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?

 

The Dangers of Diet Pills

If you would like to know the scoop on diet pills and why they are considered to be dangerous, you have come to the right place. Here are some interesting facts about the dangers of diet pills, some of which you might have heard and a few side effects which may surprise you.

Downside of Diet Pills

diet pill risks
Risks of diet pills

Yes, there is most definitely a downside to taking diet pills, whether they have been prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter. In some cases, taking diet pills can actually bring weight loss, but is it worth the risks, especially when those few pounds will eventually be returning? Here are a few of the many risks of taking diet pills.

You cannot trust or rely on product labels. 

If you are purchasing store bought weight loss pills and products, you cannot trust the claims found on the label or box. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently released a report which found that twenty percent of all supplement and weight loss labels are guilty of making illegal claims. Even if the pills promise to be herbal or all-natural, this does not mean they are truly safe to take.

There are often numerous side effects when taking diet pills.

Depending on the type of diet pills you take, there can be numerous side effects, some of which can become uncomfortable, if not downright dangerous to your body. Some of the more common side effects of diet pills include headaches, constipation and mood swings. In diet pills containing fat blockers, you can expect symptoms such as upset stomach, diarrhea, gas and poor nutrient absorption.

The ineffective results of diet pills often lead to dehydration.

Due to the combination of caffeine and several diuretics, many diet pills are not helping you lose weight. Those first few pounds you shed was likely water loss, which is not a true type of weight loss. Sadly, extreme water loss while taking diet pills can lead to dangerous levels of dehydration.

Taking diet pills can be very addicting.

When you choose to take diet pills, there is always the risk of becoming addicted. Sure, it is only diet pills but they actually contain a plethora of addictive and dangerous ingredients including amphetamines, antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs.

Diet pills can damage your heart and other organs.

Many diet pills and appetite suppressants are designed to stimulate the nervous system, and the results can be felt relatively quickly. Most commonly, your heart rate will increase which also raises your blood pressure, which can lead to arrhythmia, cardiac arrest or heart attack – none of which are worth those few pounds you may or may not lose.

Diet pills can add stress to your circulatory system.

Ever taken a diet pill and experienced the rush felt when your heartbeat sped up, only to wind up with a terrible headache? Since the FDA made ephedra illegal in weight loss drugs and products, companies are working diligently to come up with a substitute. Why would companies want to offer a product that raises blood pressure and stresses the circulatory system?

It is believed that some diet pills cause heart valve abnormalities.

While it is true that heart valves will eventually start to leak a tiny bit with age, there are some prescription drugs designed to help people lose weight which can also cause heart valve abnormalities, including leakage. This risk is a concern for those who have taken diet pills for three months or longer. This is why some medical doctors will prescribe twelve weeks of taking diet pills, followed by intervals where no weight loss drugs are taken.

Weight Loss Surgery vs Diet Pills

As a rule, most medical doctors will not prescribe diet pills to patients unless they are considered to be obese and many who will not prescribe diet pills at all, due to the above mentioned risks. Additionally, if you are obese, you would have to take diet pills for a very long time to see any real results, which means being at risk of the many side effects listed above.

When considering all of the dangers associated with diet pills, weight loss surgery is fast becoming the more popular and sensible option. Medical doctors are starting to agree that Bariatric surgery is safer than the prolonged use of diet pills and other drugs prescribed for weight loss. Unlike diet pills, weight loss surgery slowly teaches the patient how to make better nutritional choices for a lifetime of better habits.

 

 

 

Foods to Avoid after Weight Loss Surgery

Once you have undergone weight loss surgery, there will be a list of foods that you can no longer enjoy. This is not just a personal choice, as some of these foods will be difficult to swallow or digest. There will be foods that will cause dumping syndrome, nausea or other unpleasant symptoms. By following a specific diet, as instructed by your doctor or nutritionist, you will see positive weight loss results while meeting the nutritional needs of your body.

Five  Foods to Avoid after Bariatric Surgery

 

Bariatric surgery is not an instant solution to losing weight, as you will still have to make the right food choices. Once your doctor tells you it is okay to eat solid foods, you will not be able to eat anything you like. There are several foods and drinks that you should never consume again. Here are the top four foods to avoid after weight loss surgery.

five foods to avoid after bariatric surgery

Breads, Pasta, Potatoes and Rice

 

Heavy starches such as bread, potatoes, rice, and pasta are no longer comfort foods after weight loss surgery. In fact, attempting to eat from this food group can be quite uncomfortable. These foods can form a paste in the throat, making it difficult to swallow. If this happens, there is a fair amount of discomfort and the food may be rejected.

