Whether you’re considering bariatric surgery or you have already gone through with the process, it is important to familiarize yourself with the necessary health tools to establish a healthy weight-loss. According to statistics, over 40 percent of weight-loss surgeries result in some kind of complication. Even though the results come quickly in the beginning, post-surgery is a particularly important time in the recovery process.
Dr. John Salerno, formerly of the Atkins Center and leader of all things low-carb, specializes in organic, low-sugar, protein-rich foods. His best-selling nutrition book, “Fight Fat With Fat,” has restructured the world of weight-loss, inspired food enthusiasts around the globe, and influenced thousands of cultural tastemakers.
The bariatric surgery diet, which is made up of three phases, is easy-to-follow. After bariatric surgery, it is important to eliminate all carbs. Regardless of how they make you feel, carbohydrates result in a glycemic spike, a common biological effect of excess glucose. To ensure a healthy weight goal post-surgery, look for hidden sources of sugars in your grocery cart, such as condiments, juices, breads, pastries, starchy fruits, alcoholic beverages, commercial cereals, milk, and pastas. Not only does sugar easily convert to extra pounds, but it can also feed disease states, increase the risk for leaky gut, and cause hormonal swings, reflux, and infection.
To manage hunger, make sure to also include healthy sources of saturated fat. As long as they are introduced in a healthy manner, fat can be your best friend. A common misnomer is that saturated fats lack nutrients and leads to unwanted weight gain, but this claim lacks adequate proof. In fact, saturated fat is essential for the proper function of cell membranes, liver, immune system and, most importantly, keeping you satiated. Examples of healthy saturated fats include avocados, grass-fed meats, butter, and pasture raised eggs. As these are soft, solid foods, absorption, and digestion increases.
For supplementation, be sure to include a full spectrum digestive enzyme and, if portions of the stomach were compromised during the surgery process, add a few natural healing agents, such as extra glutamine, a well-rounded multivitamin, probiotic, and essential fatty acids. For extra variety, try a protein shakes, which offer taste and vibrancy to the diet.
Even though supplements can help, food is the foundation. Real food should provide real results, which is why Dr. Salerno, who has helped countless post-bariatric surgery patients reach their health goals, is ready, willing, and always able!
