For many Americans who are overweight, sticking to a healthy diet and weight loss plan is a lifelong commitment that can often be challenging. And for some, the option of gastric bypass surgery is an important and necessary component of a weight loss program. But in the long run, a gastric bypass should not be viewed as a solution, but rather a tool to help you with a lifelong diet. Therefore, it’s important to understand how to use this tool to the best of your ability.
After gastric bypass surgery, some major changes to the digestive system occur, making it a lifestyle change that must be closely monitored. By following a few key guidelines regarding diet changes, gastric bypass can make a world of a difference for one’s health.
Here are Health Fitness Revolution‘s Top 10 Foods to Eat after Gastric Bypass Surgery:
- Lean, Skinless Chicken: Protein is a major staple in the post gastric-bypass surgery, but visible fat and skin should be trimmed off. Protein not only aids the body in healing, but it is essential for sustained weight loss long-term.
- Eggs: Soft scrambling some eggs is a great way to get healthy protein and nutrients into the body while also being easy to digest. Avoid dry eggs and hard-boiled eggs after surgery.
- Lentils: They have 18 grams of protein, and 15 grams of fiber per cup. This is great because the protein helps the body heal, and the fiber aids with digestion after surgery.
- Yogurt: Eating non-fat, no sugar added Greek Yogurt is easily digested and gives an added boost of calcium to the healing body. If unflavored yogurt isn’t your thing, hand crush some fresh berries to put into the yogurt.
- Fish: Is perfect to eat because it is low-calories, high in protein, and packed with heart and brain friendly omega-3 fatty acids! Saltwater fish are also a source of Vitamin D- which helps curb depressions and anxiety.
- Steamed Cauliflower: Is a soft vegetable packed with fiber and nutrients. It is knowns to be anti-inflammatory, and improve blood pressure. The great thing about cauliflower is it’s versatility- you can turn it into a mash or eat as is. This is a great vegetable to eat if more fibrous vegetables are hurting your stomach.
- Cinnamon: Is a great way to add flavor to foods and to lower blood glucose levels.
- Oatmeal: Cooked, sugar-free cereal such as oatmeal or cream of rice digests easily. It is important to avoid all white breads with sugar added- and opt for the whole-grain, whole wheat variety instead.
- Berries: Berries are so healthy because they are packed with antioxidants and low in sugar. Pick blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries for a sweet treat. If eating them whole is an issue, they can be mashed or pureed. Do not add any sugar, and avoid high sugar fruits such as bananas and mangoes. Also avoid dried fruits which are loaded in sugar.
- Water: It is important to stay hydrated after gastric bypass- but small amounts of water must be consumed throughout the day consistently and regularly. Avoid drinking 30 minutes before or after eating. Also avoid sodas and any sugary drinks. It is best to drink pure water or natural, unsweetened teas.
Other tips:
- Do not drink while eating, it can lead to an uncomfortable problem called dumping.
- Do not drink with a straw, it can let air into the stomach
- Avoid sugar and alcohol
- Most gastric bypass patients cannot digest snack foods such as popcorn, nuts, seeds and coconut
- Listen to your body and your doctor
