Navigating Life After Bariatric Surgery: Tips for Long Term Success

Bariatric surgery, also called weight loss surgery, is a category of surgical procedures that are performed to help people struggling with obesity lose weight. Bariatric surgery works by altering the digestive system itself (which includes the stomach and small intestines) to limit the calories you can eat.

The decision to undergo bariatric surgery is a major milestone, but it is important to understand that it is only a tool. And to find significant and long-lasting results, you need to make some dietary and lifestyle changes as well. In this blog, we will discuss postoperative care after weight loss surgery, which includes diet habit changes, exercise after bariatric surgery, and what lifestyle changes you need to make in order to lead a healthy life. 

Diet Chart After Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery changes your digestive system itself to limit the amount of food you can eat and absorb. After the surgery, you need to make some diet habit changes and strictly follow a diet chart laid out by your surgeon. A bariatric diet is divided into four stages, and each stage is designed to support you as your body heals from the surgery. While the exact layout of a diet chart may vary slightly, given below is a rough outline of what dietary changes you can expect after your bariatric surgery:

• Stage 1

Stage 1 of a bariatric diet is strictly liquid-based. During this stage, the nutritional intake is designed to help your body heal and recover from the surgery. For at least the first few days, you are allowed to drink only a few milliliters of clear liquids at a time. This will allow your stomach to heal without being excessively stretched due to hard food. 

• Stage 2

Once your doctor thinks you are ready, you can move on to stage 2 of your bariatric diet. Stage 2 diet lasts for at least two weeks and mainly consists of pureed food or food that has a thick, pudding-like consistency. At this stage, avoid foods that contain a lot of seeds, such as strawberries or kiwis, or foods that are difficult to liquefy, such as broccoli or cauliflower. 

Instead, choose foods that liquefy well, such as spinach, carrot, green beans, bananas, peaches, apricots, and melons.

• Stage 3

Once you have completed Stage 2 and your doctor thinks it’s safe, you can move on to Stage 3 of your bariatric surgery diet. During this stage, it is safe to eat soft and easy-to-chew foods such as soft-boiled eggs, soft-cooked carrots, fruits such as peaches or pears, and yogurt. 

• Stage 4

After 2 months of your bariatric surgery, your doctor may recommend moving onto Stage 4 of your bariatric diet plan. Stage 4 is the final stage of your bariatric diet and includes reintroducing  solid foods into your diet. 

Foods to avoid after bariatric surgery

As part of postoperative care after weight loss surgery, some foods that you should avoid after bariatric surgery include:

• Food With Empty Calories: A bariatric surgery diet means avoiding food that has little to no nutritional value. This includes pastries, chips, sweets, candies, soft drinks, junk food, popcorn, etc. Consumption of such foods can leave you undernourished and may even cause you to gain your weight back.
• Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol slows down your recovery process and take up space in your stomach that needs to be filled with important nutrients. Alcohol consumption can also significantly increase your risk of developing stomach ulcers. If left untreated, such ulcers may also cause internal bleeding.
• Bread or Rice: While you don’t have to cut these high-starch foods from your diet completely, it is advised to take them in small amounts. Due to their starchy nature, it can be hard to swallow such foods without water. In some cases, high-starch food can also block the stoma (an opening in your abdomen that allows waste to exit your body).
• High-fat Food: Eating excessive amounts of high-fat foods such as butter, cheese, potato chips, shakes, ice creams, and fries can not only make you nauseous but also aren’t good for long-term success at weight loss.
• Sugary and Highly Caffeinated Drinks: Sugary and highly caffeinated drinks are something that you should avoid after your bariatric surgery. Consumption of sugary drinks such as soda can put you at an increased risk of dumping syndrome. Whereas caffeine acts as an appetite stimulant. Consumption of caffeine can make you feel hungrier.
• Spicy food: After your bariatric surgery, it can be difficult for your digestive system to process spicy food. It may also cause abdominal pain and heartburn. Therefore, it is best to cut down on spicy food altogether. 

Exercise After Bariatric Surgery

After your weight loss surgery, it can be very beneficial to slowly introduce exercises into your daily routine to aid recovery and help you in your weight loss journey. However, before starting any exercise routines, it is best to consult your healthcare provider first. They can assess your specific needs and, based on them, provide you with a personalized exercise routine. Some of the most commonly recommended exercises after bariatric surgery are given below:

• Walking: Walking is a low-impact exercise that can not only improve your cardiovascular health but also help you maintain a healthy weight. Start with low-intensity walking and gradually increase your distance and pace.
• Yoga: Yoga can help patients improve their metabolism and promotes better blood flow. Yoga can also help you with your recovery and long-term weight loss.
• Swimming: Swimming can be physically draining, so it is advised to perform intermittent, light swimming. Swimming promotes muscle toning, and it is a great way to increase the heart rate.
• Stretching: Incorporate stretching exercises into your routine to improve flexibility, prevent muscle imbalances, and reduce the risk of injuries. Stretching is a great way to burn some calories as well. Including both static and dynamic stretches can be beneficial. 
• Cycling: Cycling is a low-impact exercise that improves cardiovascular fitness and is great for burning calories. Either use a stationary bike or a regular bicycle.

Lifestyle Changes

To maximize the benefits of bariatric surgery and maintain long-term results, some lifestyle changes are crucial. Here are some common lifestyle changes recommended after bariatric surgery:

• Diet Habit Changes: Following surgery, your healthcare provider will likely provide you with a personalized diet chart. These dietary changes are specially designed to aid your recovery and help you in your weight loss journey. It is also likely that your doctor will advise you to eat small amounts of food at a time and chew thoroughly to aid digestion. Focus on consuming nutrient-dense foods such as lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. It is also important to avoid sugary and high-calorie foods and beverages.
• Regular Physical Activity: Engage in regular exercise to support your weight loss efforts and enhance overall fitness. It is advised to start with low-impact activities such as walking and gradually increase the intensity and duration as recommended by your healthcare provider. 
• Hydration: After your bariatric surgery, it is important to stay adequately hydrated. Make sure that you  drink at least 7-8 cups of water every day. However, it is advised to refrain from drinking alongside meals to avoid overfilling your stomach. 
• Portion Control: Bariatric surgery reduces the size of your stomach, making it important to practice portion control. Use smaller plates, bowls, and utensils to help control portion sizes. Pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Stop eating when you feel full.
• Regular Follow-ups and Support: Attend regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and receive guidance and support. You can also consider joining support groups or counseling to connect with others who have undergone bariatric surgery and to share experiences and challenges.

Obesity is a disease that can be difficult to deal with. When non-surgical options such as following a strict diet and exercising fail to provide any significant results, people often resort to surgical options. However, treatment for obesity goes beyond just surgery and diet. After bariatric surgery, patients should expect to have a new lifestyle that combines dietary changes, regular exercise, and regular visits to their healthcare provider. 

If you are struggling with obesity and past efforts for weight loss have been ineffective, bariatric surgery may be a viable option for you. If you have any further questions regarding postoperative care after weight loss surgery or even considering undergoing bariatric surgery, you can contact us at Pristyn Care. Book your FREE consultation with highly qualified and experienced general surgeons near you.