Say Goodbye to Soda after Bariatric Surgery

If you have decided to undergo Bariatric surgery, you must find the resolve to say goodbye to all carbonated beverages, especially those which are high in sugar and calories. Do not expect to switch to diet soda after Bariatric surgery because these too are very bad for you.

 

You Can’t Have Soda after Bariatric Surgery

Soda after Bariatric surgery is a bad idea for many reasons. You will need to consume adequate amounts of water as well as discover some new and healthy drink alternatives when water isn’t what your body craves. You should plan to read more labels and do more research as you transition into a vibrant and healthier individual. Here are four good reasons you will have to say goodbye to soda after Bariatric surgery if you want to see results!

soda gastric bariatric

Four Reasons to Avoid Soda after Bariatric Surgery

Drinking any brand of carbonated soda after Bariatric surgery can be quite painful. Even if you are considering a zero or low calorie diet or a lightly carbonated fruit infused water beverage, soda after Bariatric surgery can lead to bloating, stomach discomfort such as cramps and sharp pains, and abdominal distension. Carbonated beverages can also slow the healing process by adding unnecessary pressure to your incision site. Some doctors will suggest waiting three months to drink soda after Bariatric surgery but those who want life-changing results will give up carbonated beverages entirely.

Drinking soda after Bariatric surgery can lead to an unpleasant occurrence called ‘Dumping Syndrome’. Common symptoms of Dumping Syndrome include the following:  nausea, weakness, cold clammy sweats, paleness, irregular or pounding heartbeat, and diarrhea, to name a few. After weight loss surgery, consuming anything with a high sugar content can lead to these symptoms as your body tries to regulate its sugar levels in the small intestine. Additionally, do not use a straw to drink soda after Bariatric surgery as this can introduce air into your reduced stomach, causing major discomfort.

Drinking soda after Bariatric surgery will slow your weight loss down dramatically or cause it to reach a standstill. One of the best tips you could ever receive as a Bariatric patient is not to consume your allotted calorie allowance in the form of drinks. Sodas and sugary sweet beverages will sabotage your diet and help the weight hang on while water and other zero calorie low sodium healthy options will assist your body with removing fat cells and toxins.

Drinking soda after Bariatric surgery can cause your pouch to become ‘stretched out’. You will find opinions for and against this theory across the internet as doctors have different ideas on whether permanent stretching actually occurs. However, it is a known fact that carbonation does expand the stomach and, even on a short term level, this can be bad for your diet. When your pouch is expanded, you require more food to feel ‘full’  which leads to an increase in calorie consumption. Such changes in your diet could lead to weight gain rather than weight loss. Additionally, you may find yourself feeling worse instead of better.

What are some other reasons you should avoid sodas after Bariatric surgery?

Eating Fruits after Gastric Bypass Surgery

When you have had weight loss surgery, especially Gastric Bypass, it is important to watch what you eat, especially when it comes to fruits. Gastric Bypass will help you lose a significant amount of weight quickly, reducing the size of your stomach while blocking calorie absorption a you go through the dietary stages after weight loss surgery. Within a short amount of time, you will be on a solid food diet composed of high proteins, low sugar, and low carb options.  While learning how to eat healthy, you will likely turn to fruits for some vitamins and nutrients.

What Fruits Can You Eat After Gastric Bypass Surgery?

After weight loss surgery, you may find yourself craving something sweet, reaching for fruit rather than sugary sweets. Since there is an abundance of natural sugars in fruit, which should you eat and which should be avoided? These fruit-choosing facts may help you on your weight loss journey.

fruit weight loss

Whole Fruits

Directly after weight loss surgery, you will need to avoid whole fruits as you will be expected to follow a clear liquid diet, followed by a full liquid phase. As your body heals, you will go through the pureed food and soft food stages and at that time, you should be able to enjoy small quantities of soft fruits. Even fruit can be high in carbs and sugar so you must be careful, or you may experience ‘Dumping Syndrome’, a common symptom of taking in too much fat or sugar.

Dumping Syndrome can be quite unpleasant, bringing such symptoms as dizziness or sweating, nausea and vomiting, and even shakiness and chills. Know which whole fruits offer the least amounts of sugar and carbs to avoid Dumping Syndrome. Most berries such as blueberries, raspberries and strawberries are better choices than other fruits, making them a fairly good option for Bariatric patients.