In a few Bariatric cases, breads, potatoes, rice and pasta have blocked the stoma, which is the entrance to the stomach pouch. It is best to give these high-starch foods up entirely, as avoidance will accelerate your weight loss. If you choose to consume one of these foods, do so rarely and in extremely small portions. Take small bites and eat very slowly, remembering not to drink anything thirty minutes before or after your meal.

 

Dry or Tough Meats

 

No matter what type of food you eat, it is important to chew well, taking your time with each small bite. This ensures that you can easily swallow and digest your meals correctly, which is especially important after Bariatric surgery. Because you will not be drinking beverages or water with your meals, it can become even more difficult to swallow some meats.

Lean meats are ideal for your new diet because you need adequate amounts of protein. Avoid meats with fat or gristle, and meats that are tough or hard to swallow  It is recommended to take bites the size of a pencil eraser, choosing meats with a sauce or gravy rather than dry. Foods to avoid include steak, ham, pork chops, and hot dogs.

Other dry foods will also be difficult to swallow such as nuts, granola and dry cereal. Eat these foods slowly and with great caution after Bariatric surgery. As your body heals, you may find that some of these foods become easier to consume.

 

Caffeinated, Carbonated and Alcoholic Beverages

 

The first advice you will probably hear after weight loss surgery is this: Don’t Drink Your Calories! Bariatric patients must avoid drinking beverages with sugar, fructose or corn syrup such as sodas, energy drinks, and fruit juices.  These high calorie beverages will sabotage your diet and could lead to Dumping Syndrome, which is very uncomfortable.

After Bariatric surgery, you should consume at least 64 ounces of water daily and avoid beverages with carbonation, which can expand your new stomach pouch. Opt for decaffeinated drinks such as coffee or tea since caffeine can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can quickly become an issue with your new smaller stomach.

Alcohol should be avoided, since these high calorie drinks offer no benefit to your body. Focus on drinks that offer the added vitamins and minerals your body needs. It is also important to remember that, after weight loss surgery, you may become intoxicated much more quickly.

 

Fatty, Greasy and High Calorie Foods

 

Fatty, greasy and high calorie foods should be avoided after weight loss surgery, as these may lead to nausea and sabotage your weight loss. Avoid high calorie, high fat foods such as bacon and sausage, butter, bologna, and whole milk.

You should also avoid foods that offer little or no nutritional value such as candy, chips, pastries, popcorn, rice cakes and similar. Consuming the wrong foods can lead to issues such as weight gain or undernourishment. After weight loss surgery, these foods are dumped into the colon soon after they are consumed, causing symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, cold sweats and weakness.

 

After Bariatric surgery, you will want to select low-fat deli meats and cheeses. Consuming too many bad food choices can make you feel ill or experience the effects of Dumping Syndrome. Making wise choices will be key in getting the results you deserve.

Recording Your Weight Loss Journey

Motivate Yourself with a Weight Loss Journal

There are numerous ways to find support after weight loss surgery. If you live in a more populated area, there are support groups you can visit weekly, if not daily. Rural dwellers have a more limited access to support groups but several active online weight loss groups can be found that really helps you chase away that feeling of being alone in your journey.

One of the best ways you can motivate yourself is with the help of a weight loss journal. Keeping track of your weight loss and other milestones, including what you eat, can really helpyou on your weight loss surgery. It is best to start keeping a record of your journey from the moment you decide to have weight loss surgery, but it is never too late to start recording your progress.

Additionally, the journaling process could be helpful long after you have reached your desired weight to help keep old habits at bay and remain focused. If you make a commitment to the record keeping process, journaling is also a great way to maintain your ideal weight and prevent any risk of weight gain after Bariatric surgery.

Interested in Sharing your Bariatric Journey with National Bariatric Link?

We would love to post your story to motivate our weight loss surgery community!  

We are always looking for guest bloggers, want to blog your weight loss journey with National Bariatric Link, please contact us!!

Journaling your Weight Loss Journey

Keeping a record of your weight loss journey can be done in several ways. Choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and will motivate you the most. If keeping a written record such as a joJournaling WLSurnal or a blog, don’t shy away from cameras. Snap those before and afters with pride because you are dedicated to your journey.

