What to Expect in Bariatric Surgery Recovery
Life after Bariatric Surgery can be tough. It consists of a lot of recoveries, lots of adjustments, and a lot of new dietary requirements you have not been used to before. Although very much worth it, it can be tough to follow all of the new requirements set by your bariatric team and dietician. This process of recovery is tough, but it’s definitely going to be with it in the long run once you’ve fully recovered and can now lead a life of healthiness and happiness.
Let’s break down each phase of your recovery plan and the diet that accompanies it. These steps are vital in the recovery process to ensure everything heals properly and you can adjust in the right amount of time.
Typically, there is a 4-6 week or 4-month dietary plan that each patient needs to follow. Make sure to know what type of plan you're on and communicate with your bariatric team with any questions or concerns; they’re there to help you through this lengthy process.
Phase 1:
The first few weeks consist of a fully liquid diet. This gives the stomach time to heal from the surgery and adjust to its new size. During this time period, it’s recommended to consume a lot of water to keep yourself hydrated while drinking fruit juices, sipping broth, and having tea, popsicles, or gelatin.
It’s also important to make sure everything is sugar-free and using artificial sweeteners.
Phase 2:
Similar to Phase 1, you will mostly be drinking liquids, but now you are able to consume protein-based liquids, like protein shakes and meal replacement drinks. You are also now able to eat more substantial things like thicker soups and things like yogurt and applesauce. Always make sure there is no sugar added to these foods.
It’s still important to remain hydrated throughout this entire process. You’ve just been through an intensive surgery, so you need to keep your body up and running with plenty of fluids.
Protein drinks and meal replacement drinks can be a tricky product. Most of the time, they are pretty hit or miss. Most of them are gritty, gloopy, and have a weird aftertaste. Nothing is worse than spending $50 on a big jug of protein powder or a pack of protein drinks, to find out they taste terrible.
You can totally avoid this problem with the help of bariatric food from Bariatric Eating. These protein drinks are made with whey protein isolate, no added sugar, and nonfat dried milk. This source of protein also is lactose and gluten-free, so it can work for virtually any bariatric patients’ meal plan.
Bariatric Eating protein drinks also come in a wide variety of yummy flavors that won’t leave that gross aftertaste so many other protein drinks tend to do. Choose from flavors like orange cream, chocolate-covered cherry, or even Mexican chocolate vegan protein that give you a high protein drink, with tons of flavor.
Once you advance to further phases or have fully recovered, Bariatric Eating has a whole bunch of other products waiting for you.
Phase 3:
After a diet of mostly protein-based drinks and heftier soft foods, bariatric patients may now advance to a pureed food diet. These types of bariatric foods can consist of soft grains or starches such as oatmeal, grits, cream of rice, or mashed potatoes.
You may now also eat scrambled eggs, soft fish, baby food meats, or canned tuna. Again, it’s vital to stress the importance of remaining hydrated throughout the day while also eating 3 small meals consisting of this type of food each day.
It’s also important to know that you must stop eating when you feel full, even if there’s more food left on your plate.
During this time, you are also going to be taking a lot of chewable vitamins to supplement whatever you’re unable to consume while in recovery.
Phase 4:
After preparing your stomach with all the necessary phases after surgery to slowly but surely health itself, you may now move on to solid bariatric foods.
Eat three well-balanced meals per day. Make sure what you’re eating is nutrient-rich and follows the criteria of your meal plan in order to lose weight.
Start with preparing meals with lean sources of protein like chicken, turkey, and fish, low-fat dairy products, fruits and vegetables, and no added sugars.
Overall, there are many different ways bariatric patients are able to overcome their recovery. It’s mainly crucial to follow the regulations your doctor has set forth, so you can have a speedy recovery and get back to your normal life.
With all that being said, once you have fully recovered, you aren’t meant to eat the same way as you do when recovering. Talking with your bariatric team and dietician to see what best works for you months and years down the road.
With the help of your bariatric team and the products from BariatricEating.com, you will be able to move on with your life after surgery and maintain your weight loss!