You should avoid bananas which are high in calories and can easily prevent you from reaching your goal weight and cause intestinal discomfort. To aid in the digestion of oranges, apples and grapefruit, you should always peel and trim the fruit. If you decide to try new foods, you should proceed with caution taking a small bite and chewing well. By paying close attention, you will learn which fruits, and foods in general, you should avoid, causing you stomach issues and/or sickness.

 

Processed Fruits

After weight loss surgery, including Gastric Bypass, you will reach a stage where mashed or pureed fruit is an acceptable choice. During this phase, you will need to read labels and watch for fruits that are high in sugar content. This is usually due to being canned or processed in light and heavy syrups, which can also lead to Dumping Syndrome. Choose items such as naturally sweetened applesauce and fruits packed in their own natural juices, avoiding sugar as much as possible.

 

Fruit Juices or Dried Fruits

After Gastric Bypass Surgery, there will be things you have enjoyed your entire life that your body will no longer be able to digest without discomfort. You will also have to give up some things that may seem healthy such as fruit juices, which are actually high in sugar content. About half of all Bariatric surgery patients can dilute fruit juices such as apple and orange juice and enjoy a glass now and then. Keep a close eye on your goal weight though, as these juices can quickly send you backwards on the scale.

Your stomach may not be able to handle dried fruits after Gastric Bypass or other weight loss surgeries, most particularly dried cranberries, apricots and raisins. Again, this is due to the high amounts of sugar used to cure these dried fruits. After some time has passed after your Bariatric surgery, you may be able to indulge in and tolerate dried fruits again but use caution, watching for sudden weight gain.

Top Tweeters for Weight Loss Surgery Success

When you look and feel great, you just gotta share the news, right? Thanks to today’s technology and the many choices in terms of social media, it is now easier than ever to share the good news about weight loss after Bariatric surgery. In fact, social media can be a great form of support when your schedule won’t allow time to join a group or attend meetings.

Weight Loss Surgery Success and Twitter

Twitter is one of the more popular choices for those who tweet after weight loss surgery, motivating others with inspiring stories, quotes and personal milestone updates. If you are considering weight loss surgery as an option or if you have already undergone Bariatric surgery, here are the top tweeters that we recommend you follow for inspiration and motivation as well as tips, tricks and recipes.weight loss surgery social media

 

Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories to Share and Follow

Log into your Twitter account and follow these fascinating weight loss surgery success stories! When you surround yourself with success, you will be successful! Here are some of our personal favorites, some of which have gone on to become authors and others who have found ways to achieve greatness in their personal lives.

weight loss surgery successFatDoesn’t DefineMe – A great act to follow, this Bariatric candidate from Orlando, Florida decided to have Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery on September 19, 2014, and has already lost 150 pounds in approximately eight months.

In following her on Twitter, you can easily see that this vivacious and vibrant gal’s weight loss surgery was a life-changing success and she says it’s the best decision she ever made! Enjoy her motivational tweets, videos and before & after photos! Congrats, Stefaeni! #stefaeni2600 #FatDoesn’t DefineMe

weight loss surgery success stories

weight loss surgery success

Cindy Virden –  Describing herself as a leader and mentor to others, Cindy happily shares her weight loss surgery success story with her Twitter followers and promotes a healthier lifestyle.

With a loss of 91 pounds and 59 inches thus far, thanks to the Bariatric surgery called Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy and healthier food choices, this gal  is certainly one to follow for motivation and inspiration! Great job, Cindy! #cindyvirden

weight loss surgery success

weight loss surgery success

Ali Porto –  Weight loss surgery is no easy fix, as Ali will tell you. Having lost 60 pounds after having LapBand Bariatric surgery, her goal weight is drawing closer and closer but she still “has a long road ahead”.

Using hashtags such as #livinglonger and  #livinghealthier, weight loss surgery has Ali looking toward the future and taking control of her health. Keep up the great work, Ali! #TicaFox

weight loss surgery success

weight loss surgery success

Karen Gillman – A long term weight loss surgery success story, Karen had LapBand Bariatric surgery in 2004 and has written a book titled ‘It’s Never too Late‘ to share her story with others. Ten plus years and 145 pounds later, this vibrant and beautiful lady motivates and inspires followers on Twitter and other medias.

