Why Is It Important to Have a Diet Plan After Bariatric Surgery?
The effectiveness of bariatric surgery depends on the lifestyle and eating habit changes of the patient. There is a common misconception amongst people that after a bariatric surgery eating anything is okay as long as it is limited. However, post weight loss surgery, it is very critical to maintain a good nutrition for a brief period of time. That’s why surgeons who perform bariatric surgery in Melbourne emphasise a lot on the importance of a proper diet plan.
Reasons to Stick to a Diet Plan
- Firstly, the amount of food you will consume will be limited, which makes it necessary to pick more nutrient-dense foods after your surgery.
- Secondly, your body will require certain nutrients for quick rehabilitation. If you overlook your doctor’s prescribed diet chart and do not pay proper attention to your eating habits, then you will become more likely to encounter other health issues.
- Ultimately, the reason why you had the surgery in the first place was to lead a better, productive life by losing immense weight. Some eating habits such as sugary soft drinks and other unhealthy food and beverage can prohibit your body from achieving those fitness goals.
With that being said, here are some of the typical phases of post-bariatric surgery diet plan:
Phase 1 or the liquid phase
You will start your diet plan by drinking clear liquids only that will range from 1 to 2 ounces at once. During this phase, you can consume skimmed milk, decaffeinated tea or coffee, unsweetened juices and popsicles, and supplement drinks that are high in vitamins. The liquid diet will keep your body hydrated and packed with essential nutrients. You can also avail the protein-rich drinks recommended by the doctors who offer bariatric surgery in Melbourne.
Phase 2 or the pureed food phase
Pureed foods are kind of meal that is prepared until soft and then served as mashed or blended. The uniformity and texture of these foods will range from moist cottage cheese to a thick paste. Concentrate on protein-related nutrients like beans and meats, however, stay away from red meats. The limit of pureed foods should be about three tablespoons or 1.5 ounces.
Phase 3 or the soft foods phase
You can intake normal, soft foods after reaching phase 3, but you have to still maintain a healthy distance from difficult-to-chew, stringy food items, as these foods might have a bad effect on your health. For example, even at phase 3, you are not allowed to eat ground beef. The portion limit of soft foods should two to three ounces.
Phase 4 or the solid foods phase
When you reach the fourth or the final phase of your diet plan, congratulate yourself for the sacrifices you made ever since you had your bariatric surgery in Melbourne. During this phase, you can eat a broad range of your favourite meals. However, try to keep the consumption of sugar and starch limited. The portion size should not cross more than six ounces.
Finally, the length of each phase is determined by the type of bariatric surgery you had. Hence, consult your doctor and ask for a prescribed diet plan accordingly.