Bariatric surgery makes your stomach smaller, so your post-surgery portion sizes will also be smaller. You must eat a healthy, well-balanced diet after gastric bypass surgery. Bariatric surgery makes your stomach smaller, so your post-surgery portion sizes will also be smaller. You must eat a healthy, well-balanced diet after gastric bypass surgery. Getting all the nutritional staples is foundational in sustained weight loss to become the healthiest possible version of yourself.
Below are three critical nutritional factors contributing to your essential dietary needs after bariatric surgery.
1. Protein
Our bodies cannot store protein, so it’s critical to include a healthy quantity and quality in our daily diets. The body needs a constant supply of protein to repair and replace tissues that become weak or damaged. Experts recommend a minimum of 60 grams of protein each day. Gastric bypass surgery only allows the stomach to hold a minimal volume, so it’s key to include protein-rich foods with each meal to preserve lean muscle mass. Make it a point to consume them first when eating. Lean proteins that are healthy for post-gastric bypass include fish, poultry, eggs, and low-fat cottage cheese.
2. Sugar and Fats
After gastric bypass, dumping syndrome can occur. It may cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Avoid fried food and things like juice, Susa, and sweets.
3. Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and veggies are packed with healthy things like antioxidants, flavonoids, and fiber. After bariatric surgery, they are an essential part of a diet, but you must watch carb intake. Instead, choose low-carb vegetables such as spinach, green beans, asparagus, and cantaloupe.
Gastric Bypass Surgery: Approved Dinner Recipes
Gastric bypass surgery can be an effective weight-loss method for people struggling with obesity. While you must always be aware of what’s on your plate, you can still enjoy tasty options! Here are three of our favorite dinner recipes to enjoy guilt-free.
Dinner Recipe 1: Baked Chicken With Vegetable SERVINGS: 6
INGREDIENTS
- Four potatoes, sliced
- Six carrots, sliced
- One large onion, quartered
- One chicken, raw, cut into pieces with skin removed
- ½ cup water
- One teaspoon thyme
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Place potatoes, carrots, and onions in a large roasting pan.
- Put chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.
- Mix water, thyme, and pepper. Pour over chicken and vegetables.
- Spoon juices over chicken once or twice during cooking.
- Bake for one hour or more until browned and tender.
Dinner Recipe 2: Asian Pork Tenderloin
SERVINGS: 8
INGREDIENTS
- ⅓ cup light soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard
- 1 tablespoon ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoons pepper
- 4 garlic cloves or prepared minced
- 2 lbs pork tenderloin
DIRECTIONS
- Mix ingredients and rub the marinade on the pork.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes at 375º F degrees OR in crockpot on low for 4-6 hours.
Dinner Recipe 3: Cheesy Vegetarian Chili
SERVINGS: 8
INGREDIENTS
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 large green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup onion chopped
- ½ pound of sliced mushrooms
- 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes or 2 cups of fresh tomatoes
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 medium zucchini (thinly sliced)
- 2 15-ounce cans of red kidney beans (rinsed)
- 10-ounce package of frozen corn
- 1 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
DIRECTIONS
- Heat olive oil and garlic in a large pan.
- Add onions, green pepper, and mushrooms. Cook until tender.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chili powder, and bring to a boil.
- Turn down to low, and add in zucchini and kidney beans. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Add frozen corn and ½ cup cheddar cheese. Stir.
- Simmer on low for additional 10-15 minutes.
- Top with cheddar cheese and serve.
A Post Gastric Bypass Surgery Diet Doesn't Have To Be Boring
Committing to a balanced diet and regular exercise is the key to sustained weight loss on your journey to better health. However, a gastric bypass surgery diet doesn't have to be boring. You can get creative with your meals if you follow the recommended nutrition guidelines and portion sizes.
Contact the BASS Bariatric Surgery Center today for more information on life after gastric bypass surgery. If you are struggling with weight, we are here to help provide a weight-loss solution that can work for you.
