Bariatric Diet Needs

Whether you are preparing for bariatric surgery, just had the procedure or are in the long-term maintenance stage following the surgery, your diet is extremely important. As you lose weight and your body changes, your dietary and nutritional needs will also have to be adjusted.

Weight loss surgery requires you to make a lifetime commitment. It’s very important to have a consultation with a nutritionist/dietician and surgeon before your surgery, so they can help explain the changes you’ll be required to make to your diet and lifestyle before and after bariatric surgery.

Before the surgery

The sooner you can get started with a healthier diet, the better. Eating healthy foods, drinking more water and starting on a gentle exercise program are excellent ways to prepare for bariatric surgery. In fact, some surgeons even require patients to lose 10% of their weight before the procedure, to help decrease the risks of complications.

Typically, your surgeon will get you started on your pre-bariatric surgery diet 2-3 months before the procedure. These types of diets are normally low-calorie and high-protein and designed to reduce your body fat, preserve lean body mass and also prepare you for the changes you’ll have to make after surgery.

These changes also get you into the habit of eating less, drinking more water, making healthier food choices and also prepare you for the life-long changes you’ll be required to make after surgery, in order to help increase the success rate of your bariatric experience.

After the surgery

After your surgery, it’s absolutely essential to follow your surgeon and nutritionist’s diet recommendations. This will allow you to heal properly and get the nutrition you need while eating less and continuing to lose weight. Weight loss surgery will often yield quick results, and help you lose excess weight and body fat. But, remember – nearly 70% of weight loss surgery patients gain most of their weight back. The number one reason for this is failing to follow post-surgery dietary recommendations prescribed by the surgeon or dietician.

Before the surgery, your surgeon will have likely recommended a diet to help prepare you for the drastic dietary changes required after you have had the procedure. These diets typically include high protein, low calorie items, so you will be eating healthier and also eating less. After surgery, it takes 9-12 weeks for a bariatric surgery patient to progress to eating solid foods.

You will also likely have to take nutritional supplements, vitamins and minerals for the rest of your life. After surgery, some nutrients can no longer be absorbed in your modified stomach and intestine. Once the surgery has taken place, protein will become your top priority, and foods with the most protein should typically be consumed first. Bariatric patients often choose high-protein liquid supplements, such as soups and shakes to consume the amount of protein they need in their diets. 

Post-surgery, all recommendations and guidelines vary depending on your surgeon and nutritionist, and are based on your individual dietary needs and the type of surgery you’ve had. It’s extremely important to adhere to the guidelines prescribed by your doctor, especially to maximize the success of your procedure and help ensure long-term maintenance of your weight loss.

Long Term Maintenance

Once you have lost your excess weight, and have entered the maintenance stage of your bariatric experience, it’s very important to continue following the new rules you have worked so hard to implement. Some of these rules could include:

• Eating high-protein foods first.
• Eating smaller portions and smaller meals.
• Eating slowly and concentrating on chewing each bite several times before swallowing.
• Drinking slowly, avoiding fluids while eating meals, and remembering to take smaller sips.
• Including vegetables and fruit in your meals, as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
• Taking supplements every day to ensure you are getting proper nutrition.
• Trying to integrate at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, in addition to your normal daily activities.*

Focus28 has a fantastic array of healthy snacks, complete meals, meal replacements, and shakes and beverages to help you maintain your weight. These products are developed specifically for bariatric patients and are designed to help you stay on track with your diet. In fact, many products even come in small packets, so they are easy to store in your vehicle or pack in your bag for emergency snack attacks.

We also carry a special line of vitamins and supplements that are packed with the nutrients your body needs to remain strong and healthy, long after you’ve had your bariatric surgery.

Important: *Remember to always consult your surgeon and/or dietician before starting any type of diet or exercise program.