| |
|
 |
(D)
Diet
| Q. How long will I be off solid foods after weight loss surgery? |
A. Most bariatric
surgeons recommend a period of four weeks or more without solid
foods after weight loss surgery. This is the time required for
adequate healing of the staple line. During this period, a
regimen of liquid diet followed by pureed food is recommended.
We will provide you with specific dietary guidelines for the
best post-surgical outcome.
| Q. What will my long term diet be like ? |
A. Eat three small meals a
day.
- Keep a record of your dietary intake. Include
everything you eat and drink: the date, time and amount of each
meal. Start keeping this record (food diary) from one week after
the surgery so if you begin having problems with vomiting,
diarrhea or malabsorption. we can review your food record and
make recommendations.
· Not only is there an
adjustment to make about the quantity but also quality of food
you should eat. When you are able to eat solid foods again, eat
food high in protein. Protein foods are very important for the
healing of staple line of your pouch. Protein in the form of
lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish) and other low-fat sources
should be eaten first. These should comprise at least half the
volume of the meal eaten. Foods should be cooked without fat and
seasoned to taste. Avoid sauces, gravies, butter, margarine,
mayonnaise and junk foods. Hair loss is one effect of not eating
enough protein.
· You will also have to learn to
eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. Food not chewed
properly will not pass through the narrow stoma and may cause
vomiting.
· Stop eating as soon as you feel full.
If you do not stop, you may have vomiting and it will put strain
on the staple line.
· Do not eat sweets! This
includes sweetened chewing gum, candy and regular sodas. Beware
of hidden sweets (cereals with honey or sugar
coatings).
· You may be unable to tolerate
certain foods, especially those containing fat and sugar. A
balanced diet of 1000 – 1200 calories a day is recommended.
·
Drink 2 liters or more of water each day. Water must be consumed
slowly, 1-2 mouthfuls at a time, due to the restrictive effect
of the operation.
· Never drink water or any fluid
with the meal. Drink fluids thirty minute to an hour after
meals. Taking fluids before or at meal time may cause bloating,
low food intake, vomiting, or dumping syndrome. It will also
flush the food through the stoma and you will feel hungry again.
·
Do not drink flavored beverages, even diet soda, between meals
·
Exercise aerobically every day for at least 20 minutes (one-mile
brisk walk, bike riding, stair climbing, etc.). Weight /
resistance exercise can be added 3-4 days per week.
| Q. What are the best choices of protein? |
A.
Vegetarian : Legumes (dried beans), low-fat cheese, low fat
cottage cheese, tofu, low fat yogurt with artificial sweeteners,
oatmeal and cream of wheat made with skimmed milk, non-fat dry
milk powder, skimmed or 1% milk.
Non-vegetarian : Poultry,
eggs, fish and other seafood.
| Q. Why drink so much water? |
A. When you are losing weight, there
are many waste products to eliminate, mostly in the urine. Some
of these substances tend to form crystals, which can cause
kidney stones. A high water intake protects you and helps your
body rid itself of waste products efficiently, which in turn,
promotes rapid weight loss. Water also fills your stomach and
helps to prolong and intensify your sense of satisfaction with
food. If you feel a desire to eat between meals, it may be
because you did not drink enough water the hour before.
| Q. What is the Dumping Syndrome? |
A. Eating sugars or
other foods containing many small particles when you have an
empty stomach can cause dumping syndrome in gastric bypass
patients. Your body handles these small particles by diluting
them with water, which reduces blood volume and causes a
shock-like state. Sugar may also induce an insulin reaction due
to the altered physiology of your intestinal tract. The result
is a very unpleasant feeling. You break out in a cold clammy
sweat, turn pale, feel "butterflies" in your stomach,
and have a pounding pulse. Cramps and diarrhea may follow. This
state can last for 30-60 minutes and can be quite uncomfortable.
This syndrome can be avoided by not eating the foods that cause
it, especially on an empty stomach. A small amount of sweets,
such as fruit, can sometimes be well tolerated at the end of a
meal.
| Q. What about milk and dairy products? |
A.
Milk contains lactose (milk sugar), which is not well digested.
This sugar passes through undigested until bacteria in the lower
bowel act on it producing irritating by-products as well as gas.
Depending on individual tolerance, some persons find even the
smallest amount of milk can cause cramps, gas and diarrhea.
| Q. Why can't I snack between meals? |
A.
Snacking, nibbling or grazing on foods, usually high-calorie and
high-fat foods, can add hundreds of calories a day to your
intake, defeating the restrictive effect of your operation.
Snacking will slow down your weight loss and can even lead to
weight gain.
| Q. Why can't I eat red meat after surgery? |
A. You can in time, but it should be
avoided for the first several months. Red meats contain a high
level of meat fibers (gristle) which hold the piece of meat
together and will require you to thoroughly chew each piece.
Even so, the gristle could plug the outlet of your stomach pouch
and prevent anything from passing through making you very
uncomfortable.
| Q. How can I be sure I am eating enough protein? |
A. 40 to 65 grams a day are
generally sufficient. Check with your dietician to determine the
right amount for you.
| Q. Is there any restriction of salt intake? |
A. No, your salt
intake will be unchanged unless otherwise instructed by your
primary care physician.
| Q. Will I be able to eat "spicy" foods or seasoned foods? |
A.
Most patients are able to enjoy spices after the initial 6
months following surgery.
| Q. Will I be allowed to drink alcohol? |
A. You will find that even
small amounts of alcohol will affect you quickly. Alcohol is
high in calories and will significantly alter your calorie
balance. It is suggested that you drink no alcohol for the first
year. Thereafter, you may have a glass of wine or a small
cocktail for social purpose not more than once a fortnight.
| Q. Will I need supplemental vitamins? |
A. Most surgeons recommend a daily multivitamin
for the rest of your life. Vitamin B12 injections are sometimes
suggested once a month for the first year and every six months
thereafter. It may also be taken orally or sublingually (under
the tongue) by many patients.
| Q. Is it important to take calcium, iron or trace elements? |
A.
It is strongly advisable and most patients require these
supplements.
| Q. Will I get a copy of suggested eating patterns and food choices after surgery? |
A. We provide patients with materials that clearly
outline their expectations regarding diet and compliance to
guidelines for the best outcome based on your surgical procedure
and prior health status. After surgery, health and weight loss
are highly dependent on patient compliance with these
guidelines. You must do your part by restricting high-calorie
foods, by avoiding sugar, snacks and fats, and by strictly
following the guidelines set in the book for optimal results. |
|
|
| Obesity
Surgery : |
| | |
| |
| |
|
| Weight
loss surgery : |
| | |
|
| |
|
| Gastric Bypass : |
| | |
| |
|
| Gastric Banding : |
| | | | | |
| |
|
| FAQ : |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
| | | | | | |
| |
|
|
|
Copyright © 2005-06, Dr. A K Kriplani. All
Rights are Reserved. |
Website Design & Promoted by Webtel Technologies
|
|
|
|
|
