Eating after surgery FAQs
Which vitamins and minerals should I take after weight-loss surgery?
Multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium and in most cases iron and/or vitamin B12. In some cases, depending on the degree of malabsorption, vitamin A may be added to the diet. Chewable forms are recommended at least at the early stage after surgery. Be sure that you are taking adult supplements, do not take supplements designed for children. Ask your dietitian whether you should take vitamin A.
How much protein do I need per day?
60-80 g/day is recommended for most patients. However, some individuals need more protein depending on their response to surgery or the type of surgery. Your dietitian will give you further information.
How should I take my protein? What can I do if I am a vegetarian?
Meat, egg, dairy, and beans are common sources of protein. Soybean, brown rice, and protein extracts obtained from whey are meat supplements, which are preferred by vegetarians and sold commonly in the markets. Liquid protein mixtures or protein bars may be additional protein sources to meet your needs. Your dietitian can inform you about the protein sources.
In order to be sure that you are taking enough protein, it may be useful to calculate your daily protein intake. As you become more capable of digesting normal food, you will start to meet your protein need more and more with normal food and your need for supplements will decrease.
Should I avoid caffeine after bariatric surgery?
It was demonstrated that caffeinated drinks are as good as other drinks for your fluid requirements. Nonetheless, it is a good idea to avoid caffeine in the first 30 days after surgery, when your stomach is extremely sensitive. Then you may consult your surgeon or dietitian about caffeine consumption. Do not forget that caffeine usually comes with sugared, high-calorie drinks. Therefore, make sure that you make purposeful choices.
Why is fluid intake important?
Dehydration occurs when your body does not get enough fluid to function properly. Carry one bottle of water even if you are not at home. Remind yourself to drink water even if you are not thirsty.
Your goal is to drink at least 2 liters of water per day. If your urine is light-colored and you urinate several times a day, you are getting enough fluids. Thirst, headache, hard stool, dizziness while sitting or standing or dark-colored urine are among the symptoms of dehydration. If you cannot get enough fluid to meet your needs, contact your surgeon.
What happens if I do not take enough protein after surgery?
The body needs additional protein to preserve muscle mass during fast weight-loss periods. If you cannot take enough protein with the diet, your body starts to remove protein from your muscles, and you may be weakened. Furthermore, protein is essential for the sustainability of your metabolism.
Other
Bariatric surgery is a serious physical intervention. When you return home after surgery, you need to take special care of yourself and follow some strict rules. Some of the frequently asked questions you need to know when you return home after surgery, are given below.
About the symptoms and precautions FAQs
Will my hair fall out?
During fast weight-loss periods, calorie intake is much less than the needs of the body and protein intake is rather limited. You may also experience vitamin and mineral deficiencies like iron, zinc, or vitamin B. Your body gives several reactions to these deficiencies and hair loss and hair thinning are common. This transient side effect improves spontaneously with a better diet and balanced weight. Hair loss occurs between 3 and 9 months after surgery. Do not worry. You can minimize your hair loss by taking your daily multivitamin supplement and at least 60 g of protein per day.
Why should I quit smoking and alcohol consumption after surgery?
Smoking or electronic cigarettes or tobacco chewing decrease blood perfusion to the tissues and delay healing. In addition, smoking increases the risk of ulceration in the stomach sac, causes harm to every organ and is related to several other disease such as clotting, marginal ulcers after gastric bypass, and stroke. Try to stop smoking after surgery. We hope this will be an opportunity to quit smoking for the rest of your life.
May I get pregnant after surgery?
After your weight loss process is balanced, you may start to plan your pregnancy. However, you must not get pregnant in the first 12-24 months following surgery (follow the recommendations of your clinic). This measures are necessary to protect the health and safety of both you and your baby. While you are planning to get pregnant, undergo health control to see your vitamin and mineral status and optimize your food intake.
How should I behave about sexuality after surgery?
Two weeks after surgery you may carefully consider sexuality. During this process, the abdominal regions should be protected and not exposed to excessive pressure.