After bariatric surgery, the patient’s recovery and nutritional status should be followed regularly. It is extremely important for weight loss that the person’s target weight and weight management after surgery are decided according to the weight that the doctor deems appropriate.
A continuous weight loss is observed in patients after gastric surgery, but the patient should pay attention to nutrition and exercise in order to maintain the new weight form. Here is the diet you should pay attention to after bariatric surgery:
1. Pay attention to the nutrition and diet stages up to the standard diet.
In general, the standard feeding period for patients with gastric surgery begins in the 2nd month after surgery. Under the control of the doctor and dietitian, the nutritional rules should be followed step by step until the normal nutrition process;
In the first stage, the patient should follow a clear liquid diet. Fluid consumption for bowel movements should not be skipped at this stage. Usually, this stage is overcome under the control of a doctor during hospitalization. The patient can consume water, light tea, and fruit juice compotes without grains.
Fluid consumption should be continued for about 2 weeks after the surgery. Liquids such as water, herbal teas, milk, yogurt, and ayran can be consumed without being too hot or cold. The most important nutrient is water. 8-10 glasses of water should be consumed daily. Caffeine, carbonated drinks, and citrus drinks should be avoided.
In the next stage, the patient should continue to be fed with a puree diet. Consumption of 3 main and 3 intermediate foods should be done. Meals should not be skipped, even if hunger is not felt, meals should be continued. Continuity to main meals and snacks for body resistance ensures faster and safer recovery of the patient.
In the soft-solid feeding phase, attention should be paid to everything that must be followed in the previous stages. A diet rich in protein and fiber can be started. Soft-solid feeding should be continued for about 3-4 weeks.
The next stage is the standard diet. The person can consume any food recommended according to body tolerance without skipping or increasing meals. Low-fat and lean meat and dairy products can be consumed. As much as possible from heavy foods, caffeine, and alcohol; Spicy foods should be avoided.
2. Eat mindfully and make healthy eating your lifestyle.
When a healthy diet becomes a lifestyle, the recovery time will be shortened after bariatric surgery and you will have a healthier and fitter body.
Breakfast, the first meal of the day, should not be served late, the body should not stay hungry and thirsty for too long, and a protein and fiber-based diet should be given. At least 7-8 glasses of water should be drunk daily.
Since the stomach becomes much more sensitive after stomach surgery, it is necessary to chew the food well in order to avoid pain and cramps. Since the patient is aware of what he is eating with well-ground foods, the pleasure of what he eats will increase at that rate.
3. Continue your exercises after your bariatric surgery for lean body mass.
Exercises, when performed in a planned manner together with nutritional therapy after gastric surgery, ensure that the body mass is kept in balance. It has undertaken a great role in continuous and healthy weight loss. In order to eliminate and prevent diseases that occur with excess weight, exercises should be performed without interruption as recommended by the doctor.
Short walks are recommended after surgery. After a few weeks, exercises to increase the heart rate can be done. After 1 month, the patient can continue normal sports activities without exerting himself too much.
