Gastric sleeve surgery is a life-changing procedure that can help you lose weight and improve your health. After the operation, there are a few things you need to watch out for. You must not eat certain foods and you must be careful about how much you eat.
Let’s talk about some things you shouldn’t do after gastric sleeve surgery.
Foods to avoid after gastric sleeve
After undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, it is imperative to allow the body to fully recover before considering incorporating solid foods into the diet. Once this crucial point of recovery is reached, there is no explicit list of prohibited foods; however, it is recommended to limit the consumption of certain food groups, such as those high in fats, added sugars and empty calories. In addition, it is important to exercise caution with certain foods that may be difficult to digest or intolerable to the stomach after surgery. These include foods that are difficult to chew, as well as those with high fiber content, nuts, seeds, long grain rice and foods with a high degree of spiciness. Although there is no absolute prohibition on these foods, it is recommended to introduce them gradually into the diet and observe the body’s response to avoid any postoperative discomfort or complications.
Eat large meals
Weight loss surgery such as gastric sleeve requires a permanent change in eating habits, and one of the most important changes is to avoid heavy meals. After gastric sleeve surgery, the stomach is considerably reduced and cannot support large meals. Overeating can cause pain, nausea, vomiting and even blockage of the new digestive system.
Alcoholic beverages or drink sugary
Sugary or alcoholic beverages can be detrimental to weight loss goals, as they are high in calories and devoid of nutrients. Alcohol contains empty calories and can cause dehydration, which slows down weight loss. Sugary drinks can fill you up quickly, leaving less room for the healthy foods that will help you achieve your desired weight. It is therefore advisable to limit or avoid these drinks after gastric sleeve surgery.
Consume high-calorie or fatty foods
After gastric sleeve surgery, you should avoid fatty foods such as fried foods, processed foods and high-calorie beverages such as soft drinks or fruit juices. These foods can cause unpleasant side effects such as vomiting, nausea and bloating. Eating smaller meals and avoiding these unhealthy fats is essential to the long-term success of gastric sleeve surgery.
Eat too quickly
It’s important to avoid eating too quickly after gastric sleeve surgery. Eating quickly can cause bloating and discomfort, and sometimes vomiting. Eating more slowly will help your body to digest food properly and allow you to enjoy your meal without discomfort. By eating more slowly, your body will recognize more easily that you are full, so you won’t overeat.
Skip meals or go for long periods without eating
It’s very important to eat at the right time after digestion. Skipping meals or not eating for a long time can lead to problems such as fatigue and hypoglycemia. Pay attention to how much you can eat at a time and how often you need to eat to maintain your new weight.
10 Foods to avoid after bariatric surgery
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 foods you should avoid after gastric sleeve surgery. These recommendations are based on expert advice and are tailored to help you feel your best while staying on track with your health goals. By steering clear of these items, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth recovery and long-term success.
| # | Food | Why You Should Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sugary foods and drinks | Sugary items can lead to something called “dumping syndrome,” which causes nausea, diarrhea, and even dizziness. They’re also full of empty calories that won’t help you meet your weight loss goals. |
| 2 | Fried and greasy foods | These foods are tough to digest and can make you feel uncomfortable. Plus, they’re loaded with unhealthy fats and calories that can stall your progress. |
| 3 | Alcoholic beverages | Alcohol can irritate your stomach, increase the risk of ulcers, and add unnecessary calories. After gastric sleeve surgery, your body processes alcohol differently, so it’s best to avoid it altogether. |
| 4 | Carbonated drinks | Sodas and other fizzy drinks can cause bloating and discomfort because of the gas they produce in your stomach. |
| 5 | Bread, rice, and pasta | These starchy foods can form a sticky mass that’s hard to digest and might block your smaller stomach pouch. |
| 6 | Raw fruits and vegetables with tough skins | Fibrous raw produce can be difficult to break down and might cause blockages. Cooking and peeling them makes them much easier on your digestive system. |
| 7 | Tough or dry red meat | Chewing and digesting tough cuts of meat can be a challenge after surgery. Stick to lean, tender proteins instead. |
| 8 | Spicy or heavily seasoned foods | These can irritate your stomach lining and lead to heartburn or indigestion, which you definitely don’t want during recovery. |
| 9 | Nuts and seeds | They’re small but dense and can be hard to digest, especially if your stomach is still healing. |
| 10 | Full-fat dairy products | Whole milk, cheese, and other full-fat dairy can be heavy on your stomach and add unnecessary fat to your diet. Opt for low-fat or non-dairy alternatives instead. |
Engage in excessive physical activity
The first few weeks after surgery are particularly important for the body’s healing process. During this period, it is advisable to get up and move around frequently, but to avoid excessive physical activity. Intense physical activity puts extra pressure on the digestive system, which can slow down the healing process. For the first few months after surgery, it’s best to keep physical activity to a minimum, gradually increasing it as you adapt to the changes.
gastric sleeve surgery is an effective treatment for obesity and associated diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Call Bariatrics MX for the best gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico. Our doctors are experienced, trained and certified to help you transition to a healthier lifestyle.
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