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?

Striving for Weight Loss after Halloween

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You can breathe a sigh of relief because Halloween is finally over, but what about all the candy your children collected? It can be very tempting to eat a piece of candy or chocolate when it’s lying around. In fact, you might accidentally eat a piece out of habit before remembering that you’ve sworn off. This may not seem like much of a slip up, but one fun sized candy bar can hold as many as 210 calories.

Is your Child’s Trick or Treat Candy Haul Tempting You?

If your neighborhood is like most, your children came home with an impressive haul of candy. There is a good chance all that candy is going to tempt you into having ‘just one’. While the kids aren’t about to let you throw it all away, here are some ideas to help you manage the candy supply in your home after October 31st. Some of these tips could also help you show your child how to use moderation for good health.

#1 – As soon as you return home from trick-or-treating, gather the children to the table and inspect all of the candy. Next, allow the kids to choose a handful of candies to keep and give the rest away.

#2 – Your child’s dental clinic may have a program for donating Halloween candy, allowing you to remove temptation from your home.

#3 – Another place where you can share your child’s candy wealth is at church, school or work. Co-workers and faculty members might appreciate the gesture.

#4 – Another option to consider, especially if your child has an insatiable sweet tooth, is storing Halloween candy in the freezer. Your children will eat the candy at a much slower pace, one or two at a time.

#5 – Circle a date on the calendar. This is the day your home will once again become a candy free zone.

Candy and the Bariatric Patient

The bottom line is simple: candy offers only empty calories and too much sugar for those who have undergone weight loss surgery. After Bariatric surgery, your body needs nutrients and lots of them. Instead of filling up on nonsense that will leave you hungry for more, find healthy ‘treats’ that will curb your yen for something sweet.

 

Bariatric Tips for a Healthy Halloween

Fall brings lots of temptations to Bariatric surgery patients as well as others who are watching what they eat. Weight loss can be difficult due to all the temptations but Halloween is especially difficult.

You’ve probably heard people use the expression ‘you gotta choose your battles wisely‘. It’s really good advice for life in general, but this is especially true for those who have underwent weight loss surgery.

bariatric Halloween

Watching Your Bariatric Diet on Halloween

While celebrating Halloween this year, try to think about the holiday in a new way. After all, changing the way you think is part of what makes Bariatric so successful. As you throw tradition to the wind and look for healthy Halloween options, here are some tips that just may help.

Healthy Halloween Tips

#1 – Don’t celebrate Halloween just because it is a tradition, especially if it has the potential to sabotage your diet. Your weight loss journey requires a new lifestyle. Perhaps you would be best not to observe this candy inspired holiday. Instead, turn the porch light off and find other ways to celebrate October 31st.

#2 – If you have children or grandchildren and want to observe the holiday by handing out candy and treats, do not purchase candy and treats that will tempt you. For example, if you cannot stand licorice, that’s the perfect treat to buy for all the little ghouls and goblins who’ll come knocking at your door.

#3 – If you plan to hand out candy for Halloween, wait until the last possible minute before purchasing these little treats so they aren’t lurking around the house to tempt you. Additionally, be careful not to overstock. It’s better to turn the porch light out early than to have bags of candy taunting you from the pantry.

#4 – Consider an alternative to candy this Halloween, such as coins, small toys or stickers. There are other non-candy options such as fresh fruit, cheese and cracker packs, animal crackers or boxes of raisins, to name a few.

#5 – Perhaps you have friends who have undergone Bariatric surgery or struggle with weight loss. Say goodbye to remorse by hosting a healthy Halloween get-together with fun activities and an attractive food spread with nutritious options.

#6 – You will save a lot of money on candy and get in some much needed exercise when you decide to walk around the neighborhood with your kids as they trick-or-treat. Being active and social feels good, and seeing those spooky costumes and masks will probably increase your heart rate, helping you burn calories.

These are just a few tips to help celebrate Halloween without remorse. What will you be doing on October 31st?