Be sure to follow Karen for great information and motivational tweets! Thanks for sharing your weight loss surgery success story, Karen! #aftertheband

Weight Loss Surgery Success

weight loss surgery success Lap Band for Men – Follow him on Twitter for the inside scoop describing both good and bad experiences associated with Lap Band Bariatric surgery, told from a man’s perspective. A Christian, author, entrepreneur, blogger, nutrition & fitness expert, he also has a blog to motivate and support others who battle with weight loss.

His story began at 361 pounds and is striving for a goal weight of 235 pounds, a weight loss surgery success story that’s inspiring! #LapBand4Men

weight loss surgery success

Utilize Social Media to Fuel Your Weight Loss Surgery Success

Whether you are a stay at home mom or the CEO of a large company, your weight loss surgery success story can help motivate and inspire others who struggle with their weight.  Surround yourself with support before, during and after Bariatric surgery using social media, and help is never farther than your cell phone, tablet or laptop.

Are you ready to begin your own weight loss surgery success story?

Click here!

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter and Youtube. Share your story with our awesome loyal followers!!

Excellent New Habits after Bariatric Surgery

After Bariatric Surgery, you will begin to look around your kitchen with new eyes, and as you make your weekly grocery list, there will be so many things you will no longer want to buy. Don’t worry – it will get easier as the days go by and soon, you will have some healthy new habits to add years to your life, but how can you speed those new habits along, helping make sure you see and enjoy the results of weight loss surgery long term?

4-good-habits-post-bariatric-surgery

New Habits after Bariatric Surgery

Here are some quick kitchen tips for those of you who want to make your kitchen weight loss friendly after Bariatric surgery and help speed those new habits along. Don’t be discouraged if you make a mistake. It took a lifetime to learn all of these unhealthy eating habits, so don’t be too hard on yourself! Every day is a clean slate and a fresh start on your road toward a healthy weight and proper nutritional habits.

 

Buy Bottled Water after Weight Loss Surgery

While you may have wonderfully tasting well or tap water that runs into your glass for free, you are probably willing to admit that you aren’t drinking the required number of glasses per day. After Bariatric surgery, it is highly recommended that you purchase bottled water and store it in the refrigerator or another cool location.

You will find that using purchasing bottled water will motivate you, and help you keep track of your daily water intake goals. You may be able to get your family involved with a little competitive cross referencing with the other water drinkers in your home. Do not mistake distilled water for healthy bottled water, which is not nearly as healthy and beneficial for your body.

 

Boiled Eggs after Bariatric Surgery

After weight loss surgery, you will have to follow a very specific diet until your stomach has healed and you are no longer on a liquid, puree or soft food regimen. Once you have been approved for regular food, you will be looking for high protein recipes that meet the needs of your new lifestyle. Breakfast can be especially difficult since you no longer need to eat toast, biscuits, sugary sweet cereal or greasy pork bacon and sausage.

However, what you can have are protein rich eggs. Most nutritionists will tell you that eating at least one hard boiled egg each morning for breakfast will increase your energy levels by 70 percent. This is because protein is fuel for the body and eggs are a fast, affordable and easy source. Make a new habit of keep a small container of hard boiled eggs in the refrigerator. You will find that this is a fast and convenient breakfast that you will learn to appreciate. Sprinkle some paprika on them for a bit of flavor if you do not like them plain, as this spice is a great source of vitamin E.

 

Individual Sweeteners Packets for Bariatric Patients

After Bariatric surgery, you will no longer be able to enjoy sugary sweet drinks and treats. You can, however, have artificial sugar. If one of your old habits included drinking sweet iced tea, Kool-aid or coffee with sugar, you should consider purchasing artificial sweeteners in individual packets. While drinks won’t taste nearly as sweet, you will find that over time, you can train your taste buds to enjoy less.

Another great benefit of pre-measured packets is you can see exactly how many calories you are drinking and how much progress you’ve made. Also, these pre-measured packets can be carried in a purse or pocket, making it easy to maintain your new habit wherever you go.

Zipper Seal Bags for Weight Loss Surgery Patients

After you have undergone Bariatric surgery, portion control becomes an important issue and plastic zipper seal bags can be a huge help in the storing and cooking process. While you can save significantly by buying in bulk, you should re-package all meat and food items into zipper seal bags that contain only enough for the number and size of the meals you will need.

