As stated by the American Heart Association, obesity is associated with conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity and heart disease. Obesity simply means that you are significantly above your ideal weight, and 60 to 70 percent of Americans meet criteria for being overweight or obese. Weight loss surgery changes your digestive system and limits the food that you are able to eat, but the diet to which you adhere after surgery is extremely important to your continued weight loss success.
Background
Obesity surgery, otherwise known as bariatric surgery, is performed if you are unable to maintain a healthy weight after attempting strategies such as diet and exercise and have health problems as a result of obesity. The procedure typically changes the shape of your stomach and restricts the amount you are able to eat at one time, thereby decreasing the amount of calories you are able to absorb. If you do not follow an appropriate diet following surgery, however, the stomach can stretch and the beneficial effects of surgery will diminish.
Liquids
According to Duke Health, you will consume liquids only for the first 2 to 3 weeks following bariatric surgery. Even liquids may cause you to feel full after surgery, and you should aim for consuming two ounces of a high protein liquid nutrition supplement every hour while awake. In between these times, you should drink 2 ounces of water or diluted juice. Protein is emphasized because it helps to prevent complications such as muscle loss associated with extreme weight loss.
Solid Foods
Once you are consuming solid foods, you should focus on high protein foods that are low in sugar, fat or fiber. Appropriate food choices include eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, tender cooked meat and low-fat cheese. While many people are able to eat a wide variety of foods, tough meat, fresh bread (untoasted), stringy vegetables, fruits and vegetables with skin, coconut and dairy products do cause some people problems after bariatric surgery.
Eating Behaviors
According to the Hamptons Center for Bariatric Surgery, most patients lose 40 to 70 percent of their excess body weight within two years. In order to keep the weight off, it is important to maintain the eating habits you initiate immediately after surgery. Eating slowly and stopping eating at the first sign of fullness is advised as is waiting at least 30 minutes before drinking anything. Taking small bites and chewing your food well before swallowing will help you tolerate meals and avoiding high fat foods and concentrated sweets will help you keep the weight off.
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