The most common choices for keeping a weight loss record include the following: keeping a written journal much like a diary, writing a blog, creating a dedicated social media fanpage such as Facebook, vlogging (which is video blogging), or picture blogging on Instagram. It doesn’t really matter which method you choose so long as you are comfortable and consistent.

When you begin the journal, be sure to log in, write or make your videos as much as possible. Set a minimum requirement for yourself as well. This is a habit which must be properly formed and your schedule may not always be regular.  You can easily balance the journaling process with your lifestyle once keeping a record has become a habit.

Sharing Your Weight Loss Journey

The weight loss journal is a record of your weight loss journey, so share the details that will motivate and build your confidence.  If you aren’t comfortable sharing certain information, then don’t! Using your own personal preferences and making your own rules regarding details will help to create a journal that keeps you focused and hopeful. Below are some of the most commonly shared details in a weight loss journal:

Your Diet: food choices, vatamin and supplement information, nutrient and calorie intake, protein sources

When You Eat: describe portion sizes, hunger times, cravings, giving in to temptation, getting back on track

Your Exercise Plan: what works and what doesn’t, trips to the gym, stamina increases, favorite exercise products

Personal Weight Loss Goals: goals, plans, hopes and dreams, weight before and afters, personal measurements

Your New Life: new sleeping habits, relationship changes, family life, activities you were unable to do before

 

Whether you decide to write or record long emotion-filled journal entries or jot down a quick list of updates, the weight loss record will help keep you focused after weight loss surgery. Search the internet for other recorded weight loss journeys for inspiration and ideas. Be sure to visit YouTube where you will find an entire weight loss community devoted to journaling their results to help not only themselves, but others as well.

Interested in Sharing your Bariatric Journey with National Bariatric Link?

We would love to post your story to motivate our weight loss surgery community!  

We are always looking for guest bloggers, want to blog your weight loss journey with National Bariatric Link, please contact us!!

Lap Band Surgery – Post-Op Phase

Lap Band Surgery – About the Post-Op Phase

 

Your Lap Band Surgery is behind you and you are excited to begin what is sure to become your new, healthier life. The level of success you will experience depends on your resolve to follow the doctor’s post-op instructions and seek much needed support from your Bariatric team.

 

Your Doctor Appointments

After you are released from the hospital, your surgeon or physician assistant and dietitian will want to see you following the schedule below:

Two Weeks – This is a follow up appointment to check your incision sites.

Eight Weeks – This is your first adjustment, which is often called a ‘fill’. You will likely return every six weeks until your Lap Band has a sufficient amount of resistance to help you maintain a steady rate of weight loss.

After the correct amount of resistance has been maintained for several appointments, you will only need to visit the Bariatric Clinic every few months or so. Please understand that every doctor is different. This is just a guideline to help you understand what will happen in the months following surgery.

 

Your Post-Op Medications

 When you leave the hospital, you will be advised to take medications and vitamins in liquid form for the first two months post-op. You may be able to crush some medications, depending on your pharmacist’s advice. Another option is to purchase chewable medications and vitamins. This will also be necessary after each adjustment or fill.

Your nutritionist or dietitian will probably advise you regarding the required vitamin and mineral supplements. You can expect to take mineral and vitamin supplements for the remainder of your life. Here are the most common daily instructions given to Bariatric Surgery patients post-op.

One Multi -Vitamin

One or Two Calcium Tablets, Depending on your Dairy Intake

Any Additional Requests by your Doctor or Nutritionist

 

After Lap Band Adjustments

After each Lap Band adjustment or fill, it is important to follow a liquid diet for one or two days. This is due to the occurrence of slight swelling around your Lap Band.

 

How Quickly can You Expect to Lose Weight?

Every Bariatric patient will have slightly different results but on average, the expected weight loss will be one to three pounds per week. Your weight loss journey can take months or years, depending on the amount you weighed when having Lap band Surgery. With a supportive doctor and staff, you will reach your goal weight.

 

Don’t Worry about Weight Plateaus

Weight plateaus often occur when Lap Band patients have lost a significant amount of weight and the weight loss is now at a standstill. Your nutritionist will be able to help find a more effective diet and exercise program when you reach a weight plateau.

 

About Weight Gain

For Lap Band Surgery to be successful, you must change your eating and exercise habits. If you do not eat in moderation and incorporate activity into your days, it is possible to gain your weight back.

