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Most patients have very successful weight loss results following bariatric surgery. What happens to the few that have poor results?
Generally patients who do meet their weight loss goal or who regain weight after meeting their goal simply did not establish and follow new ways of eating food.
Here are some simple dietary do's if you want weight loss surgery to work for you.
1. Eat slowly. Enjoy your food. Savor the flavor, texture, smell, and look of your food. Allow at least 30 minutes for each meal. Take small bites. Chew each bite until it is a mushy, applesauce consistency.
2. Focus. Eliminate mindless eating. Instead, sit down and focus on each meal. Do not do other things while eating; it is easy to overeat when you aren't thinking about what you are doing.
3. Listen to your body. Your body will tell you when you are full. Listen to yourself, and stop eating when you hear the message - even if you did not eat your entire serving.
4. Always eat protein first. Protein is essential for life, and it is especially important after gastric bypass. Always, always eat your protein first. You do not want to fill up on things that are "nice to have" and not have room for the "have to have".
5. Do not eat and drink at the same time. You should stop drinking 30 minutes before your meal begins and resume drinking 30 minutes after your meal is complete. This will allow you to feel full and help with absorption. Fluids mixed with food just push food through, stretch the pouch, or cause s tomach upset.
6. Plan your meals. Set aside six times a day you will eat a small meal. Then eat six times each day.
7. Sip, sip, sip. Drink little sips all throughout the day (except near meals). Hydration is important, and fluids can be another way to consume important nutrients. Tea, protein drinks, sugar free low fat drinks (such as Crystal Light), and water are recommended. Keep a water bottle with you throughout the day. Avoid any sugary drinks, carbonated drinks, high calorie drinks or alcohol.
8. Take your supplements and vitamins as directed. You will be given very specific instructions on the correct vitamin/supplement regimen from the dietitian before surgery. These instructions will be reinforced during your one week and one month follow-up visits.
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