The change of diet required before and after bariatric surgery is a crucial component of the multifactorial commitment required to achieve the long term benefits of bariatric surgery. The most important portion of any weight loss surgery diet is that it is significantly different than the preexisting diet that resulted in obesity.

Bariatric surgery causes a permanent alteration of your intestines and in many ways a milestone for the beginning of a new way of living. It is important to understand that portion control and calorie restriction are just a piece of any diet meant for weight loss. It is not just the amount eaten, but also the content of the foods.

With the support of a dietician, it is intended that patients will come to an understanding about which foods will nourish the body, provide the nutrients needed and help maintain an ideal weight. It is also important to identify those foods that caused problems in the past and those with negative consequences on the body.

I am going shopping for my pre and post op diet and wanted a shopping list. Can you tell me what I will need?

If you have been scheduled for surgery then you have met with the dietitian a minimum of 2 times and the diet has been explained in detail. It is crucial at this point that you understand the diet that follows surgery. This will help you to purchase the items you need and prepare mentally for the dietary changes that accompany bariatric procedures. In an effort to help you prepare we have some wonderful resources and urge you to visit the website. The packet provided at the initial consultation contains all the dietary guidelines that you should refer to throughout the process. You can also

What is a safe amount of sugar per meal?

Ideally the foods you choose should have less than or equal to 8 grams of sugar per serving. Foods like dried fruits and juices may have high natural sugar content and should be avoided. Natural sugars from fruits or fruit juices do not have any fewer calories than table sugar and should not be considered low calorie substitutes. If the sugar content is high in proportion to the other carbohydrate content then it may not be a good choice.

Sugar is a carbohydrate. On food labels total carbohydrates include both complex carbohydrates such as starch and simple sugars such as table sugar and

How much liquid can I drink at once?

A generalized goal is to drink approximately 64 ounces per day. This number depends on your height, weight, age and activity level. Initially you can expect to feel full from a few sips of water or clear liquids. During the phase I or liquid diet try to consume 4 ounces every hour. This would be approximately 1 ounce every 15 minutes. As the diet advances increase you can increase your intake to between 6 and 8 ounces every hour. Remember that you have to separate your liquids from your solids. It may be helpful to create a schedule and keep a food diary so you can review your daily intake. It

What if I get stuck in a food rut?

Post surgery you may find foods that are easy to prepare and easily digested. Many patients stick with the foods that personally work. If you feel that you are in a rut and bored by the same foods consumed daily it would be a good idea to explore new foods. Remember to introduce new foods one at a time to see how they are tolerated.

You are allowed and encouraged to experiment but please follow the guidelines, read the food labels and act with information. Your stage 3 diet is in actuality how you will be eating for the rest of your life to maintain your weight. It will be up to you to

What if I do not experience dumping syndrome after eating a significant amount of sugar?

When a patient who has undergone a gastric bypass patient eats a sugary food, the sugar passes rapidly into the bowel, where it gives rise to a physiological reaction called dumping syndrome. The symptoms may include rapid heart rate; perfuse sweating, nausea, dizziness and diarrhea. Dumping syndrome is a side-effect of the operation and is best avoided. Dumping syndrome is not meant to be a means to help you lose weight. The best strategy is to avoid the high-calorie sugary foods that cause dumping syndrome which is why it is explained to you both before and after surgery. During the

Weight Stigma and Social Pressure

Being obese in the US is frequently accompanied by exposure to weight-related pressure and prejudice from a variety of sources, ranging from negative portrayals of obese individuals in the media to interpersonal difficulties with family members and co-workers. This can lead to negative physical and physiological health outcomes and is also associated with increased weight gain.

Choices

The Power of Choice

Many people have tried every diet, pill and program to shed pounds; but have been unable to lose the weight or maintain the weight loss. Often these people explore the idea of metabolic surgery as a way to gain control and make permanent lifestyle changes.

The Relationship between Obesity and Stress

Obesity Related Stress Management

Stress is a widely used term, yet the concept of stress in humans is difficult to define. Whilst generally perceived as a negative phenomenon, not all stress is bad; indeed a certain amount is necessary for us to function optimally.

Walking

Walking for Weight Loss

Every successful weight loss program includes both a meal plan and an exercise regimen. More than likely if you are struggling with obesity it has probably already been advised that you introduce some type of cardiovascular exercise into your lifestyle. These aerobic activities include; walking, running, cycling, spinning, swimming and dance classes.

Food Addiction

Food Addiction and the Dangers of Substituting Another Addiction

Food addiction or compulsive eating is a pathological disorder. The individual exhibits cravings and withdrawal symptoms similar to those noticed in drug addictions. This is because the same neurological pathways come into play in both cases.

Sugar, fat and salt demonstrating food addiction

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