 

How to Make the Perfect Bariatric Smoothie

Bariatric Smoothies are Great for Post Op Diets

For the first few weeks after surgery, it is vitally important to follow your post op instructions, beginning with the approved liquids. Your doctor has stressed the importance of a diet extremely rich in protein which is a necessity for Bariatric patients. There are many protein shakes and drinks as well as hot cereals and soups but eventually, your body may become bored with these choices, leaving you to look for new ways to add protein to your heavily restricted diet.

One way to curb the cravings is by drinking Bariatric smoothies, which is simply smoothies approved by your doctor or nutritionist. Another great benefit of these smoothies is the reduced cost associated with making your own drinks rather than purchasing those which are already made. You already know what your body needs so all you need is a really good formula to create a plethora of variations your taste buds will love.

what to add to bariatric shake

Discover Whey Protein Powder

You will need to familiarize yourself with whey protein powder if you have not already. By adding whey protein powder to this Bariatric smoothie formula, your protein intake will be more than satisfactory. Here are the instructions needed for a healthy variety and adequate protein intake. By choosing one item from each category, you can make the perfect Bariatric smoothie every time.

Your kitchen should be equipped with a blender, food processor, Ninja or other small appliance to make the Bariatric smoothie. Using the formula below, blend your chosen ingredients in the blender until smooth. It is important to remember that this recipe will yield approximately ten ounces per serving. Be sure to sip the Bariatric smoothie slowly, as you will probably only drink about half of the formula at a time. Cover any unused Bariatric smoothie leftovers and store it in the refrigerator, opting to drink or toss the rest within the next twenty-four hours.

 

Categories for the Best Bariatric Smoothie Recipe

Whey Protein Powder: 

Add one serving of your protein powder, using the measuring scoop usually provided by the manufacturer.

 

Your Favorite Fruit:

Choose one-half cup of any fruit you like, whether it is fresh, sugar-free frozen, or canned fruit that has been packaged in its own juice. Avoid fruit packed in High Fructose Corn Syrup.  Note that frozen fruit delivers the best Bariatric smoothie while fresh or canned fruit will require a little ice.

 

Your Protein Base:

Choose an eight ounce glass of skim milk or soy milk. Next, add one of these products from the following list for your protein base: one-third cup of skim milk powder, six ounces of sugar free and fat free yogurt, one-half cup of ricotta or cottage cheese, one-third cup of silken tofu, or two tablespoons of smooth nut butter.

 

Adding Spice:

You can add one-eighth of a teaspoon of any spice, or combination of spices, to your Bariatric smoothie to heighten the flavor.

 

Need Sweetener?

If you don’t, that’s great. If a sweeter taste is required, opt for Nutrasweet or Splenda.

 

A Dose of Fiber:

Constipation can be an issue to Bariatric patients. Opt for one or two teaspoons of Benefiber or other fiber supplement to your shake for even more health benefits.

 

There are no special instructions and you won’t have to make a new grocery list every time you want to make some smoothies. Your palate will enjoy the endless combinations as you get creative in the kitchen, embracing your new diet and healthy lifestyle.

 

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?

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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?

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!

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.

Holiday Bariatric Recipe: Cranberry Sauce

Bariatric Recipe: Cranberry Sauce

Jellied cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving favorite that you probably love, but this high calorie holiday offering isn’t on the list of approved foods. However, you can enjoy a reduced sugar Cranberry Sauce with the recipe below. The great taste will have your taste buds smiling in no time.

Ingredients:Bariatric Recipe Cranberry Sauce

One cup of Water

One twelve ounce package of Fresh Cranberries

One cup of granulated Splenda or similar Sugar Substitute

One Cinnamon Stick

Two tablespoons of Fresh Grated Orange Zest

First, pour the cranberries into a strainer; rinse and strain. Bring the cup of water to a boil using a medium size saucepan. Add the cranberries and remaining ingredients and bring to a boil again before reducing heat to simmer, approximately eight to ten minutes or until the cranberries have burst open.

Remove the saucepan from heat and retrieve the cinnamon stick, allowing the sauce to cool completely in the refrigerator. This delectable and healthy cranberry sauce will thicken as the temperature drops. You may also serve this sauce warm, if desired.