Be Slim Bariatrics’ Nutrition Program
Be Slim Bariatrics' Nutrition Program
Be Slim Bariatrics provides a bariatric nutrition program to each of our patients for preoperative and postoperative bariatric surgery. The preoperative guide will be provided upon scheduling and the postoperative guide will be provided upon your one-on-one meeting with Be Slim Bariatrics nutritionist just after surgery.
Be Slim Bariatric’s nutrition program is included at no extra charge in each weight loss surgery package we offer. The nutrition guideline for each patient is tailored specifically to patients who are traveling to Tijuana to undergo weight loss surgery and to the patient’s needs. This is not a one-size-fits-all bariatric nutrition program. This bariatric nutrition guideline is based on the patients prescribed surgery type, health history, diet needs, and the patients BMI.
Meet Karen Reyes
Be Slim Bariatrics'
Nutritionist
Karen Reyes of Karen Reyes Nutriologa is Be Slim Bariatrics Nutritionist. Karen Reyes has a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical and Bariatric Nutrition, graduating from Xochicalco University Tijuana.
Reyes chose nutrition as her course of study because she has a love for food and enjoys providing the tools patients need to improve their health and nutritional status, and helping them to adopt better nutritional practices to prompt good health.
Karen's Corner
Thanks to each of my patients who trust me and I have had the opportunity to be part of their new beginning by providing them with the necessary tools to improve their nutritional status, guiding them and helping them adopt better nutritional practices that promote health, wellness and a better quality of life.
Start with These Eating Practices
It is best to start making changes before surgery to help you prepare for your new diet plan after bariatric surgery.
Here are some bariatric preoperative nutrition tips:
- Chew Food Thoroughly - this becomes so important after bariatric surgery. After weight loss surgery your stomach size will be reduced and you must be able to chew food to a liquid consistency before swallowing. Not chewing food enough can lead to pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- Eat Slowly - After surgery you will need to eat slowly in order to recognize your feeling of fullness and to prevent any intolerance of the food you are eating. When you feel any pressure in your upper stomach area, it is time to stop eating. This is the feeling of being full. If you feel pain while eating you may have eaten one too many bites or you may have eaten too fast.
- Sip Slowly and Drink Between Meals - Drinking quick or too soon after eating solids may cause you to feel pain and discomfort.
- Drink Enough Fluids - Ensure to stay hydrated. Be Slim Bariatrics Nutritionist will let you know best practice for how much fluid to intake through each phase of your postoperative diet. Get used to drinking fluids now, especially if you do not typically drink enough water each day in the present time.
- Stop Drinking Carbonated, Caffeinated, Sugary, or Alcohol Beverages - Carbonated drinks can cause pain and may even stretch out your new stomach over time. Caffeine can irritate the stomach and increase your risk for ulcers after surgery. Both caffeine and alcohol may cause dehydration. Sugar and alcohol beverages are also high in calories and will reduce your success in weight loss. Sugar and alcohol beverages can also cause dumping syndrome after the gastric bypass procedure.
Read Food Labels
Sugary foods and beverages high in sugar will reduce your success in weight loss and can cause weight regain. For gastric bypass surgery patients, these foods may cause symptoms such as flushing, dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and pain. These symptoms are often referred to as Dumping Syndrome.
Fatty foods and beverages high in fat happen to be very high in calories as well. Sugars will slow down the rate of weight loss and can cause weight regain. Foods high in fat intake may also cause symptoms of intolerance or Dumping Syndrome.
Protein is important for weight loss surgery patients. Proteins are a good source of nutrition and aid in wound healing, immune function and maintaining muscle mass. Protein needs are individual but ranges of 60-80 grams or 80-100 grams per day are often suggested. Be Slim Bariatrics’ dietitian will help determine the amount of protein that is best for you. Protein should be consumed first at each meal, then vegetables and fruits, then whole grains.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Vitamin and mineral supplements are important for good health and maximize weight loss success.
It is a good idea to begin taking a multivitamin now. Look for a multivitamin that contains 100% Daily Value for Iron (18mg).
Protein Supplements
- Choose a supplement with at least 20-30 grams of protein per serving and with less than 5 grams of sugar per serving. Ensure the supplement you choose is less than or equal to 200 calories.
- While taking a protein supplement, account for the additional calories that you intake.
- If you are lactose intolerant, choose a whey protein isolate over a whey protein concentrate or milk protein concentrate if lactose intolerant. Whey protein isolate is absorbed easily and has no lactose or milk sugars.
- Avoid products with collagen as these are not complete proteins.
- If you mix protein powder with skim or 1% milk you will get an additional 8 grams of protein per 8 oz glass.
Physical Activity
Weight loss surgery is a tool for weight loss, as is diet and exercise. Exercise is a life-long habit and will improve your health overall. Not only is exercise the healthy thing to do, but someone who is more toned due to exercising regularly before surgery can help reduce excess skin after surgery. The following is recommended before bariatric surgery:
30-60 minutes of moderate activity at least 5 days a week is ideal. One session or a multiple of smaller sessions will help you achieve this goal.
Strength training 2-3 days a week is a great idea. Using a variety of exercises and equipment will work every major muscle group for you.
