PRACTICAL TIPS

After the initial weeks following bariatric surgery, which require a specific, staged diet, your diet will follow the following structure:

Preferred intake

4-6 servings per day of protein-rich foods:

• Lean meats (chicken, turkey, rabbit) and lean parts of beef and pork: 60 g/portion.
• Fish: 60 g of oily fish and 85 g of white fish.
• Skimmed dairy products: 60 g of cheese, 140 g of milk and 115 g of yogurt.
• Legumes: 80 g (already cooked).
• Eggs: 1 medium.

2-3 daily servings of:

• Vegetables: 85 g.
• Low-sugar fresh fruits (apple, pear, orange, watermelon, strawberries, etc.): 140 g.
• Fresh fruits rich in sugar (grapes, peaches, bananas, cherries, etc.): 70 g.
• Olive oil (preferably): 1 dessert spoon.

Controlled intake

2 daily servings of:

• Cereals, preferably whole grains:
  - Rice and pasta: 90 g
  (already cooked).
  - Bread, toast and breakfast cereals
  : 30 g.
• Tubers (potato, sweet potato, etc.): 85 g (already cooked).

Protein intake after surgery

Proteins are a fundamental nutrient for our organism and are especially important for our muscles to form and function properly.
After surgery, it can be more difficult to get enough of the protein we need, so it will be important to include several servings of these food groups in our daily diet:

Fluid intake after surgery

• It is very important to ensure adequate fluid intake after surgery.
• The usual recommendation would be 1,500-2,000 ml/day, which would translate into 8-10 glasses/day.
• Fluid intake should always be outside the main meals, at least 15 minutes before and after them.
• The recommended beverage is water, cold or in infusions.
• Carbonated beverages, sweetened drinks, those containing caffeine (cola, coffee, etc.) and alcoholic beverages (including wine and beer) are to be avoided.

What is dumping and how can it be avoided?

This is a very rapid emptying of the stomach that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, sweating, etc.

It is produced by the new situation of the digestive system after bariatric surgery and occurs especially when we eat foods rich in sugars (sugary drinks, juices, sweets, etc.).

To avoid this, we provide you with some simple tips to follow in your daily life:

• Limit the intake of foods rich in sugars (juices, sweets, soft drinks, etc.).
• Whenever possible, select whole-grain bread, pasta and rice.
• Do not drink liquids during meals.
• Eat 5-6 meals throughout the day, to ensure that portion sizes are small.
• Eat slowly, chewing food well, and rest (sitting down) after eating for at least 15 minutes.

Practice of physical exercise

In the initial weeks, the most recommended activity is to go for a daily walk for 20-30 minutes and, progressively, increase it to 1 hour a day. It is important to include strength exercises in the daily routine to avoid losing muscle mass (squats, push-ups against the wall, etc.).

After three months, and if your doctor considers it appropriate, more activities such as swimming, dance classes, pilates, yoga, etc. can be included. Without forgetting to follow the routine of strength exercises and daily walking.