Bariatric Nutrition

The objective of optimal bariatric nutrition is to avoid empty calories and create a nutrient dense diet that aids in weight loss and maintenance. Bariatric nutrition consists of a healthy diet that is:

• low-fat
• low-sugar
• protein rich
• supplemented with daily bariatric formulated vitamins and calcium

Dr. Tim Ehrlich and his team stress the necessity of bariatric formulated vitamins and calcium to ensure proper micronutrient absorption and lifelong vitality and health. For your convenience, a wide range of all necessary supplements are available at the new location of Ehrlich Bariatrics.

Targeting Satiety

One of the benefits of bariatric surgery, including the Gastric Bypass, the Lap-Band and the Sleeve Gastrectomy, is that patients no longer feel so hungry and are content with small amounts of food. Satiety results from the smaller “stomach” size, which is created with a pouch, a band or by literally making the stomach much smaller, depending on the type of weight loss surgery. Either way, a small stomach results in feeling satisfied with little food.

The types of food consumed can also affect satiety. Not all foods are digested equally – before and after surgery. Foods that are high in protein tend to stay the longest in the stomach, giving a lasting feeling of satiety. Foods that are high in simple carbohydrates, such as cake, are broken down quickly and do not stay in the stomach for long. Gastric Bypass patients can have dumping syndrome when consuming simple carbohydrates, resulting in nausea, weakness, sweating, diarrhea and general malaise. Some patients choose the Gastric Bypass over another bariatric procedure for the particular reason of having the negative feedback mechanism from dumping syndrome.

Regardless of dumping syndrome, simple carbohydrates should be avoided after any weight loss surgery. Sweets and “white” carbs, such as bread, pasta and rice provide few nutrients and empty calories. In particular, beware of beverages such as juice, fruit smoothies, lattes, sodas, beer, and cocktails. Sweets result in cravings for more sweets, unsatisfied hunger and poor nutrition.

One of the key nutrients for successful weight loss with bariatric surgery is protein. Protein helps maintain muscle mass and burn fat. For most patients, the daily protein requirements are about 75 grams a day. Eating protein rich foods first and supplementing with a protein shake as necessary (particularly in the early post-operative period) ensures that the body’s protein needs are met. The Visual Cheat Sheet for Protein makes assessing protein contents in food fun and easy.

Visual Cheat Sheet

Download a printable version of the Visual Cheat Sheet

Nutrition without guilt

A major goal of bariatric surgery is to empower patients. Many patients find that because their hunger is in control, they are not only able to make healthier food choices, but also are able to let go of some of the guilt they associate with food. Food can be enjoyed.

Since protein needs to be the priority nutrient for all meals, patients learn to experiment with a variety of protein sources to keep the palate stimulated. After weight loss surgery many patients enjoy making their meals visually pleasing and seek out healthy, protein-packed and gourmet foods. After all, if you are going to eat so little, should it not be the best?