Bariatric Diet

The bariatric diet is categorized in steps. There are 4 different steps from beginning to end. The whole program takes about 2 months and them you will be back to eating almost everything you ate before, just a whole lot less of it. There will be some things that you will never eat again and some things that you will only be able to eat in small amounts. You will figure out what your body will tolerate by trying it in small amounts in the second or third month following your surgery.

Many gastric bypass patients rely heavily on bariatric protein shakes to get them through step 2 and step 3 of the bariatric diet. I know people that have one to two shakes every day, so that they get the recommended amount of protein without a lot of added calories. The average protein shake has between 10-20 grams of protein and 60-100 calories. These shakes will help you maintain your weight loss.

There are guidelines for being successful at getting through the bariatric diet. Follow these tips for step 2 of this diet:

*Your meals will only be liquid or pureed. They can include milk, vegetable or fruit juice. Bariatric protein shakes are an excellent option. They are quick and easy. They also contain the required amount of protein. Sip slowly and drink 4-6 ounces over a 20-30 minute period.

*Drink at least 4 cups of water or other sugar free beverage each day. Drink only between meals. No drinking 30 minutes prior to or for 30 minutes following your meals.

*Avoid beverages with alcohol, caffeine or carbonation.

*Take 2 children's chewable vitamins or liquid bariatric vitamins every day. This is very important because you will not get the daily required vitamins from your food. You should take vitamins daily from this point forward.

*Eat at least 6 times a day. You will not be able to eat much, but it is important that you get 60 grams of protein per day if possible. That is what is going to help your body heal in the weeks following surgery.

Bariatric protein shakes make it easy to measure the amount of protein you are consuming at each meal.

The bariatric diet is just the beginning. It only lasts 2 months. It is important that you form a strong mental attitude to do the right thing. That means learning to make healthy choices and exercising regularly.

The first year the weight will come off easily, but it will stop and then it will be up to you to maintain that weight loss. You only need to go into the forums to find that not everyone that has gastric bypass surgery is able to maintain their weight loss.

If this happens to you, go back to the things that you learned in the days following your surgery. Reduce the fat and sugar intake and increase your intake of low calorie lean protein. Have protein shakes as a snack.You can't beat a 60 calorie, high protein snack. Carry a few packets with you at all times and then you will never be without something low calorie and healthy when hunger hits.