Nutrition and Weight Loss Surgery

Posted: Sep 26 in Post-Bariatric Diet by Staff

Weight loss surgery, like the Lap Band procedure in Ft. Myers, involves making lifestyle and dietary changes before, immediately after, and in the long-term following the operation. Because bariatric surgical procedures help individuals lose weight through malabsorption, restriction, or a combination of the two, weight loss surgery patients require extra nutrient attention after surgery, and throughout their lives.

Pre-Bariatric Surgery Nutrition. Nutritional changes may be needed well before your weight loss Lap Band procedure. Your nutritionist and surgeon will determine your nutritional status, looking for any deficiencies, and more importantly correcting them. Prior to surgery you’ll be educated on the protein, vitamins, and mineral supplements you’ll be taking after your procedure.

Surgery Recovery. During your immediate recovery from bariatric surgery, you will be limited to a “clear liquids only” diet. You’ll gradually progress to full liquids, then onto pureed foods and soft foods, before being able to eat any food you can tolerate.

Long-Term Nutrition Guidelines. You’ll be assessed closely by your Ft. Myers bariatric surgeon and nutritionist during the first year following surgery. Long-term nutritional care includes monitoring for nutrition deficiencies, troubleshooting problems, education, and of course, support.

Long-Term Supplementation. Weight loss surgery patients will take vitamin and mineral supplements for the remainder of their lives, but supplementation will vary depending on the individual and bariatric surgery type. While adjustable band surgery patients may only need a multivitamin, gastric bypass patients may need a multivitamin, vitamin D, calcium, iron and vitamin D supplements of the heightened risk of malabsorption associated with the procedure.