During the 5 days prior to surgery you can include low fat or fat free milk and a protein supplement that is prepared with 4oz. of skim milk. After surgery you will follow a clear liquid diet in the hospital and for approximately one week when you return home. This will include water, crystal light, sugar free gelatin and only clear liquids. By week two post- op you can advance to a full liquid diet and this may include 1%, skim or skim plus milk, regular or light soy milk, and regular or unsweetened almond milk. These selections contain 35-50 calories and 1-8 grams of protein per 4 oz. serving.
FAQ
The idea of using a variety of spices to make food more tasty and appealing is a wonderful idea and may help to stay you on track. As you begin to puree foods and transition to Stage 3 or whole foods feel free to experiment with different flavors. Keep in mind that spicy food may be an irritant. The idea of preparing foods at home may be a new experience and spices are a wonderful alternative to salt, sugar and fat. Using spices like garlic, onion, turmeric, cumin and thyme can enhance flavor, improve your diet and help you to stick with your new eating plan.
You can have a sugar free candy or mint like breath savers or tic tacs prior to surgery. These products generally have 1-5 calories per piece and can help reduce a bad taste in your mouth. After surgery you may want to hold off on consuming these products during the first few weeks after surgery. Many products that are labeled sugar free are made with sugar alcohols and this can cause dumping syndrome. The symptoms of this include gas, bloating and diarrhea. In order to prevent swallowing air, which fills up your stomach, avoid chewing gum after surgery.
I want each of you to consider your eating habits prior to surgery. If you have a compulsive personality you may have trouble controlling your daily intake of these bite size sugar free products. This example will better illustrate how and why these products can be problem. The brand sorbee, makes Crystal light hard candies which contain 25 calories for 4 pieces. That same serving also contains 13 grams of carbohydrate which is equal to 13 grams of the sugar alcohol isomalt. A bariatric patient who eats 1 candy per hour may have 8-10 candies throughout the day. That means they will have consumed 200-250 calories and nearly 30 grams of sugar alcohols that day. As you start to advance the diet you want to teach yourself better eating habits. This will include being accountable for all of the calories you consume per day and these hard candies will have to be included in your food log. Remember you can choose to have a sugar free hard candy but moderation is going to be the key to success on this journey.
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 access this information on our website. The site provides an extensive shopping list and a detailed chart of what you can consume vs. things to be avoided.
You will be following a liquid diet for 5 days before surgery and 2 weeks post operatively. The clear liquid diet referred to as Phase I, consists only of zero calorie and sugar free beverages. In addition, things that melt at room temperature like sugar free jello and sugar free ice pops are part of the Phase I meal plan. During the 5 days before surgery there is no limit on how much liquid you can consume throughout the day. After surgery the goal is to consume 4 ounces every hour that you are awake for a minimum of 48 ounces per day. If you have any other questions please contact the office or email the dietitian.
One fresh squeezed orange yields approximately 3oz of juice and contains 39 calories and 9 grams of carbohydrate. If you are craving something sweet and refreshing you can have fresh squeezed orange juice and dilute with water to create more volume.
As you move to Phase 3 of the diet keep in mind that all beverages have calories and may have previously contributed to excess intake of calories and subsequently obesity. An 8 oz. glass of Tropicana orange juice has 108 calories and 26 grams of carbohydrates which is the equivalent of eating 2 oranges. Remember to account for all food and beverages by keeping track throughout the day of calories consumed. These all natural products are not necessarily sugar free and certainly not calorie free.
| Morbid Obesity |
The causes of morbid obesity are multiple and complex. Despite conventional wisdom, it is not simply a result of overeating. Research has shown that, in many cases, significant, underlying causes of morbid obesity are genetic, environmental, and social. Studies have demonstrated that, once the problem is established, efforts such as dieting and exercise programs have a limited ability to provide effective long-term relief.
Patients who undergo weight loss surgery sometimes complain of problems with their hair and fingernails during the first year or so after the operation. They are a few possible explanations related to the stress state after the operation as well as possible nutritional deficiencies.
Immediately after a gastric bypass, you may lose as much as a pound or two of weight each day. When the body is losing weight this quickly, it sometimes goes into a stress state in order to conserve resources. The result of this is that hair and fingernail growth might not be the same as it was before the operation. Typically this is stress-state after the operation is temporary and once your weight once again stabilizes then your hair and nail growth will return to its pre-surgery level.
One nutritional deficiency that can cause problems with fingernails is iron deficiency. Signs of iron deficiency include brittle nails, constipation, depression, headaches, fatigue and mouth lesions. Some patients can develop severe anemia, even with supplements and can be treated with parenteral iron therapy. This may occur more often in menstruating women. It is very important that you take your vitamins after you have your operation and continue to drink protein supplements between meals.
Another possibility to explain problems with fingernails and hair growth is Biotin deficiency. Biotin deficiency may cause problems with hair and nails and therefore cause them to become brittle and weak. There are no known common side effects for biotin supplementation. An adequate amount should be somewhere between 30 and 100 micrograms. To improve hair and nails, an effective dosage would be 1000 to 3000 micrograms per day. Any concerns should be discussed with both your doctor and dietitian so that you receive appropriate recommendations.
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 experiment with recipes and spices to make the food more interesting. There are unlimited free resources online where you can find heart healthy, low fat, low sugar recipes and ideas. Remember to pay attention to the serving sizes and consume only one portion. During stage 3 Post gastric bypass surgery you may only be able to eat ¼-1/2 of a serving.
The group meetings that you attended prior to surgery are available to all patients post surgery. We encourage you to remain part of the bariatric patient community. It is a good idea to come and ask questions and network with other patients. As you lose weight and gain confidence and enthusiasm it is important to remember that the surgery is not a cure for obesity. Attending group meeting will remind you that weight gain is a possibility and weight maintenance is hard work. If you have specific food related questions and already a patient of Dr. Belsley that please feel free to reach out to our team.
There are multiple side effects that can occur after laparoscopic gastric bypass or laparoscopic banding.
Side effects include:
– Vomiting
– Dumping syndrome
– Nutritional deficiencies
– Gallstones
– Need to avoid pregnancy temporarily
– Nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, excessive sweating, increased gas, and dizziness