BARIATRIC DIET

We are committed to helping you reach important weight loss goals and we are here to support you. Surgery is just one step on your journey.Following surgery, many patients lose weight rapidly.But it's important to make the commitment to a lifestyle of healthy eating and regular exercise.

Liquid diet before Bariatric Procedure

Please follow the instructions as recommended by the dietician

• Water
• Coconut water
• Mutton soup
• Chicken soup
• Vegetable soup
• Black chana soup
• Skimmed milk
• Fresh diluted juices(No sugar)
• Tea(No sugar)
• Green tea
• Lemon water
• Coffee(No sugar)
• Yogurt
• Salted lassi
• Water with added protein powder

Nutrition and Diet                  

After Bariatric Surgery, we need to follow balanced diet which is rich in protein, low in carbohydrates and low in fats.

Bariatric diet is divided into 3 phases:

Phase I: First 2 weeks after surgery(1-14th day)

Patients are given clear liquids on day 1 after the contrast study 30 ml/hr water only. On day 2, 50-70 ml water or coconut water per hour is given. From day 3rd - 14th, 70 - 100 ml clear liquids per hour as instructed.

Clear Liquid Diet includes:

• Water
• Skimmed milk
• Lemon water
• Ginger tea
• Black tea
• Green tea
• Coconut water
• Clear soups
• Water with added protein powder         

Phase II: Day 15th - Day28th (Next Two Weeks)

In this phase patients are instructed to have semi-solid diet. High intake of protein about 60-80 gm is advised along with 100ml/hour of fluid is given. This semi-solid diet can be divided into six small meals of the day.

Foods Include:

• Khichdi
• Soft blenderized rice
• Mashed potatoes
• Thin semolina kheer (without sugar)
• Fruits (mashed banana or stewed apple)
• Low fat custard.
• Plain porridge.
• Mashed baked beans or lentils.
• Thick pure soups.
• Pured meal of meat and vegetables (ensure no lumps)
• Mashed egg white (boiled)
• Yogurt
• Cornflakes with milk (soggy)
• Fresh fruit juice. 

Phase III: 

From week 5 onwards you will be ready to commence a full diet. The size of your meal will remain small because the size of your stomach pouch can only fit a limited volume of food. It is recommended that you have 5 small meals per day with fluids separate to these main meals.

Meal plan for a day:

Breakfast:

• Light tea or coffee
• Milk (1/2 glass)
• Semolina or sago or bread or idli
• 1 soft boiled egg (white part)

Mid - Morning:

• Soup
• Fruits without seeds

Lunch:

• White bread or bread roll
• Dehusked pulses
• Curd
• Soft cooked vegetables

Evening Meal:

• Stewed fruit or juice
• Light tea or coffee + biscuit (2-3)
• 1 cup of milk

Dinner:

• Low fat custard
• Thin semolina kheer
• Khichdi (rice and dehusked pulses)
• Mashed potatoes

DO's and DON'Ts:  

• Day1 is considered as the next day of surgery
• Stay hydrated and use small utensils
• Take 20-30 minutes to finish your meal
• Take small bites
• Take your multi vitamins / supplements as advised
• Do not drink and eat at the same time
• Drink liquids slowly
• Donot drink the liquid with straw
• Donot drink carbonated drinks
• Chew your food properly
• Ensure fluids are consumed no earlier than 20 minutes before or 20 minutes after meals 

Physical Activity:

Your ability to resume pre-surgery levels of activity will vary according to your physical condition, the nature of the activity and the type of bariatric surgery you had. Exercise for bariatric surgery patients is often the first part of patient's long term plan to get skipped following surgery. It is almost as important as your diet.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Best Exercises:

• Standing Cycling (15-30 minutes)
• Brisk walk
• Step up
• Mat Yoga (Basic)
• Manual Jogger                                                                                                           

Behaviour Modifications:

Behaviour plays a significant role in weight management. Modifying behaviours that contributed to developing obesity is one way to heat the disease of obesity either alone or in conjunction with other treatments.

Few behaviour change strategies are:

• Self - monitoring
• Increasing physical activity
• Becoming educated about the body and how to nourish it appropriately.
• Engaging in a support group
• Setting realistic goals

Our behaviours are engrained in our daily routines, families, lifestyles and more. It is important to stick with your behavioural changes, as they will greatly help you in your weight loss journey.