More than one-third of U.S. adults are obese, according to the Weight-Control Information Network. Losing weight and keeping it off is a difficult process. Gastric bypass is a surgical procedure that decreases the size of your stomach, forcing you to limit portions and calories, aiding in weight loss. After the procedure, you need to follow certain dietary guidelines to make sure you meet nutrient needs, which includes a focus on protein. Seafood, because it is low in fat and a good source of protein, is a recommended food choice after your gastric bypass surgery.
Gastric Bypass
The gastric bypass is one of the most commonly performed weight loss surgeries, according to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. The surgery creates a very small pouch for a stomach, forcing you to limit the amount of food you eat, promoting weight loss. The majority of the weight loss occurs in the first six months, and usually levels out after 18 to 24 months. Following the surgery, most patients experience a decrease in obesity-related diseases including diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and arthritis.
Gastric Bypass Diet
Your diet following gastric bypass surgery is an important part of the treatment plan. It helps promote weight loss and helps you maintain your nutritional status. Because your stomach is so much smaller, it can be very difficult for you to meet your nutritional needs, making it very important that you make wise food choices. It is especially important that you get enough protein in your diet. The Obesity Help website recommends you aim for 60 g a day. However, fat in food delays stomach emptying, which can make you feel very uncomfortable. Choosing lean sources of protein like seafood can help you meet your daily protein needs.
Seafood Nutrition
Seafood includes both fresh and salt water fish such as tilapia and salmon, and shellfish such as clams and lobster. All varieties of seafood are a good source of protein, containing 16 to 27 g of protein per 3 oz. portion. However fat content can vary. Lower-fat seafood choices include crab, tilapia, flounder, tuna, pollock, scallops, shrimp, lobster, cod, clams and orange roughy. A 3 oz. portion of the lower fat seafood options contain 0.5 to 2.5 g of fat per 3 oz. portion. Higher fat seafood options contain 4 to 10 g of fat per 3 oz. portion, and include salmon, rainbow trout and swordfish.
Seafood and Gastric Bypass
Including seafood in your diet following your gastric bypass can help you meet your daily protein needs without all the fat. Most of your seafood choices should include the lower-fat varieties to limit abdominal discomfort. In addition to providing protein, increasing your intake of seafood also reduces your risk of heart disease, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
References
- Weight-Control Information Network; Overweight and Obesity Statistics; February 2010
- American Society for Bariatric Surgery; Brief History and Summary of Bariatric Surgery; May 2005
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Seafood Nutrition Facts; January 2008
- Obesity Help: Nutritional Guidelines After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery
- U.S. Department of Agriculture; Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010; Food and Nutrients to Increase
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