Bariatric Nutrition FAQ’s

Some post-op surgery diets do not recommend bariatric patients drink coffee for these reasons:

• Caffeine is acidic, and it can irritate the lining of your stomach pouch or sleeve.
• Coffee and other sources of caffeine can cause acid reflux.
• After bariatric surgery, too much caffeine can interfere with nutrient consumption. It can reduce your body’s absorption of calcium and iron.
• Caffeine dehydrates you and has a diuretic effect.
• People tend to decrease water intake when they increase coffee intake.
• People often add too many calories from sugar and creamers for coffee which can halt weight loss.

With that being said, we recommend you wait until at least one-month post-op AND you are getting 64 ounces of water or calorie-free decaffeinated beverages per day.

Coffee does not count toward your 64-ounce water goal, even if it’s decaf.  Also, no more than 2 TB of half and half or a sugar-free creamer should be used in a day to limit excess calories.

Carbonation might cause bloating and stress on post-surgical incisions. It’s best to avoid such beverages for at least six weeks post-surgery. When reintroducing, opt for sugar-free options and avoid drinking during meals.

While artificial sweeteners can help reduce sugar intake, we advocate for natural alternatives like stevia. Avoid sweeteners with high natural sugar content, and aim for zero-calorie options.

Bariatric surgery amplifies alcohol’s effects. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation. Prefer dry wines or cocktails with sugar-free mixers. Steer clear of high-sugar drinks.

Post-surgery, caloric intake should gradually increase. Target about 1,000-1,200 calories daily after the first month for average weight loss of 2 lbs/week.

While calorie count is primary, macronutrient balance can enhance weight loss. Recommended breakdown:

• Calories: 1,000-1,200
• Carbohydrates: 25-50 grams
• Protein: 75-105g
• Fat: 40-50g
• Sugars: < 25g

Focus on nutrient-rich foods such as lean meats, fish, vegetables, cheeses, yogurt, nuts, legumes, fruits, healthy fats, and seeds. Remember, the decision to maintain a healthy diet post-surgery is essential for optimal outcomes.

These are the foods we recommend you focus on:

• Lean meats
• Fish and Seafood
• Vegetables
• All cheeses
• Sugar-free Greek Yogurt
• Nuts
• Legumes (beans, peas, and lentils)
• Fruits (including avocado)
• Healthy fats: butter, olive oil, coconut oil
• Sweet potatoes
• Seeds (including quinoa, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc)

Weekly weigh-ins, ideally under the same conditions, can provide an accurate gauge of your progress, shielding you from daily weight fluctuations’ emotional toll.

Please read our article https://bariatricity.com/18-reasons-not-losing-weight-after-gastric-sleeve/ for a list of potential reasons that might be preventing you from losing weight.

Please read our article https://bariatricity.com/how-to-easily-break-a-stall-after-weight-loss-surgery/ for tips on how to break your stall.

Avoid fluids during meals to prevent overfilling your reduced-size stomach and ensure nutrient intake.

Supplementing with bariatric-specific vitamins is vital post-surgery due to reduced nutritional intake. Always adhere to ASMBS guidelines when choosing your supplements.

We recommend taking chewable, soft chew, or liquid bariatric vitamins in the first few months after surgery at least. Pills are not recommended to take for a minimum of 3 months after bariatric surgery as they may not be absorbed as well depending on the type of procedure.

This is especially true of gastric bypass and duodenal switch, as these surgeries tend to cause absorptive issues with many medications. Chewable or liquid vitamins will be easiest for your body to absorb immediately after surgery, and typically contain less sugar than gummies (opt for sugar-free).

Most gummies do not supply a sufficient amount of each vitamin needed nor meet ASMBS guidelines, even if you are taking several gummies (and also consuming many grams of sugar).

While it may sound appealing, there is not enough research on the vitamin patch to know if they actually work or how well they are absorbed into your body so we do not recommend the patch.

If experiencing acid reflux, consider diet adjustments, probiotics, natural remedies like apple cider vinegar, and over-the-counter medications.

Stay hydrated with a minimum of 64 ounces of water daily. Struggling with plain water? Try flavor-infused alternatives or sugar-free, non-caffeinated drinks.

Incorporate fiber-rich foods and consider supplements like psyllium husk capsules to counter post-op constipation.

Exercise is a very important component of a healthy lifestyle. However, that doesn’t mean you need to spend hours at the gym every day. Even just staying active through walking and daily activities can be helpful.

When incorporating vigorous exercise after gastric surgery it is important to find a healthy balance with your diet and calorie intake, otherwise, it is possible that exercise can hinder your weight loss.

For best results speak with a nutritionist or a personal trainer who is familiar with bariatrics before starting any rigorous exercise routine.

While minor stretching of the stomach post-surgery is natural, avoid overeating to prevent undue stretching. Regularly assess your comfort during meals.

Your well-being is our top priority. Remember, post-surgical success lies in adhering to guidelines, making informed choices, and seeking support when needed.