Not only will you avoid over-eating and later raiding the fridge for leftovers, you will also find that packages used to make one dinner meal might stretch much further now. It won’t take long before you are hooked on buying and using these household helpers.

 

What are some other items to help build new habits after Bariatric surgery?

 

 

 

New Year: Time for Weight Loss Surgery

You have known that it was past time for a change for a long while. Your quality of life is noticeably decreasing and the weight doesn’t seem to come off, even with dieting and exercise. You feel as if you have tried and failed with nearly every diet, breakthrough or fad that has come along. What is the next option?

Weight Loss Surgery: Actions, Not Words

When you look in the mirror, do you recognize the person looking back? Depression and a damaged self-worth are attacking your mind, while the excess pounds have you feeling as if you are pinned to the ground. Your health is starting to be affected and you’ve been researching weight loss surgeries for months.

WeightLossSurgeryMotivation

Stop Researching Bariatric Surgery!

Guess what? It is time to stop researching weight loss surgery and start doing! Make the decision to have Bariatric surgery because you know it’s your best shot for a new and happy life! Are you scared? Well, don’t be. Bariatric surgery is growing more and more common with each passing year, helping men and women take control of their lives, their health, and most importantly, their own bodies.

Why keep researching but never take action? One reason people never manage to take the next step is because surgery is a scary word. People fear the ‘unknown’, and somewhere down deep, perhaps there is the fear that even bariatric surgery won’t deliver the weight loss needed for a happy, full and productive life. Are you afraid that weight loss surgery is your last option, and that it may not work?

Make the Decision to Change Your Life

First of all, you will never know what weight loss surgery can do for you until you try! Approach this surgical step to lose weight as a major life changing event, and your new lifestyle as a permanent step toward a better you. It may be true that you are out of options, but you haven’t lost the battle against obesity yet, so don’t give up before you try!

In your research, you probably learned that weight loss surgery doesn’t guarantee that you will be able to keep the weight off. However, you will lose weight and you will feel better! Hopefully, you will learn how to eat in moderation and control your caloric intake, and never have to battle the pounds again!

Stop Wasting Years of Your Life

Countless thousands of people battle with obesity every day, and are left feeling as if they have wasted years of their lives feeling bad about themselves, hiding their own bodies, and failing to live their lives to the fullest. It is time for you to take action; let the New Year become a starting point in your journey to lose weight with the help of Bariatric surgery.

Get Ready for 2015, the Best Year Yet

Now that you are motivated and ready to take that leap of faith, say to yourself, “2015 is going to be my best year yet, the year everyone sees me for who I really am.” Send your information using our convenient contact page to ask for the help and support you need and deserve! You will find answers to all of your Bariatric surgery questions and concerns as you begin your weight loss journey.

You owe it to yourself because… you know what?

You’re an amazing person.

Why shouldn’t everyone be able see this?

5 New Year’s Resolutions for Bariatric Patients

As the New Year approaches, individuals who have already undergone weight loss surgery may need a little help in choosing some great resolutions to follow. This is likely due to the fact that these people have already made the decision to change their lives and take control of their bodies.

newyear-weightloss-surgery

Take Small Steps After Bariatric Surgery

Most New Year’s resolutions are forgotten within a week or two, no matter how gung ho people are about the change. This is largely because people set goals that are life-changing and unrealistic. Instead of setting these types of resolutions, look for small ways to create new habits that will help bring about the changes you need.

By setting small and realistic resolutions, you will avoid the disappointment (and that all-around rotten feeling) caused by failure. As you successfully master the weeks ahead, your resolutions will soon become habits, bringing about the changes you desire most of all.

New Year’s Resolutions after Weight Loss Surgery

Thanks to your choice to have Bariatric surgery, you are already losing weight and starting to feel better about yourself.  Now, new habits are needed to help you meet or surpass your weight loss goals for the New Year, which can be formed in as little as 21 days.

This means that, in less than one month, the resolutions you choose now will have become a habit. To help keep you focused on weight loss in the New Year, here are some great resolutions for Bariatric patients to choose from. Whether you adapt one or ten of the following resolutions, you are sure to gain ground in your war on excess weight.

 

#5 – Visit the Scale Every Week 

You get busy; you forget to weigh, and while no one is looking, those pounds you lost last week have found their way back to your hips. Beef up the security to prevent those pounds from getting past you, weighing at least once weekly, if not more.

