A change in dietary habit and composition is essential after a weight loss surgery. The patient is mentally prepared before surgery for this major change in life so as to achieve and sustain the weight loss. The weight loss surgery involves restrictive procedures (restrict volume of food consumed), malabsorptive procedures (reduce absorption of nutrients) and combined procedures. As a result, there is a risk of malnutrition. The following foods are recommended to be consumed with the aim of reducing weight and at the same time, prevention of deficiency of essential nutrients. A healthy eating plan is a must.
Proteins: The base of the bariatric food is protein. The high protein foods are also a rich source of micronutrients which include B vitamins, iron, calcium, phosphorous, zinc, selenium and magnesium. Proteins help in muscle building and is expected when the body loses fat deposits and relative proportion of muscle increases. The capability to perform exercise improves after loss of weight and proteins are required for strengthening of muscles.
The commonly available high-protein foods include Eggs, cheese, fish, shrimp, scallops, crab, poultry, beef, pork, turkey, beans, lentils and Tofu.
Vitamins and minerals: Though fresh fruits and vegetables are a good source, supplements are required to ensure adequate absorption. B vitamins, Iron, calcium and folic acid are recommended to be taken regularly.
Foods to be avoided: Foods high in sugar and fat should be avoided so as to cut down on calories and ensure weight loss; though minimal amount of fats and carbohydrates are part of the diet. Sugar consumption can also cause ‘dumping syndrome’ which is characterized by a feeling of light headedness, nausea, vomiting, palpitations and fainting. The foods which have a very high fat content and should be avoided are butter, margarine, oils, cream, mayonnaise, bacon, salad dressing, fried foods and desserts.
Long term advice: The patients must choose foods with good nutritional value. They should learn to read food labels and restrict fat and sugar intake. They should choose low-fat, low-sugar and lean protein foods. A variety should be selected and stored to avoid monotony.
Tags: weight loss surgery
Proteins: The base of the bariatric food is protein. The high protein foods are also a rich source of micronutrients which include B vitamins, iron, calcium, phosphorous, zinc, selenium and magnesium. Proteins help in muscle building and is expected when the body loses fat deposits and relative proportion of muscle increases. The capability to perform exercise improves after loss of weight and proteins are required for strengthening of muscles.
The commonly available high-protein foods include Eggs, cheese, fish, shrimp, scallops, crab, poultry, beef, pork, turkey, beans, lentils and Tofu.
Vitamins and minerals: Though fresh fruits and vegetables are a good source, supplements are required to ensure adequate absorption. B vitamins, Iron, calcium and folic acid are recommended to be taken regularly.
Foods to be avoided: Foods high in sugar and fat should be avoided so as to cut down on calories and ensure weight loss; though minimal amount of fats and carbohydrates are part of the diet. Sugar consumption can also cause ‘dumping syndrome’ which is characterized by a feeling of light headedness, nausea, vomiting, palpitations and fainting. The foods which have a very high fat content and should be avoided are butter, margarine, oils, cream, mayonnaise, bacon, salad dressing, fried foods and desserts.
Long term advice: The patients must choose foods with good nutritional value. They should learn to read food labels and restrict fat and sugar intake. They should choose low-fat, low-sugar and lean protein foods. A variety should be selected and stored to avoid monotony.
Tags: weight loss surgery