 

Do You Have Any Questions Regarding Lap Band Surgery Post-Op? 

 

Family Dynamics with Weight Loss Surgery

 

Significant Weight Loss Brings Many Changes for You and Your Family

First, the decision to undergo weight loss surgery is a personal one that should be decided upon with the assistance of your doctor and nutritionist. However, the results will be life-changing for you and this will affect your family as well. Your new boost in confidence will bring out a new attitude and outlook, one that your family members may have never experienced before. While the many health benefits are great motivation, this new and improved family life may well become your most favorite result of weight loss surgery.

family weight loss issues

Most people who suffer from obesity deal with many other mental and physical issues, robbing their happiness and leaving depression in its place. Some patients feel as if they aren’t the same person anymore and report that family activities have been reduced to a minimum since obesity has stolen their ability to enjoy normal activities.

After bariatric surgery, your pounds slowly slip away and a new life emerges – one that is greatly enriching to you and your family. Friendships flourish as you have more energy and time to enjoy those around you. For your consideration, here are just a few of the many benefits that can be enjoyed after undergoing weight loss surgery by both you and your family.

 

Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

Relatives will spend less time worrying and more time making memories with you. Whether you realize this or not, your spouse and children worry about your health and the risks associated with obesity and whichever additional health complications you may suffer from. Children hope that you will be present at all future landmark events: graduations, weddings, the births of your grandchildren as well as many other special occasions. Your family loves you and wants only your happiness and health – even if that means weight loss surgery.

 

Your family will becomes more healthy and health-conscious after your weight loss surgery experience. You will become a role model regarding your family’s health. Research has proven that those who have undergone weight loss surgery noticed positive health benefits for their family members as well. Researchers believe that this happens because the patient’s new and healthier lifestyle extends to the family in regards to meals, activities and even attitudes.

 

You will spend more quality time with your spouse and children. After bariatric surgery, you can expect to feel better and have more energy to invest in relationships with those you love. You will also show an increase in mobility and stamina levels which will lead to more freedom and activities, providing the ability to do things you could have never done before such as camping, sports and amusement parks.   

 

By making your own list with pen and paper, you can probably add several more items to this list. Take your list when you visit the doctor to discuss your options regarding weight loss and if bariatric surgery is right for your situation. There are many more benefits of weight loss surgery regarding your family, depending on your individual situation. In your world, your children and your spouse are the most important people in your life. This is exactly how they feel about you as well. Weight loss surgery improves the relationships in your life as a brand new YOU emerges.

 

Obese Children and Sleep Apnea

Comorbid Effects of Obesity in Children – Sleep Apnea

Childhood obesity is believed to affect approximately thirteen percent of children from six to eleven years of age and fourteen percent of adolescent children age twelve to nineteen years of age. These numbers continue to climb annually, putting these groups of children at risk for type 2 Diabetes, heart disease and even hypertension. Another risk that we fail to remember when considering the comorbid effects of childhood obesity is Sleep Apnea. According to statistics collected by the Surgeon General, Sleep Apnea is another risk of childhood obesity. Sleep Apnea can be serious and even life-threatening if not managed properly.

Childhood obesity

What is Sleep Apnea?

Characterized by short, involuntary pauses during sleep, Sleep Apnea can happen several times per night. Children who suffer from Sleep Apnea find it hard to get a good night’s rest as with each pause in breathing, the average sufferer will abruptly awake, often gasping for breath.

Without restorative sleep, children with Sleep Apnea are tired and often feel the need to sleep all through the following day. Attention spans shorten and children become more sedimentary. This often leads to a decrease in grades, sports and other activities. While overweight children are at high risk for Sleep Apnea, thin children are not completely safe from this condition.

 

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea in Obese Children

Often times, the symptoms of Sleep Apnea are overlooked or explained away as children are labeled as attention deficit or hyperactive. Some common daytime symptoms to watch for in children include: hyperactivity, inattention, behavior problems and sleepiness.

Children with night time symptoms of can exhibit the following Sleep Apnea issues: snoring, restless sleep, breathing with only the mouth, pauses in breathing during sleep, and difficulty waking up in the mornings, even after a full night’s rest.

 

Treating Sleep Apnea

Childhood obesity is not the only cause of Sleep Apnea in children. Common causes can include enlarged tonsils or adenoids and some dental conditions such as a serious overbite while less common causes include tumors or growths obstructions in the airway. Down and Pierre-Robin Syndromes may also cause Sleep Apnea symptoms because of enlargements affecting the jaw and tongue.

