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Nutritional follow-up after

Immediately Post Surgery (0-6 weeks):

During this time the patient will slowly transition from a clear diet in the hospital to a mixed fluid diet which one will be on for 2 weeks.

Following a mixed fluid diet, for 2 weeks the patient will transition onto a sloppy / puree diet and then finally the last 2 weeks, onto a soft diet.

6 Weeks onwards:

Our goal is to transition you safely from stage to stage until you are back onto eating “normal” consistency foods. The portions continue to remain a lot smaller than before but the satisfaction level is much higher, especially once the variety of foods is allowed. Some patients may find that their taste preferences change, or their level of taste is heightened, or they become intolerant to certain foods over a certain level of intake e.g. lactose/dairy.

We strongly recommend a healthy balance of eating post-surgery for life, which will include:

  • Small regular meals
  • Aiming for 80g protein per day (minimum requirement)
  • At each meal aim for distribution of 1/2 plate of protein, 1/4 plate carbs & 1/4 plate veggies/salads
  • A lower-fat diet is encouraged
  • Fluids are to be taken between meals to avoid feeling overly filled with food
  • Limiting treats and fast food/takeaways

Other Post Surgery Recommendations:

  • Mindful eating - being aware of what passes one's lips into the stomach
  • Chewing food properly
  • Enjoying a balance and not feeling as if one is on a “diet”
  • Embracing a better relationship with food that involves eating for hunger and not other reasons
  • Limiting alcohol
  • Incorporating more movement and exercise in one's routine

Supplementation:

Supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals becomes essential post-Bariatric surgery to avoid health complications.

This is non-negotiable.

Initially, the supplementation post-surgery will include:

  • Probiotic
  • Multivitamin which importantly includes: iron, vitamin B12 and other B vits
  • Mag Citrate
  • Vitamin D3 - Calciferol

3 months onwards:

We encourage everyone post-surgery to continue with most of the abovementioned supplementations besides maybe the probiotic. This can be used again if necessary.

Monitoring Post Bariatric Surgery:

Initially post-surgery we will have a follow up with our patients at the following times:

  • 6 weeks post-surgery
  • Generally 1 x 6 weekly thereafter, especially in the first year

Follow-ups can be quite exciting for patients who come for weigh-ins and body stat assessments to see improvements and milestones reached. At the same time, we like to monitor a person’s intake of protein especially and overall balance of foods in the day.

Follow-ups are encouraged to continue in the months and years to follow even if only eventually once annually, just to keep accountability and be encouraged or assisted by our team on a journey that can be both challenging yet very rewarding!