After undergoing bariatric surgery, your stomach's size is significantly reduced. You’ll feel fuller faster, which decreases your chances of overeating.
Weight loss surgery represents a major life change, physically and emotionally. It impacts not only the quantity of food you can eat, but the types of food you can tolerate as well.
We’re here to help support your weight loss journey with seven types of food to avoid after having bariatric surgery. Keep reading to learn more.
Dietary Considerations After Bariatric Surgery
Here are some foods and drinks you should limit or completely avoid after weight loss surgery:
- High-fat, high-sugar foods, including foods like ice cream, candies, chips, fried foods and pastries. After weight loss surgery, your body's ability to process fat and sugar may be reduced, leading to discomfort, nausea or "dumping syndrome,” a condition that can cause vomiting, nausea and dizziness.
- Sugary beverages like soda, fruit juice and sweetened teas should be avoided; they can contribute to dumping syndrome and they offer little to no nutritional value. Drinking them can also cause your smaller stomach to fill up without providing nutrition.
- Alcohol is high in calories, can irritate your stomach and is often dehydrating. It can also be absorbed more quickly into your system after bariatric surgery, increasing its effects.
- Meats that are tough or not cooked properly can be difficult to digest and may cause discomfort.
- Breads, pasta and other starchy foods can be difficult for your body to break down and can cause discomfort or blockage in your new, smaller stomach.
- Caffeinated beverages can be dehydrating and might not be tolerated well after surgery.
- Carbonated drinks can cause bloating, cramping and reflux.
Your Trusted Weight Loss Journey Partners
Remember, everyone is different and may react differently to various foods after bariatric surgery. You might find that foods you used to enjoy, you no longer like and vice versa.
Always consult with your doctor or dietitian before making any dietary changes after surgery. Your support team at AdventHealth will help you create a personalized eating plan that suits your nutritional needs and is appropriate for your post-surgery digestive system.
As your experts in bariatric care, we know that weight loss surgery is more than just a medical procedure. It offers you the chance for a fresh start and a new you. Imagine what a healthy future can look like and find a solution that works for you with us by your side every step of the way.
Visit us at AdventHealthWeightLoss.com. You deserve to feel whole.
