Just got bariatric surgery done? Add these food to your diet now

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment option for weight loss and weight maintenance in the long term. However, it is important to understand that bariatric surgery is a tool that facilitates weight loss. It is not the end of the journey but the beginning of the road to good health and lifestyle.

Following a healthy diet after surgery is imperative to get the best weight loss outcome, in order to minimise nutritional deficiencies in the future and for prevention of weight regain in the long term.

Here’s a list of foods that must be a part of your diet post-bariatric surgery:

1. Nutrient-dense foods

Food intake is restricted post-bariatric surgery, and thus it is important to focus more on nutrient-dense foods and less on foods with empty calories. Nutrient-dense foods are foods that are rich in nutrients, and required for the body to function effectively. At the same time, they provide low to moderate calories. 

Some of these foods are: 

• Nuts 
• Seeds
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Sprouts
• Milk 
• Curd/ Yogurt
• Low-fat cottage cheese
• Soya and soya products

2. Protein-rich foods

Protein is very crucial, as it helps in smooth post-operative recovery, prevents excess muscle loss and provides satiety. To ensure better absorption, the golden rule is to add protein-rich foods in every meal rather than adding too much protein in one meal.

Also, read: 5 misconceptions about bariatric surgery that must be debunked right away

Protein-rich foods include:

• Meat (low fat cuts)
• Eggs
• Milk and milk products – Low-fat milk, curd, yogurt, cottage cheese, low-fat cheese, etc.
• Soya and soya products – Soyabean, soya milk, tofu, soya chunks/ granules, etc.
• Sprouts
• Pulses and dals
• Protein supplements and foods fortified with protein – Protein powders, protein water, protein bars, protein biscuits, protein chips, etc.

3. Foods rich in fibre

Fibre is another important nutrient that helps to regulate blood sugar, bowel movement and decreases hunger pangs. Like protein, fibre should also be a part of every meal to improve the glycemic load of the meal and delay subsequent meals.

Some of the fibre rich foods are as follows:

• Vegetables
• Fruits – Apple, guava, pear, papaya, sweet-lime, orange, chikoo, etc.
• Pulses 
• Sprouts
• Nuts
• Seeds 

4. Fluids

Intolerance to plain water is common post-bariatric surgery, which may result in dehydration, constipation and fatigue. In order to avoid these concerns, it is best to consume other low-calorie liquid options to meet your fluid requirements.

Low calorie liquid options are:

• Infused water
• Flavored water (Using zero sugar water flavorings/ fresh fruits)
• Lemon water
• Buttermilk
• Vegetable juice
• Vegetable soups
• Green tea
• Protein water

Make sure to include these foods post-surgery!