Whether child or adult, obstructive Sleep Apnea may cause a bevy of serious and even life threatening complications. Some of these complications include cardiovascular disease and accidents as well as premature death.

It is vitally important for parents of obese children to watch for signs and symptoms of Sleep Apnea – especially labored snoring or pauses in breathing. If any of these warning signs are present, make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician to discuss the possible causes and ask for the appropriate medical examinations.

While it is doubtful that your child will need to undergo weight reduction surgery, this is a growing possibility that may be considered. Your pediatrician will help with weighing the options and making an educated decision that is best for the health of your child. One great benefit is that in many cases after weight reduction surgery in children, doctors have found that the body is able to slowly heal itself from several results of obesity. 

Lastly, when dealing with obese children, it is important to be attentive to the possible onset of health issues such as Sleep Apnea without singling children out. Always be supportive and use tact as children know when they are obese and need both love and support.

Childhood Obesity and Bariatric Surgery

Childhood obesity and adolescent obesity is linked with many serious health issues in adulthood.  Unfortunately, there is little evidence that preventive measures such as lifestyle interventions and pharmacological treatments are effective.  There are several surgical procedures for children and adolescents but the long term effects remain uncertain.

Researchers from University College of Gjovik and the University of Oslo, Norway in a paper “Bariatric surgery for obese children and adolescents:  A review of the moral challenges” concluded that surgery on children’s healthy organs to discipline their eating behavior in order to help them to be socially acceptable or to compensate for poor parenting is ill advised.  There needs to be more evidence on outcomes and risk factors.  There also needs to be a valid consent or assent.

In making a decision on bariatric surgery for children and adolescents, parents need to look at the moral implications with regard to values, viewpoints and arguments before they make the decision to go forward.

bariatric surgery child obesity

Long Term Outcomes and Benefits of Bariatric Surgery for Children

There is little evidence on the benefits of bariatric surgery on youngsters.  The overwhelming research has been on adults and those results don’t necessarily generalize to a children and adolescents.  If, after 100 – 150 procedures there are few complications then it might be permissible to perform this procedure, but only in specialized, high volume centers where the doctors have plenty of experience.

Much consideration needs to be given to how this procedure might affect psychological and social development.  Few studies address these issues.  The other moral consideration is informed consent.  Should a parent make the decision for a child, or is a child or adolescent mature enough to have a say?  Surgery should not replace self discipline.

Studies show that one third of obese adults were sexually abused as children.  So as part of the assessment process for children and adolescents, this should be addressed.

Preconceptions on Bariatric Surgery for Youth

Overweight children and adolescents are often the target of discrimination and prejudice.  And medical practitioners are known to also discriminate against the obese, by assuming they are ill prepared to take care of themselves.  So, few referrals are made for surgery among this population.  But should this social problem be addressed with surgery anyway?

Bariatric surgery poses particular questions for minors because it uses medical interventions to alter everyday behavior when there are other solutions available such as dieting, exercising, and cognitive behavioral therapy that pose no risk to healthy organs in the body.  Also this surgery does not address the many unknown causes of obesity.

In conclusion these researchers posed the following questions that need to be addressed when making a decision such as bariatric surgery for a child or adolescent:

  • Who to operate on
  • When to do it
  • Who is to decide
  • How to decide
  • Who is to operate
  • How best to prepare
  • How to follow-up

 

And the most important question would be how to generate more high quality evidence in a morally acceptable manner.

I would love to know your option on this topic of Childhood Obesity and Bariatric Surgery. Please Comment!

 

 

How the Brain Responds to Food After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric Bypass Surgery patients lose more weight over the long them than those who have undergone gastric band operations.

A recent study found that obese patients who’ve had gastric bypass surgery experience changes in their brain which affect how the brain itself responds to food.  The Medical Research Council (MRC) found that this procedure reduces not only hunger, but the drive to eat for pleasure.

This was not found to be true of patients who have undergone gastric banding operations.  Therefore over the long run, gastric bypass patients lose more Gastric Bypass eat lessweight.  The research was published in the journal Gut and the theory is that physical changes made to the gut during surgery somehow have an effect on the drive to eat for pleasure.

