Foods you can’t eat after bariatric surgery

Deciding to have bariatric surgery means you’ll need to get used to a new way of eating both during and after recovery. In the first few weeks following the procedure, your doctor will instruct you to take in liquids only. This gives your stomach time to heal and form scar tissue. The list of foods that are encouraged during this time includes soup, pudding, protein shakes, and yogurt. Once you’re past the post-op period, you can expand your diet, but there are still foods that you can’t eat after having bariatric surgery.

You’ll be eating far less, so the goal is to make sure the foods you eat pack a nutritional punch. Fatty foods or those that are high in sugar are not only harder to digest, but offer mostly empty calories. Sticking to healthy options will ensure you get the nutrients you need even though you’re not eating as much.

Yes, even some healthy foods are on the list

The dietary rules change after you’ve undergone bariatric surgery. A number of foods that are considered healthy may cause problems. Your stomach is very reduced in size which means you can only eat small amounts before you feel full. Having a much smaller stomach also affects your ability to break foods down before they enter the digestive tract. When not properly broken down, food can cause unpleasant symptoms like cramping and diarrhea.

It’s important to be aware of the types of foods, such as red meat, raw vegetables, fruits with skin and popcorn, that may create digestive upset. Educate yourself on the type of foods that are, not only more easily broken down in the stomach, but are nutritious. Since you’re taking in far fewer calories, the quality of what you eat really matters.

Flavor with the protein you need

Along with the foods you can’t eat after bariatric surgery, your doctor will give you a list of foods that fulfill both the easy-to-digest and high nutritional quality requirements. One of the best ways to accomplish both goals is through whey protein supplements. When mixed into a liquid, whey powder provides a big dose of healthy protein and is easy to digest.

Changing the way you eat is vital to achieving success after weight loss surgery. Along with losing weight, the fact that you’re skipping the junk and eating higher quality foods should help you to feel better, too. And, some more good news is that you don’t have to give up flavors you crave like chocolate.

FlexFitPro offers delicious and nutritious chocolate flavored whey protein shakes that will make you feel like you’re cheating on your diet. Read more about the numerous benefits of whey protein isolate on the FlexFitPro site. Guilt-free treats like whey protein shakes are just what you need to feel good and lose weight at the same time.