After a bariatric surgery, your body will need to recover and get the best benefits food can give you. As you progress through your journey, your diet will evolve from a clear-liquid diet to a full one. While your doctor knows best what food items you should include – and which ones you should avoid, we have rounded up the Top 10 best foods for bariatric patients.
9 – Broth
The clear liquid stage can sound challenging, but with the correct guidance it will pass quickly. It is super important that you keep your body hydrated to help you recover. A good way to have a savory meal is to drink vegetable or chicken non-fat broth. This meal is full of nutrients, it can help your joints and its gentle on your stomach.
8 – Sugar-free gelatin
Do you have a sweet tooth? Then, why not try adding some gelatin to your diet? Gelatin is made from animal collagen, so it’s great on your skin, hair, tendons, ligaments and bones! Additionally, it’s so convenient you can use it as a midday snack or as dessert.
7 – Lean meat
Your body needs to develop new muscles and the best way to help it recover is to consume high-protein foods. Lean meat, poultry, pork and fish will provide you with the nutrients you need after surgery without adding fat to the mixture. Try low-fat turkey breast, broiled fish, or chicken breast fajitas to make the combinations you like!
6 – Fruit smoothies
Once you transition from a clear-liquid diet to a full-liquid diet, fruit smoothies will definitively be your favorite snack. Fruit smoothies provide you with the energy and vitamins fruits have, but in a nicer and more convenient shape. Try different combinations to meet your cravings but bear in mind portion-control. You don’t want to overdo it with the fruits’ natural sugar.
5 – Leafy greens
Vegetables are a must in your post-OP diet. Try to include them in every meal to keep you going without the added calories. While all vegetables are nutrient-rich foods, there is one group that excels in this category: leafy greens. Dark green vegetables like spinach or kale are good for your stomach, muscles and mind (Iron is a super important nutrient and these bad boys have tons). Also, they are so versatile that you can cook them, eat them in a salad or even add them to your fruit smoothie without changing its flavor!
4 – Protein shakes
Bariatric patients need to consume between 50 to 70 grams of protein daily. This intake can seem a little high, especially if you are not tolerating the amount of food to reach this number. This is when protein shakes come in handy, they are quick and easy, and they provide you up to 30 grams of protein in one portion. We recommend you to take a daily protein shake to help you meet your goals.
3 – Eggs
Eggs are a good way to increase your protein intake. Try some varieties and help yourself to scrambled eggs, frittata or a breakfast omellett. You can start with the whites and then go full on. First, see how your stomach reacts and slowly progress in your food regime.
2 – Low fat Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt is a good protein source. Some of the presentations available can contain up to 20 grams of protein in a single portion! Additionally, Greek yogurt is a good supply of magnesium, which can help with high blood pressure and muscle cramps. Just look out, some presentations have too many added sugars and bring little benefits.
1 – Apples
Apples are definitely one of the friendliest foods for the bariatric patient. They provide energy in the morning; they can be a snack at midday, or they can even be turned into a healthy dessert! Try them in a puree, add them to a smoothie or cook them and make an apple crumble.
If you have more ideas, please share them with us. info@alobariatrics.com
Dr. Alejandro Lopez, the owner and lead bariatric surgeon at ALO Bariatrics, is a Fellow at the American College of Surgeons and is accredited with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. He is also a certified bariatric surgeon by the Mexican College of Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases. He is one of two surgeons in Tijuana and one out of five to ten in all of Mexico who is able to provide robotic surgery.