#4 – Park as Far From the Door as Possible

With work, after school activities and family, there isn’t always time for a walk or run. You may not have time for a gym membership. However, you can make a decision to never park near the entrance of a store again. To get the most benefit from this new resolution, walk fast and swing your arms.

#3 – Maintain Weekly Support

Support is key to your success. At least once per week, allow yourself to benefit from an hour of support from other Bariatric patients.  Attend a meeting or follow a vlog or blog, reading and leaving comments. Join a forum and enjoy informal conversations with others making the same life-changing decisions as yourself. If you are lucky enough to have a Bariatric friend, have lunch or take a walk together on a weekly basis.

#2 – Remember those Vitamins and Supplements

After weight loss surgery, vitamins and supplements are an important part of your diet. Feel better and treat your body right by taking these much needed nutrients every day, without fail. Keep them in a place that you will pass by every morning as you get ready for work or school.

#1 – Share Your Story with Someone

Knowing that people are watching and depending on you will have a great effect on your level of success after weight loss surgery. Entrust your secret with a best friend, or share your story with the world using a blog or vlog. Not only will you benefit from the support, but you will also be able to offer support to those who really need it.

What are some other small New Year’s resolutions for people with Bariatric surgery behind them?

Pantry Staples after Bariatric Surgery

After having weight loss surgery, it is likely that your pantry has changed quite a bit.  While your family isn’t on a Bariatric diet, you have been learning how to make healthier choices for everyone in the home. In your effort to make exceptionally healthy and delicious fare while following a semi-strict doctor approved diet, your idea of pantry staples have likely changed quite a bit.

Below you will find some of the more popular options among those who are now cooking weight loss appropriate meals. Many of these choices are often required when searching for great Bariatric recipes online. Because of the holiday season, you will need the following items as you begin baking and preparing your holiday fare.

Bariatric cooking

 

Splenda

Splenda is a sucralose based artificial sweetener that is often used by Bariatric patients for a wide variety of purposes. If you are sweetening your tea and coffee, or baking a scrumptious cake, this sweetener is a great zero-calorie option.

Unflavored Whey Protein Powderbariatric surgeon list

Unflavored whey protein powder is often used in recipes to give the food you eat a burst of extra protein, and has fast absorbing properties to help your body as it builds and maintains lean muscle. While most products say ‘unflavored’, you can expect a very mild flavor that can easily be masked by other flavors in the recipes you create.  Optimized for cooking, BiPro USA won’t create pesky clumps in your dishes. Except for baked goods, the Whey should be added last, as it can affect the consistency and texture of what you are cooking.

Protein Shake Mix

Keeping protein shake mixes in your pantry is a great idea after weight loss surgery, allowing you to make both shakes and smoothies. Not only can you make great tasting drinks, but many muffin, pudding, pancake and cake recipes online call for protein shake mix – even fudge!

Atkins Baking Mix

If you haven’t heard of Atkins Baking Mix, you will be surprised at how great this product is to have in your pantry, providing a low carb mixture of soy based flour, baking powder, and other ingredients commonly needed for baking. With some fat and a leavening agent, you can make all your favorites: biscuits, pancakes and even muffins. When used in most recipes, Atkins Baking Mix offers about twenty grams of protein per

Carbquik Baking Mix

Carbquik Baking Mix is another great pantry staple for Bariatric patients, another healthy low carb version of Bisquik. While it does not contain very much protein, this carbalose flour has a lot of fiber and carb variations to offer your recipes. There is a slight taste but most recipes will quickly camouflage the flavor.

Decaffeinated Instant Espresso

Decaffeinated instant espresso is a great tasting alternative to decaffeinated coffee, and several Bariatric recipes can be found online. If you find yourself getting tired of drinkin the same old stuff day in and day out, this is a great way to impress your palate

Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)

Textured vegetable protein can be used in recipes to boost the amount of protein per serving, a much needed nutrient after weight loss surgery. TVP can be used in numerous Bariatric recipes found online and in cookbooks.

Many of these items can be found in your local grocery store. If you have trouble locating them, check the health food section. If you strike out locally, you can always order these products online.

Can you think of other pantry staples for weight loss surgery patients? Please leave a Comment.

Check out some other great articles on bariatric surgery!

