During your hospitalisation, your healthcare team explained to you about the nutrition programme you will need to follow, both in the coming months and for the rest of your life. Adhering to this programme is the key to weight loss success. It’s important that you stick to the programme to ensure that you get the right nutrients and to avoid possible adverse effects.
Your patient engagement programme will keep track of everything you need to remember. And if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare team.
Here are some helpful tips for modifying your behaviour to keep you on the path to better health.
- Eat very slowly – an easy trick is to put your fork down between each bite.
- Chew thoroughly – this is very important to prevent food from blocking the stomach opening.
- Set aside more time for meals – up to 45 minutes to eat a small amount.
- Stop eating as soon as you feel full. Do not force yourself to finish a portion or exceed the amount tolerated by your stomach.
- Drink fluids regularly between meals – at least 2 litres per day. Stop drinking 30 minutes before starting a meal and resume 30 minutes after finishing a meal.
- The carbonation in soft drinks and sparkling water can upset your stomach. Plain water or warm tea are best. Or add fruit slices or some mint for a bit of flavour.
- Avoid alcohol for the first six months after surgery, especially carbonated drinks and sugary mixes.
- Eat 6 to 7 small meals throughout the day, making sure to plan snacks between the main meals.
- Never skip a meal.
- Avoid all things sweet: sugar, honey, sweets, chocolate, jam, fruit pastes, sweet compotes, cookies, fruit syrups, commercial desserts, industrial beverages, ice cream, etc.
- Avoid hidden fats: pastries, popcorn, crisps, French fries, etc.
- Avoid high-fat foods even those generally considered healthy: mayonnaise, cream, bacon, cold cuts, dried fruits, avocado, olives, etc.
- Avoid raw, crunchy vegetables (carrots, celery, etc.) in large quantities as they can easily block the stomach opening.