In the early months after weight loss surgery, it may be difficult to eat — getting your protein and fluids in each day is a challenge. Overtime, meeting your daily protein and fluid goals gets easier.
However, with being able to tolerate more foods and beverages, it is easy to start to slip back into old eating habits. At this point in your weight loss journey, it is more important than ever to stay true to your bariatric basics.
I often say to patients: “The strategies you use to lose weight are the very same strategies you use to keep the weight off for good.”
What you need to do to lose weight after Bariatric Surgery?
- Eat protein based meals (get in 60-90 grams* daily)
- Eat protein first, followed by non-starchy vegetables and then a healthy carb — if you still have “room.”
- Keep total calories to no more than 1000 daily (unless otherwise directed)
- Drink 64 ounces of non-carbonated, calorie free, caffeine free fluids daily
- Exercise at least 5 days per week for at least 30 minutes
- Take all vitamin and mineral supplements daily.
- Do not eat and drink at the same time.
What do you need to do to maintain your weight loss after Bariatric Surgery?
- Eat protein based meals (get in 60-90 grams daily)
- Eat protein first, followed by non-starchy vegetables and then a healthy carb — if you still have “room.”
- Keep total calories to no more than 1000 daily (unless otherwise directed)
- Drink 64 ounces of non-carbonated, calorie free, caffeine free fluids daily
- Exercise at least 5 days per week for at least 30 minutes
- Take all vitamin and mineral supplements daily.
- Do not eat and drink at the same time.
Notice the strategies are identical — the plan does not change. If you find you are regaining weight, start to log all foods and beverages into MyFitnessPal app (or a similar app). Logging foods and beverages creates a sense of awareness and accountability needed to help get back on track. Be sure to be as detailed as possible; sometimes it’s something like a condiment or a cooking method that’s increasing your calorie intake.
Has your physical activity levels decreased? Get moving! Exercise is a critical part of weight loss and weight maintenance. Still struggling? Call the office at 732-982-2002 for an appointment with the dietitian and start to attend our bariatric support group meetings regularly.
Post a comment or question below! I’d love to hear from you.
*protein needs may vary depending on the individual
Dietitian’s Corner by Lori Skurbe
Dietitian’s Corner is a monthly column for post-op and pre-op patients of bariatric surgery in NJ written by Prime Surgicare’s Lori Skurbe. Lori has been a dietitian for over 20 years with an extensive background in weight management, bariatric nutrition and diabetes education.