Know about Bariatric surgery
Weight loss has gathered more and more importance today with people being aware of the health problems caused by excess weight, with many wanting to lead quality rather than quantity life. It is true that being able to remain active all life is more important than living a long life and being a burden to your own self and others.
So it is quite common for many that are not successful in their weight loss programs to opt for bariatric surgery that helps effectively in weight loss programs. However it is very essential that you understand that bariatric surgery is more easily thought of than it actually is, it involves not only risks but also would require of you to bring about significant changes in your food and eating habits.
It is right to explain bariatric surgery as a surgery that leads to alterations in your digestive system. It promotes weight loss by reducing the amount of food that your stomach can hold. It is again important to know that surgeons do not opt to do weight loss surgeries like bariatric surgery unless they are convinced that other methods of weight loss are not helping and surgery is required to remove the dangers to health due to excessive weight.
It is imperative to initially take liquids after this weight loss surgery. This is important as only liquids can be initially tolerated, with taking of high protein liquids every few hours helping till tolerance is built up. It is again important to note that it is best to eliminate drinks that are high in caffeine, lactose and soy, with it being advisable to take liquids that have low calorie like herbal tea, electrolyte drinks and broth. It also helps to avoid too much of sugary drinks, with this routine being continued for the first 15 days.
Once liquids are well tolerated it is time that soft foods are added slowly, with each food added gradually one at a time. Eggs, cottage cheese and yogurt can be introduced slowly; with new foods being introduced once the person’s body starts adjusting to the new food. In order to contribute to the success of your weight loss surgery it is best to avoid sticky foods like bread, peanut butter and cheese, as well as other fat and fried foods made with butter and mayonnaise.
Fluids are best avoided during meals and immediately thereafter, with it being important to however avoid dehydration by drinking fluids between meals. Next it is best to eat slowly and chew you food well, about 25 times before swallowing, as this would help the brain in getting time to signal to the body that it is full. After most such procedures the stomach would be able to hold only about 4 oz. to 6 oz. of food each meal, so overeating could make you not only uncomfortable, but also induce other symptoms like nausea, stomach pains and vomiting.
Understand bariatric surgery nutritional guidelines
Your decision to have bariatric surgery also talks of your being committed to lose weight. It is important to realize that after the surgery there are various changes in your anatomy and your digestive process functioning has undergone a change. Weight loss surgeries restrict the absorption of nutrients and could lead to the reduction of your food intake. It is also important to note this surgery could cause nutritional deficiencies, and you still need to consume proteins, fats and carbohydrates, but protein intake gathers more emphasis.
You still need to eat carbohydrates, protein and fat but the emphasis is on protein. It is also to be realized that over a period of time you need to increase the variety and consistency of your food, but your system would be able to only tolerate foods that are low in sugar, fats and calorie.
It would also not be possible to take red meats, chicken, high fiber fruits and vegetables as these foods would not be well tolerated.
It is again very important to know that your daily calorie intake should not exceed 1000 calories and you need to take about 65grams to 90 grams of protein every day and keep track of your food portions and calories. It is highly recommended that you take a chewable multivitamin as well as a chewable calcium supplement daily and also take care to assure that you are taking additional Vitamin B12, folate and iron as recommended by your physician. You would be helping to contribute to the success of your weight loss surgery; bariatric surgery when you say no to alcohol that just contributes excess empty calories and could also be the reason for dehydration.
It is also best to avoid food items that cause intolerance. This is best ascertained by keeping a food journal to note down foods you eat. It would also pay to note emotional triggers. Again it has been found that it is best to avoid eating peels, seeds and cores of fruits and vegetables, and to avoid tough and stringy meats. It is not necessary that you eat bland food after bariatric surgery; it is advisable to introduce seasoning one at a time. As your body develops tolerance it is best to introduce seasonings one at a time. It is best to avoid drinking juices by straw and chewing gum as they introduce air into the system.
As it has been appropriately said that once we need something very badly, we have to be able to make compromises for it; so once you start following the bariatric surgery nutritional guidelines after this weight loss surgery with a lifelong commitment, you will be sure to achieve desired and optimum results for a life.