- Home
- Sleeve
Gastric Sleeve Diet:
Journey to a Healthier You
Welcome to my gastric sleeve diet guide, where shrinking your stomach doesn't mean shrinking your tastebuds…or sense of humor!
One Stop Shopping
Get my professional advice for ALL things VSG diet here. Sit back, relax, grab your water bottle (or a cup of tea if that's your thing!) and get ready to say hello to a whole new you!
Sleeve it to 'em:
How the Gastric Sleeve Diet Shrinks Your Stomach and Your Waistline
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, or
vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is a weight loss surgical procedure that reduces
the size of your stomach, making you feel full quicker and longer.
In simpler terms, it's like getting a stomach the size of a small banana instead of a large football. This restricts you to eating smaller portions.
But don't think that the surgery is a magic bullet. The gastric sleeve diet is not just a one-time fix, it's a lifestyle change. You'll have to say goodbye to your old eating habits and hello to a new, healthier way of life. It's not always easy, but trust me, it’s possible and the results are worth it. And I’m here to help you every step of the way!
PreOp Prep 101:
How to Ensure a Smooth VSG Surgery
(Because nobody wants to be the surgery that went south!)
Preparation for sleeve surgery is not just about getting your
body in shape, it's also about getting your mind in the right place, because
let's be honest, a positive attitude is half the battle.
Physical preparation includes all the usual boring stuff like:
- Making lifestyle changes
- Losing weight
- Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake
- Getting all the necessary tests done
- Following a preop liver shrinking diet before gastric sleeve surgery
Mental Preparation
But the fun stuff starts when it comes to mental preparation. This is where you get to flex your mental muscle, with things like:
- Understanding the procedure and the risks and benefits
- Managing your expectations
- Figuring out how you’ll stay motivated
- Deciding how to be accountable long term
- Develop new coping skills for emotional eating (Trust me, you'll need them when you're trying to resist a plate of warm cookies).
The VSG Post Op Diet:
A Recipe for Postop Success and Avoiding Complications
The real work begins once you open your eyes in the
recovery room. Your postop diet is just as important as the procedure itself,
in order to ensure a speedy recovery and avoid complications.
First you need to know the different stages of the recovery diet, from the immediate post op period where ice chips are your best friend, to the celebratory day when you can finally eat one bite of solid chicken:
Next, you might as well just go tattoo these three fundamental principles on your arm (or leg...or wherever) because you can't ever forget about them:
Gastric Sleeve Diet for Life:
Say Goodbye to Your Old Eating Habits and Hello to a New, Healthier Way of Life
Don't be fooled, VSG surgery isn't a magic solution to all
your problems. No, no, no. The real secret to long-term success is to adopt a
new way of eating and say goodbye to that love-hate relationship with cake and
the old, greasy habits.
The real transformation happens when you adopt a new, healthy way of eating for the rest of your life.
Major Changes
The bariatric post op diet is like a secret society, but instead of secret handshakes, you have to learn the secret of eating small portion sizes after gastric sleeve. The right tools help.
And if you didn’t quite master mindful eating, protein, and hydration in the immediate post op recovery period, don’t worry…you have the rest of your life to work on these priorities.
Another change you have to make is the type of food you eat. Avoid high-calorie, high-fat foods that can cause stomach discomfort and slider foods that cause weight regain.
Learn to opt for lean proteins, produce (fruits and vegetables) and quality carbs instead. (Of course, it's not all doom and gloom. You can still enjoy your favorite foods in moderation and even indulge in a treat every now and then…as long as it’s not a slippery slope).
Also be ready to up your bariatric cooking game and become a pro in the kitchen with the help of simple menu ideas and bariatric cookbooks. Meal planning and meal prep will be BFFs too!
The Bottom Line
The VSG diet is a ticket to a slimmer waistline and a happier
you, but it’s not just a quick fix. It's
a commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
There will be challenges and setbacks, like wanting to eat an entire cake, but with determination and perseverance, and the right support, you can overcome them and reach your goals.
Just remember...the journey is not about perfection, it's about progress.
You've got this! You deserve to live your best life!