Dr. Tony Goldstone from the MRC Clinical Sciences Centre at Imperial College London and consultant endocrinologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust said that  “Both procedures reduce appetite and have health benefits including long-term weight loss and improvement or even complete resolution of type 2 diabetes. However, gastric bypass surgery appears to be more effective for weight loss and has a more profound effect on the way in which the brain responds to food.”

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was used to measure brain activity by scientists from Imperial College London, UK.  They studied 61 men and women who had lost weight using either one of these surgical methods.  21 people had gastric bypass and 20 people had gastric band surgery.  They used a control group of 20 people who had no surgery.

Patients who had gastric bypass surgery had less activity in brain’s reward centers when shown pictures of food, compared with those who had gastric banding surgery.  Gastric bypass patients also rated high-calorie foods as less appealing and as a result ate less fat in their diet than patients having gastric banding surgery or people in the control group.

However compared to the un-operated control group, both groups that had surgery had similarly reduced hunger and seemed unrelated to their psychological traits.

Researchers could not determine what caused these changes in brain activity, but did see differences in the patients’ metabolism which might be a factor.  The gut hormones that make us feel full after a meal were higher in the gastric bypass patients.  Levels of bile, which pay a role in digestion were also higher.

Another factor that was observed was that patients with gastric bypass surgery were physically uncomfortable, even nauseous after eating foods high in sugar and fat.  So this of course influenced their eating habits.

Dr. Goldstone concluded that “These findings emphasize that different bariatric procedures work in different ways to influence eating behavior,” added Goldstone. “This may have important implications for the way we treat patients with obesity and could help pave the way for a more personalized approach when deciding on the choice of bariatric procedure by taking the impact on food preferences and cravings into account.”

 

 

 

 

 

Bariatric Eating Guidelines: Why Can You Not Drink During Meals?

Knowing how much drinking you are allowed to do is important with bariatric eating. It is essential to follow bariatric nutrition in order to avoid serious health risks. Bariatric surgery can dramatically change your life, but you need to carefully follow your new dietary regime in order to see best results and avoid serious health complications. Before you consider bariatric surgery you want to consider all the risks involved. If you have already had the procedure and want help maintaining a healthy lifestyle you need to know what to do. This article can help you understand the health risks associated with drinking during meals after bariatric surgery.

How to Eat After Bariatric Surgery- Bariatric Eating Guidelines

Bariatric surgery and the resulting nutrition and diet that you follow are a good way to help you stop over eating, but it can also come with home health problems if you don’t follow the proper bariatric surgery eating guidelines. Bariatric surgery will reduce the size of your stomach and therefore, reduce the amount of food that can be contained in your stomach. If is important to eat slowly and carefully chew your food after bariatric surgery.

bariatric eating guidelines

 

Typically, not following bariatric eating guidelines will lead to nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are the same that you would feel if you ate too fast or ate too much food. However, there are other health issues that can occur after bariatric surgery that are easy to avoid if you follow proper eating habits. Let us look at some of these issues.

Some nutritional problems that occur after bariatric surgery include the following:

· Difficulty digesting food – especially red meats, bread products and fruit and vegetable skins.

· Intolerance to certain foods – especially in the few days after the operation.

· Malnutrition as a result of vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

· Changes in bowel habits.

· Dehydration as a result of inadequate drinking.

· Some symptoms to look for after bariatric surgery include the following:

· Dry mouth

· Headache

· Fatigue

· Strong smelling and/or dark urine

· Lactose intolerance

· Gas

· Diarrhea

· Bloating

· Cramping

 

Tips on How Much and When to Drink and Eat After Bariatric Surgery

Following bariatric surgery you will need to abide by some simple bariatric eating guidelines and take daily dietary supplements and a regimen of multi-vitamins in order to avoid malnutrition and get the missing nutrients from you new reduced diet. When you eat less, you will also be consuming less fiber so it is important to drink as much water as possible, exercise regularly and eat natural fiber sources such as oatmeal or applesauce.

Since bariatric surgery is reducing the size of your stomach it is important that you don’t drink too much fluids with you meal because this will over extend your stomach.  This will increase your feelings of nausea and increase your risk of vomiting. Also, drinking with your meals causes the food to travel faster through your stomach, potentially making you hungry sooner. Some foods can also be expanded as a result of mixing with water. Therefore, it is important to drink fluids often, but before and after meals.

 

Bariatric surgery is one of the best procedures to help obese patients lose weight. If you follow the tips above you will be able to reduce your chance of complications that can make the procedure uncomfortable.