After bariatric surgery, your body and mind will undergo many changes. You’ll experience many physical changes as you lose weight, which may require some adjustment – the along with new clothes. You may also have new thoughts and emotions about your body as it changes. As all of this is happening, you’ll need to make healthy food choices every day that can help you stay on track towards reaching your weight loss goal.
Having a good support system in place will help you process these changes. Involve your friends, family or co-workers in your weight loss journey so they can provide encouragement if you need it. You may also want to consider joining a bariatric surgery support group to discuss the changes you’re experiencing with others who may easily relate to what is happening in your life.
Bariatric Surgery and Diet Changes
While having weight loss surgery is an important step in losing weight, what you do after surgery will impact your long-term health and level of success with weight management.
Following surgery the amount of food you can eat at one time will be reduced, but you’ll still have to make healthy food choices. Your body needs nutrients to thrive, and after weight loss surgery, getting the correct balance of nutrients is especially important.
Supplements for Optimal Nutrition
Your bariatric surgery team will provide you with specific guidelines regarding what your post-bariatric diet should include, which you should adhere to as strictly as possible. Supplementation may also be required to ensure you are getting adequate nutrients.
Taking vitamins and supplements can help maximize the level of nutrients that you are getting in your diet. Here are a few of the most common vitamins and supplements taken after weight loss surgery:
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Calcium
- Multivitamin
Hydration after Surgery
Since drinking with meals is to be avoided completely, you may also have to make changes to your water consumption habits. Remember, water is an essential nutrient, and staying hydrated is as important for your health as ever after weight loss surgery. However, you will be advised not to drink fluids with your meals. Drinking fluids can cause you to feel full and prevent you from taking in the additional food you need to meet your daily nutrition requirements. In some cases, drinking while eating may also lead to vomiting.
Do your best to sip on water throughout the day. Carrying a water bottle with you is a good idea, and you can refill it as needed. While the amount of calories you need daily will decrease after surgery, your recommended water intake will not.
Along with making changes to what you eat, you’ll have to adjust to the way you eat. You’ll become full quickly, and your digestive system will handle what you consume differently. To compensate for this, slow down as you eat and be very aware of the nutrient content of the calories you consume, along with the quantity.
Remember that adapting to your new body and way of life after bariatric surgery will take some time. You’ve made a significant commitment to improve your health, which is something to celebrate. Changing ingrained habits can be challenging so ask for any help you may need on your continued journey to better health.