9 Christmas Gift Ideas for Bariatric Patients

Christmas Gift Ideas for Bariatric Patients

If someone you love has recently undergone weight loss surgery of any kind, your task of finding the perfect Christmas gift won’t be as difficult as you might think. As the Bariatric patient on your holiday shopping list begins his or her new and improved healthy lifestyle, the following gift ideas can provide support and assistance toward weight loss success.

presents gifts bariatric

Digital Food Scale

Modern food scales are better than ever at helping with portion control and managing healthy food options. A great help when keeping a journal and perfecting Bariatric recipes, today’s food scales have some pretty amazing options such as a Tare feature that automatically deducts the weight of your plate.

High Tech Bathroom Scales

Any old bathroom scale will help track weight loss but there are several brands of high tech scales that can do some pretty amazing things. Not only can a Bariatric patient keep track of pounds lost, but also body mass, weight memory, and daily caloric reference.

Digital Camera

The weight loss journey of a Bariatric patient is often recorded in photographs, allowing the results to be documented and shared with others. A digital camera is vital in recording every milestone along the path to healthy living, making it a great choice for gift-giving. Some cameras are also equipped with video functions, making them even more helpful.

Gym Membership

A gym membership is a wonderful gift idea for anyone who is trying to ‘turn over a new leaf’ and get healthy through weight loss. Some memberships include access to spas and saunas, swimming pools and even child care, making this an ideal choice for Bariatric patients of all ages.

Gift Card from Major Clothing Retailer

This is a struggle every weight loss surgery patient experiences with both negative and positive feelings. While thrilled to see the weight coming off, Bariatric patients struggle daily with ill-fitting clothing, as nothing seems to fit. With a gift card to a major clothing retailer, your recipient will be thrilled to add a few basics to their wardrobe. Of course, nothing makes weight loss sweeter than buying a smaller size.

Gas Gift Card

Most weight loss surgery patients have to keep monthly appointments with their Bariatric doctor, and this can mean traveling more than two hours. Follow-up appointments, fills (Lap-Band), weigh-ins, visiting support groups, and trips to specialty stores are just some of the reasons a gas card could be beneficial for Bariatric patients.

Kitchen Gadgets

There are a lot of great gift ideas in the kitchen for those who have undergone weight loss surgery. A good food storage system such as a Foodsaver can help with fresh food preservation and portion control. Other helpful options include high quality water bottles, shaker bottles designed for protein shakes, pre-measured food containers and measuring cups/spoons. Bento and other portion oriented lunch containers are also quite helpful when making meals on the go.

Bariatric Approved Cookbooks

After weight loss surgery, your gift recipient may feel as if he or she is learning how to cook all over again. Finding recipes that are low fat and low or sugar free can be quite daunting, not to mention time consuming. Purchasing Bariatric approved cookbooks will help save time and improve meal planning, making it an exceptional gift idea for Christmas.

Vitamins, Supplements, and Carrying Case

After Bariatric surgery, vitamins and supplements are no longer a choice, but a necessity, since the stomach can no longer absorb all the nutrients your body needs. A carrying case or pill organizer can be a lifesaver to the Bariatric patient, and gifts of vitamins and supplements can save some serious cash.

These are just a few of the many gift ideas that will enrich the life of your favorite Bariatric patient. Can you think of other great Christmas gifts for someone who has had weight loss surgery?

Thanksgiving Do’s and Don’ts after Gastric Bypass Surgery

 

With the Thanksgiving holiday fast approaching, you may be feeling more than a little nervous about managing your new healthy diet after undergoing a Gastric Bypass surgery. You’ve worked so hard to maintain a healthy weight loss and the last thing you need is a setback.
After having weight loss surgery, you understand the necessity to approach the holidays and other celebrations that are centered around food differently than before. Changing the focus of Thanksgiving and other holidays is not as hard as it sounds. Instead of spending the holiday in a kitchen or at a table, you should stay mobile, taking this time to make family and friends the primary focus.

Thanksgiving
Whether this is your first or fifth Thanksgiving after weight loss surgery, don’t stress too much about what you can and cannot eat. Remember to control your portions and eat very slowly, stopping before you are completely full. Avoid drinking your calories and stay away from alcoholic beverages. Below, you will find a list of traditional holiday fare with nutritional tips for those who have had Bariatric surgery.

