DIET &
NUTRITION
HELPING YOU SUCCEED LONG TERM
Supervised Weight Loss
Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective treatment for morbid obesity and its associated metabolic complications. DHMR Clinic's nutritional support help prepare patients adapt comprehensive lifestyle changes for long term success.
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PRE-SURGERY NUTRITION
A diet usually means a temporary change in the amount of food you eat or the type of food you ingest. Weight loss surgery requires a permanent change in the way you eat and the kind of foods you select. This surgery is a very powerful tool to assist you to limit your food intake by reducing hunger, appetite and cravings.
Weight loss is still your responsibility. You must consume fewer calories than you burn in order to lose weight after surgery. The dietary restrictions after surgery will appear to be more rigorous than any other dietary program you’ve tried previously.
At your initial visit well before the surgery, our Dietitian will work with you to begin changing your diet to include only the following four food groups
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Protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, or soy-based products (tofu)
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Vegetables
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Fruits
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Small amounts of high-fiber starches (such as whole wheat wraps or brea
You should not eat anything that does not fall into the above four categories. For example, muffins, bagels, donuts, candy, rice, pasta or potatoes. You should stop drinking sugary, sweet and carbonated beverages and consume more water, flavored water or low calorie protein drinks. Fruit juice consumption is not recommended. DHMR Clinics offer a diet plan customized to each patients individual needs.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE SURGERY
Two weeks before the surgery you will begin a two week partial or full meal replacement regimen to induce pre-surgical weight loss and to improve bariatric surgical outcomes. Pre-surgical weight loss can promote physiological improvements, and help stabilize comorbid conditions prior to surgery. Potential benefits of preoperative weight loss also include what's listed below:
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Decrease of Intra abdominal fat mass
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Improves fatty liver
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Reduces operative time
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Improves protein levels for better healing
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Prevention of unwanted weight gain prior to surgery
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Easier recovery
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Improved respiratory function
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Fewer complications
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Two weeks before surgery, you must stop taking any medication containing aspirin or ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®, Exedrin®, Bayer®, Aleve®, etc.). This will reduce the chances of excessive bleeding during the procedure. You should also stop taking birth control pills about two weeks before surgery to reduce the incidence of blood clot formation.
POST-SURGERY NUTRITION
You’ll meet with a dietitian before and after surgery, and will be given detailed written diet instructions to take home. Your post-surgery diet will be a highly regimented program.
Stage I Diet: On the morning after surgery, once the UGI test is performed, you will start a clear liquid diet. This diet consists of sugar-free Jell-O, broth, and decaffeinated tea.
Stage II Diet: On day two, you’ll advance to a full or nutrient-enriched liquid diet. You’ll be sent home on the Stage II diet and will remain on this diet until your initial postoperative visit about two weeks after surgery.
Stage III Diet: Consists of pureed food. This diet is rich in protein and produce. You will be on Stage III foods for four to six weeks after the operation before advancing to Stage IV.
Stage IV Diet: Consists of solid food that is low in fat, low in added sugar, high in protein and with increased fiber.
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Quick Guide for a Healthy Lifestyle after Bariatric Surgery
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Eat 3 small meals per day with 2 protein snacks in between
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Four Tablespoons of solids, or 4 oz by weight of food per meal. This is a satisfactory portion size for each meal for the first several months after surgery.
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Always measure every meal.
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Natural foods are better than pre-packaged.
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Start every meal with a protein.Avoid white carbohydrates.
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Avoid white carbohydrates.
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Avoid carbonated beverages.
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Avoid caffeinated beverages.
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Try not to get distracted while eating and make every bite a conscious choice.
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Drink at least 64 oz of calorie free liquid everyday between meals.
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Exercise is an essential component of your wright loss. Get up and MOVE!
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Renew your commitment everyday.