Sticking to a nutrition plan after bariatric surgery is crucial for several reasons. Following a well-structured nutrition plan is essential to ensure the success of the surgery and to maintain good health in the long term. Here are some reasons why adhering to a nutrition plan is important after bariatric surgery:
1. Proper Healing and Recovery: After bariatric surgery, the body needs time to heal and recover. Following a nutrition plan that provides adequate nutrients helps promote proper healing of the surgical site and reduces the risk of complications. This is why at Tonic Surgery we offer our specialist bariatric dietitians will offer practical dietary advice to help you along your journey.
2. Weight Loss and Maintenance: The primary goal of bariatric surgery is to achieve significant and sustained weight loss. A well-balanced nutrition plan supports weight loss by helping individuals consume fewer calories while meeting their nutritional needs. By following the plan, patients can better manage their weight in the long term.
3. Preventing Nutritional Deficiencies: Bariatric surgery can impact the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients, such as iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and others. A carefully planned nutrition regimen ensures that patients receive these essential nutrients through dietary sources or supplements, reducing the risk of deficiencies.
4. Building Healthy Eating Habits: Post-surgery, patients need to adopt healthier eating habits to maintain their weight loss and overall well-being. Following a nutrition plan teaches them portion control, mindful eating, and choosing nutrient-dense foods, which are critical for long-term success.
5. Avoiding Complications: Failure to follow a nutrition plan can lead to complications, such as dumping syndrome, malnutrition, dehydration, or gallstones. Dumping syndrome occurs when high-sugar or high-fat foods are consumed, leading to uncomfortable symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and diarrhoea.
6. Enhancing Overall Health: Bariatric surgery often leads to improvements in various health conditions related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. A nutrition plan helps maintain these health improvements and reduces the risk of developing other obesity-related health issues.
7. Accountability and Support: Following a nutrition plan provides patients with a structured approach to their diet, making it easier to track their food intake and progress. Our aftercare team work with you to make sure this is as effective as possible in your weight loss journey. Tonic are one of the only providers to offer a Premium 2–5 Year Aftercare service to ensure you get the results you desire and deserve from your procedure.
In conclusion, sticking to a nutrition plan after bariatric surgery is vital for the success of the procedure, achieving and maintaining weight loss, preventing nutritional deficiencies, and ensuring overall health and well-being. It provides patients with the tools and knowledge they need to make sustainable lifestyle changes and enjoy the full benefits of their weight loss journey.
Take a look at some of our morning recipes below:
TOASTED SANDWICH THIN WITH POACHED EGG
Ingredients
– 1 x sandwich thin (white, wholemeal or granary)
– 1 egg
– 1 x pan of boiling water
– 2ml vinegar
– 5g low-fat spread
Method
– Toast both pieces of the sandwich thin
– Whilst this is toasting, pour boiling water in a pan and a dash of vinegar (this
helps the egg white to set)
– Swirl the water and crack an egg in the centre
– Cook for approx. 4 minutes for a runny yolk. If you prefer a hard yolk cook for a
further 2-3 minutes
– Lightly butter the sandwich thins with low fat spread and top with the poached
egg
LAYERED GRANOLA
Ingredients
– 40g reduced sugar granola
– Handful of fresh berries
– 50g low fat greek yogurt
Method
– Place half the granola in a small glass bowl
– Spoon half of the yoghurt on top of the granola
– Pour the remaining granola on top of the yoghurt
– Spoon the remaining yoghurt and berries on the top
OVERNIGHT OATS
Ingredients (serves 1)
– 2-3 tablespoons porridge oats
– 100ml apple juice
– 3-4 tablespoons fat-free authentic Greek yoghurt
– A small handful of frozen berries
Method
– Mix all ingredients together and leave overnight at room temperature to soak.
The oats will soak up the liquid and become soft
– You could even make a batch of this at the beginning of the week and keep in
the fridge for a quick and easy breakfast
