The Bariatric Diet:
Your
Guide to a Successful Transformation
Having weight loss surgery is one thing. Following a post bariatric surgery diet for the rest of your life is another. Surgeons know surgery, but dietitians know food. I'll tell you what to eat, and how to do it. Allow me to be your personal bariatric diet guide.
My name is Suzette Kroll, RDN. I'm a Dietitian specializing in bariatric nutrition. I’ve been in the trenches for 30 years and have lived to tell the tales of successful weight loss.
I've helped thousands of patients prepare for surgery, recover like a pro, and stick to the bariatric diet for life.
I understand the struggles and triumphs of pre and post-surgery life and want to empower you to make informed choices and crush your weight loss goals. I'm glad you're here!
Weight loss surgery, it's a big step, but let's be real, the surgical procedure is only the tip of the iceberg. The real challenge lies in following a high protein, low carbohydrate diet for the rest of your life. But don't fret, my friend, I’ve got your back.
With my expertise in gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and gastric band diets, I'll make sure the daunting task of sticking to a bariatric diet is a piece of cake (low-calorie cake, that is).
Think of me as your personal weight loss fairy godmother. I wave my magic wand of nutrition knowledge and guide you through the unknown galaxy of bariatric eating.
I provide you with professional advice, creative menu ideas, and strategies that you'll be using for the rest of your life. I make sure you're eating the right foods, whether you're at home, in a restaurant, or even on the go.
So say goodbye to the days of staring at your plate wondering "Can I eat this?" and hello to a new era of "I know what I'm supposed to eat, and I'm excited to do it!"
The Bariatric Diet is a Journey
The diet after weight loss surgery is really a journey... and a magical one...if you allow it to be! There are five phases to navigate. I call them the "5 Rs":
- Getting Ready
- Recovery
- Rapid Weight Loss
- Rest of Your Life
- Possible Regain
Fear not. I am here to help you through every step of the way! Let me break it down….
Getting Ready:
Pre Op
This
is the time before surgery where you shed those pre surgery pounds. You may be
required to lose 5-10% of your weight and/or follow a preop liver reducing diet
immediately prior to surgery.
The pre op period is a crucial time to start eating better and losing weight. Why? Because losing weight before surgery has been linked to a reduction in post-op complications and comorbid conditions like high blood pressure or blood sugar.
Think of this phase as "Prehabilitation" (rather than "Rehabilitation"), as the goal is to start making positive changes before surgery to set yourself up for success.
Preparing for surgery is not just about the physical aspects, it's also about being mentally ready for the journey. This includes setting realistic expectations and having a plan for how to stay motivated and how you plan to be accountable.
Skimping on the mental preparation is like going into battle without a battle plan. You'er not only risking your physical well-being, but also the success of the procedure.
Take the time to prepare both your mind and body for the road ahead, it will make all the difference.
Recovery:
Post Op Bariatric Diet
The next phase of "recovery" refers to the first few months post op where you bounce back from surgery. During this phase, you progress through a series of stages starting with clear liquids and advancing to solid foods over time.
My food lists and menu suggestions for each diet stage make it easy as (fat free) pie.
Rapid Weight Loss
This phase, as the name suggests, is where you drop pounds faster than a hot potato.
The majority of weight loss occurs in this phase, which can last as long as 6-18 months post op. This is the phase everyone dreams about!
This can be an exciting time, but it's important to remember that it won’t last forever. This phase is often called “The Honeymoon Phase.” And just like all good honeymoons….it will come to an end.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate and protein, protein, protein will be your new favorite mantras.
Rest of Your Life:
Bariatric Nutrition for the Long Haul
This is where the weight loss surgery diet becomes a permanent part of your daily routine and your new BFF (best food friend). The bariatric diet for life is an ongoing phase that’s all about maintaining your weight loss and making healthy diet and lifestyle choices consistently.
Learn how to meal plan and meal prep or try new recipes in this phase if you haven’t already. Or fine tune your strategies for eating out, traveling, and dealing with social situations.
This is often the most challenging phase, but I’m here to provide you with professional, practical advice, creative menu ideas, and strategies to make it as easy as taking candy from a baby. (They really shouldn’t eating candy in the first place anyway!)
Possible Regain
This phase is all about addressing any potential weight regain and getting back on track with the right bariatric foods and a bariatric diet plan.
No one every goes into surgery thinking they will be THAT person who regains the
weight, but trust me, it happens. Don't
worry though, I'm here to help you
bounce back like a rubber band.
Knowing Vs Doing
Bariatric surgery is just a tool. It’s not a guarantee you’ll
lose weight.
Weight loss surgery is like a superpower, but
with great power comes great responsibility. Just because you have the surgery
doesn't mean the weight will magically melt away. It's like having a magic wand
but not knowing how to use it.
The surgery is just a tool, but it's up to
you to wield it correctly. You need to follow the diet and lifestyle changes to
make it work. If you don't, it's like leaving your magic wand in the closet
collecting dust.
And that's where I come in - think of me as your personal bariatric diet wizard, here to guide you through the do's and don'ts of pre and post-surgery life and making sure you're using your superpower to its full potential. Work with me.
You’ll be sure to laugh and learn and chow down on simple and delicious nutritious meals with me as your trusty sidekick. So buckle up, grab a protein drink, and let's embark on this journey together. Time to get this weight loss show on the road!
In Health,
Suzette Kroll, RDN