Bariatric Surgery and the Holidays

  • Oven Roasted Turkey: Most often, the dark meat is more moist and easy to swallow than the white meat portions. If you use the giblet gravy sparingly, it should be okay to enjoy either the white or dark meat without concern. If your doctor has you eating only soft foods, you can still enjoy turkey and gravy after pureeing it in the food processor.
  • Baked Ham: While baked ham contains protein, this meat also has high levels of sodium and sugar – thanks to traditional ham glazes made primarily of brown sugar. Additionally, be sure to cut your ham into very small bite-size pieces or puree, depending on doctor’s orders. If you are the cook, check out our great Sugar Free Ham Glaze.
  • Mashed Potatoes: While mashed potatoes are on your list of high calorie high carb foods to avoid, offering very little protein, you can have a small serving. Use good self-control and enjoy a bite or two, especially if you are still on the soft food phase after weight loss surgery. For added nutrition, add a small amount of unflavored protein powder.
  • Green Beans: You need to consume protein rich foods first, but a serving of green beans are a nutritious addition to your holiday meal. Regarding cooking methods, steamed is better than fried with bacon or green beans prepared in a casserole but a small serving should be fine. You can also puree them for a soft food diet.
  • Sweet Potatoes: If your holiday table includes candied yams with marshmallows on top, avoid this traditional dish. Those high levels of sugar could lead to dumping syndrome. If it’s just not Thanksgiving without sweet potatoes, bake one in the microwave until it’s soft and enjoy a few bites.
  • Corn: Because you have a limited amount of room in your stomach after Bariatric surgery, you may want to skip this starchy food as it offers very little in nutrition. However, it’s okay if you decide to have a spoon or two.
  • Pasta and Fruit Salads: You are far better off to say no to this high carb holiday offering, even if the salad was prepared with low fat dressing, as many brands have significant amounts of sugar in their ingredients. Fruit salads, high in both natural and processed sugars due to fruit, whipped topping and marshmallows, should be avoided.
  • Dinner Rolls: To maintain your healthy diet after weight loss surgery, it’s best to avoid breads all together due to their high carb low protein offerings. After gastric bypass surgery, it can be very difficult to swallow bread and an episode could ruin the rest of your holiday meal.
  • Cranberry Sauce: While it may seem healthy, cranberry sauce is actually quite high in sugar content. Prepare your own sauce using Splenda or a similar sweetener option.
  • Pumpkin Pie: This is another holiday offering that seems like a healthy option, but pumpkin pie is high in sugar and carbs. After the main course, you probably won’t miss the dessert table that much anyway. If you are craving something else, consider sugar free desserts flavored with pumpkin spice.

Bariatric Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

You don’t have to give up all your favorite holiday recipes just because you have had weight loss surgery. You can easily put a healthy twist on many of the traditional fares by opting for low fat and low sugar versions of the ingredients instead.

Your Green Bean Casserole recipe can easily be adjusted to fit your new bariatric diet and healthy lifestyle. Additionally, this recipe can be made in one hour so you aren’t spending all your time in the kitchen.

Bariatric RecipeIngredients:

Two teaspoons of Olive Oil

One thinly Sliced Onion

1/4 cup of finely Chopped Onion

One pound of Fresh Green Beans, snapped and ready to cook

One Clove of Garlic, minced or finely chopped

One and 1/2 cups of Sliced Cremini Mushrooms

One teaspoon of Corn Starch

¼ cup of cold Water

One and ½ teaspoon of Dried Thyme

One and 1/2 cups Non-fat Milk

1/3 cup of fresh Whole Grain Bread Crumbs

Using a large skillet over medium-low heat, heat the oil on low and add sliced onions, stirring frequently. When onions are a golden color, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

In another pan, steam or boil the green beans for five minutes before plunging into a bowl of cold water to preserve the bright green hue. Drain and set the green beans aside.

Cook the minced or chopped onion for two or three minutes. Add the mushrooms and stir. Allow these to cook for approximately five more minutes. In a bowl, combine the corn starch and cold water and stir until dissolved. Add the vegetables and season with thyme.

Slowly stir in the non-fat milk and increase the temperature to medium, stirring constantly as the sauce begins to thicken. Add salt and ground black pepper to season. Spread the green beans in a casserole dish and pour the mushroom sauce over them. Top the casserole with onions and whole wheat bread crumbs.