consumption of dairy products after weight loss surgery is important because they not only contain calcium and other nutrients, but additional protein as well. Your diet should include low-fat dairy products, including milk, yogurt and cheeses. Start by introducing soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese and mozzarella cheese sticks to your diet. Cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese and Colby Jack cheese are also solid sources of calcium.
Stay away from jarred cheese sauces and imitation cheese products sold in jars, blocks or cans. They often contain added sugars and preservatives and do not have the same nutritional value as fresh dairy products and cheeses.
Fruits and Vegetables
Raw fruits and vegetables such as bananas, broccoli, carrots, celery, cauliflower, melons, raspberries, cucumbers, corn, spinach, greens and tomatoes contain high amounts of fiber and nutrients. The weight-loss patient's smaller stomach may not be able to accommodate bulky foods, however. These foods may also be more difficult to digest because the stomach will not have as much gastric acid to use in the digestive process, so you will need to introduce fruits and vegetables into your diet one at a time in order to make sure your stomach tolerates them well.
A lack of fiber may lead to digestive difficulties, including constipation. Many weight-loss surgery patients take additional multivitamins and mineral supplements to make up for the vitamins they can no longer get through food intake. Discuss your nutritional needs with your physician or nutritionist before adding fiber supplements or any other type of vitamin to your diet.
Member Comments