| Bariatric Support and Nutrition Counseling Contrary to the popular belief, bariatric procedures are not the almighty solution to your overweight problems. Diet after a bariatric surgery is the major importance because it is the only was the procedure and yourself can succeed with losing the weight. Doctors provide basic counseling and support as an introduction to your new lifestyle.
However, diet after bariatric surgery begins as soon as you are scheduled for professional nutrition assistance lead by a nutritionist or dietician, although these appointments may occur even prior to your surgery, if you need counseling before consenting to the procedure.
The goals of the counseling appointments are to teach you how to eat and design your diet after bariatric surgery, including vitamins or supplements that you will need to take. With this knowledge you can prevent many nutritional problems and avoid complications after your procedure.
Meetings with your dietician are more than a friendly visit to exchange opinions, questions, answers, but a learning experience to discover the type of fluids, foods and supplements for each of the different phases of your diet after bariatric surgery, following the written instruction that you will receive.
It is your responsibility and obligation to attend all your appointments with the dietician, otherwise failure can result in health problems, complications and weight gain. There are 4 different phases of diet after bariatric surgery, each one accompanied by an introductory appointment with your dietician.
Counseling visits may occur any time you need advice, but scheduled appointments must be taken seriously, generally once during every one of the different phases of diet after bariatric procedure, and you should also follow the recommendations received, including the nutritional plan designed for you.
The phases of diet after bariatric surgery include a visit 4 weeks prior to surgery, enrolling yourself in learning the surgery procedures and nutrition education facts towards your surgery. The day before surgery, you must be prepared to follow the advice of the dietician and avoid solid foods.
One of the worst days that you may experience from the eating perspective, will be the day of your surgery, a day in which you will not eat or drink anything. The day after the surgery you will start eating after a test is performed, but limited to ice water and small amounts of food, usually every hour.
Two days after surgery you will continue with clear liquids and shortly after you will be sent back home to continue with the 4 phases of diet after bariatric surgery, starting with clear liquids and ending up with a soft diet. In a few months, you will be able to continue you diet without requiring assistance, if you desire. |
