Recovering from Weight Loss Surgery?

Recovery takes effort. The diet is strict. Your body is trying to heal. Your weight is beginning to adjust. The recovery stage of the process becomes easier once you start to see positive changes. The timing varies by patient. Some patients begin to lose pounds within days of their surgery. For others, a couple of months go by before they see noticeable weight loss. With courage and a circle of support, you will make it through recovery and start to do things like never before.

For a personal perspective on recovery, click here.

* What do I need to do to be successful after surgery?
* What if I'm not hungry after bariatric surgery?
* Is there any difficulty in taking medications?
* How long will I be off solid foods after bariatric surgery?
* Why can't I snack between meals?
* What are the best choices of protein?
* How can I be sure I am eating enough protein?
* Will I be able to eat "spicy" foods or seasoned foods?
* Will I get a list of suggested eating patterns & food after surgery?

What do I need to do to be successful after surgery?

Although the steps for recovery are different for everyone, here are some common examples:

• Immediately after bariatric surgery, your doctor will review the dietary instructions received in preoperative education.
• Many bariatric surgeons begin patients with liquid diets, and after a period of time, move them on to semisolid foods. Later, when the surgeon deems it appropriate, patients can begin eating solid foods.
• Easing slowly into a solid-food diet is necessary and important to allow time for proper healing of your new stomach pouch. It also allows time to learn the new way of eating and get used to new feelings of fullness. This prevents vomiting and helps you avoid stretching your pouch.

Bariatric patients may hear the following, but again, following your doctor’s specific orders is always best:

• When the patient is able to eat solid food, he or she should eat two to three meals per day.
• Recommended sources of protein are lean meats (chicken, turkey, and fish), lean ground beef, and other low-fat sources such as eggs, egg whites, low-fat cheese, low-fat cottage cheese, and fat-free, low-sugar yogurts.
• To help avoid dumping syndrome, you may want to cook foods without using fat and season food to taste. It’s a good idea to avoid sauces, gravies, butter, margarine, mayonnaise, and foods high in fat and/or sugar. Read labels and avoid sugars, sugar alcohols, and saturated fats greater than three to five grams per 1/4 to 1/2 cup serving.
• Eating between meals is often not suggested. Drinking flavored beverages, even diet soda, between meals is not suggested. Use only calorie-free, carbonation-free drinks.
• Staying hydrated with plenty of water is generally recommended. Avoid caffeine until 64 ounces of water can be consumed in a day.
• Patients are generally told to exercise aerobically every day for at least 20 minutes (walking, bike riding, stair climbing, etc.). Weight/resistance exercise can be added three to four days per week, as instructed by your doctor.

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What if I'm not hungry after bariatric surgery?

It's normal not to have an appetite for the first four to six months after bariatric surgery. Continue to drink liquids, and contact your bariatric surgeon or primary care physician if you are having trouble eating two to three meals a day.

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Is there any difficulty in taking medications?

Most pills or capsules are small enough to pass through the new stomach pouch. At first, your doctor may suggest that medications be taken in crushed or liquid form. As a general rule, ask your surgeon before taking whole pills/capsules if they are bigger than a small peanut. Some liquid medications (sorbitol, maltitol, xylitol) may cause dumping syndrome because of their excessive alcohol sugar content.

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How long will I be off solid foods after bariatric surgery?

Most bariatric surgeons recommend a period of four weeks or more without solid foods after bariatric surgery. A liquid diet, followed by semisolid foods, may be recommended for a period of time until necessary healing has occurred. Your surgeon will provide you with specific dietary guidelines.

Why can't I snack between meals?

Snacking usually involves high-calorie and high-fat foods. This can add hundreds of calories a day to your diet, possibly slowing your weight loss or even leading to weight gain. Snacking and uncontrolled eating may lead to less success with long-term weight loss.

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What are the best choices of protein?

Best choices include eggs, low-fat cheese, low-fat cottage cheese, tofu, fish, other seafood, chicken (dark meat), turkey (dark meat), lean ground beef, canned low-fat meats (tuna or canned white chicken), and thinly sliced deli meats.

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How can I be sure I am eating enough protein?

Most experts suggest 30 to 65 grams of protein a day. Check with your surgeon to find the right amount for your type of surgery. Too much protein is not beneficial, as it is used as a calorie source instead of protein for the body. Not having enough protein will result in fatigue. Without protein supplements, the average protein intake is 20 to 30 grams a day from regular food alone. Some programs recommend protein supplements, while other programs do not.

Will I be able to eat "spicy" foods or seasoned foods?

Most patients are able to enjoy spicy foods after the first six months following surgery.

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Will I get a list of suggested eating patterns & foods after surgery?

Surgeons provide patients with materials that clearly will describe a suggested diet and dietary expectations. After surgery, health and weight loss depend on following these guidelines. You must do your part by limiting high-calorie foods, avoiding sugar, snacks, and fats, and strictly following the diet set by your surgeon.

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