Healthy Eating
Nutrition is a big concern after weight loss surgery, but what can you eat? Before weight loss surgery, you ate more, so chances are you didn’t have to think as much about whether you were getting the right combination of essential nutrients. Now, you are going to have to put some effort into creating a balanced meal plan that helps maintain your weight and keeps you healthy.
Protein Is the Key
Protein is a key part of life after weight loss surgery. Protein is the body’s building block. This macronutrient is used in most critical functions, and it is necessary for healing. You are going to get full fast, so eat high-protein foods first, including:
- Eggs
- Poultry
- Lean meat
- Fish
- Cheese
- Milk
If you don’t eat meat, stick with beans and soy products for protein. If necessary, your doctor may suggest a protein supplement to enhance your intake. The ultimate goal is around 55 to 80 grams of protein each day.
What Foods Should You Avoid
The human body needs carbohydrates for energy, but that doesn’t mean you need a lot of starchy foods like bread or potatoes. Focus instead on fruits and vegetables for carbohydrates. Try to include at least one with each meal. That means a high-protein portion and one fruit or vegetable every time you eat. Stay away from:
- Corn
- Potatoes
- Breads
- Pasta
- Fatty meats
- Rice
The staff will give you a complete list of foods you cannot eat after weight loss surgery. Sweets are a particular concern because they can trigger dumping after some types of surgery. Avoid the empty calories you get from cakes and cookies.
How to Ensure You Get Proper Nutrition
You must also learn a better way of managing your diet and food intake. The little things add up when you are trying to lose weight.
- Grazing – If every time you walk into the kitchen you pick up something or grab a handful of snack food, you are a grazer.
- Habitual Eating – A habitual eater learns to associate food with certain activities. You never watch a movie without popcorn, for example.
Breaking these bad food habits is part of what you go through to ensure you get proper nutrition after weight loss surgery.