Changes in Eating after Weight Loss Surgery

Though bariatric surgery will lead to many changes in your lifestyle, some of the most dramatic will be in your eating habits. In addition to addressing your body’s nutritional needs, you will need to eat in a way that minimizes the discomfort that can come from eating too much or eating too fast.

Dr. Taylor will give you specific instructions on how and what to eat after weight loss surgery. This section of the guide is not intended as a replacement for those instructions, but rather as a supplement to them.

The sections below offer basic strategies on how to eat your meals and how to fulfill your body’s needs for protein and water. If you have any questions about your diet after weight loss surgery, remember that Dr. Taylor is always here to offer guidance and clarification.

Your New Relationship with Food

The way you eat a meal will not be the same as it was before surgery. You will need to eat slower, chew thoroughly and pay close attention to the way your body responds to the foods you eat. These tips can help you minimize discomfort as you adjust to your post-bariatric surgery diet.

Protein in Your Bariatric Diet

You will need to make sure that you are eating enough protein, which is vital to your body’s ability to heal and grow muscle mass after weight loss surgery. You will have specific daily protein needs and will need to make sure that a number of calories you consume are coming from protein sources. The amount of protein you need each day will be dependent on the type of weight loss surgery you had.

Hydration after Bariatric Surgery

Hydration is an essential part of good health. To avoid dehydration and make it easier for your body to heal you will need to drink between 40 and 64 ounces of water each day–most of which should come from regular water. You should also avoid sugary, carbonated and caffeinated drinks and sip beverages instead of gulping them.