Currently metabolic surgery is one of the most effective tools for the treatment of obesity, that is, in the hands of a trained multidisciplinary team, significantly impacting people’s quality of life.
It is important to mention that whoever undergoes this type of procedure must be aware of the changes that this entails; Food, for example, is one of the most relevant. We’ll dig into that below.
Let us remember that there are different techniques and each one implies different modifications of the gastrointestinal tract, which will lead us to adopt a healthier type of diet before and after the intervention.
What to eat before bariatric surgery?
Once the patient makes the decision to undergo surgery, he must complete a previous protocol.
Among other requirements, one essential is to follow a minimum of 15 days with a special diet adapted to the needs of the patient with the aim of reducing risks during the procedure and therefore a better prognosis for postoperative recovery.
Some general recommendations to follow are the following:
- Avoid sugars, excessively greasy foods, carbonated drinks or high caffeine content.
- Give yourself time to eat your food.
- Chew each bite properly.
- Avoid smoking for at least 3 weeks prior to surgery.
Two days before the procedure, the patient is instructed to consume only clear liquids, among which are included:
- Clear, defatted and low sodium broths
- Teas without sugar
- Water
- Simple jellies
What will my diet be like after a bariatric intervention?
Passing 24 hrs, once the surgeon authorizes it, the procedure begins with a progressive diet, which consists of 4 feeding phases (clear liquids, general liquids, porridge/pure and soft chopped diet) these will have different textures and consistencies in addition to being presented in small amounts which will allow the patient to gradually introduce different essential foods into their diet, always observing the tolerance of the patient to the different kinds of food.
The recommendations are given by a nutritionist trained in the individualized approach to bariatric patients and vary according to the particular situation of the patient.However, in general terms during Phase 1 (Clear Liquids) the patient may consume:
• Water
• Tea without sugar
• Whey without sugar
• Defatted broth
• Soft light gelatin
Recommendations:
• Drink slowly
• Measure the amount (50 ml)
• Without straw
• Dairy free
•Without gas
•Sugarfree
• Optional sweetener
Food allowed Phase 2 (General Liquids):
• High protein, sugar free shakes.
• Low-fat yogurt, light, lactose-free milk and vegetable milk.
• Cream type vegetable soups.
Note:
• Same recommendations as in phase 1.
• Home protein supplement
Foods allowed in Phase 3 (Porridges and puree):
• Chopped chicken
• Chopped turkey
• Shredded fish
• Panela, cottage, ricotta, jocoque and cottage cheese
• Fruits and vegetables cooked and without seeds
• Oatmeal
Recommendations:
• Eat slowly and chew your food well.
• Separate liquid intake from solids for 20 min.
• 5-7 times
Food allowed Phase 4 (Smooth chopped diet)Regularly at this stage the patient tolerates most foods except for some that usually cause discomfort in the first weeks of solids, for example: Radish, cauliflower, dates, tamarind, bagasse, sweet potato, corn, rice, octopus, dried shrimp, strong cheeses, peanuts, alcohol and soft drinks.
Notes:
• Same recommendations Phase 3
• Vitamins, minerals and protein supplementation
