Beneficial Eating for The Bariatric Patient

We count calories, we count protein, we count carbs, we count fat, we count sugars ... We count ... and count ... and COUNT. 

Tell me, how many times did you count before your surgery? If you're anything like me, you spent YEARS counting, to no avail. Why? Because we were counting, but we weren't paying attention to WHAT we were counting. There's a HUGE nutritional difference between, say 100 calories worth of fruit and 100 calories worth of cake.

Now, we have to pay even closer attention to what we're eating. We have to be sure we're getting the nutrition we need in a small amount of food. We have to shift our thinking from just counting calories and protein to actually EATING BENEFICIALLY. 

What does Eating Beneficially mean to a bariatric patient? 

1. PROTEIN FIRST. We hear it ALL the time, but it's very true and VERY IMPORTANT. Your body HAS to have protein to function. For those without WLS, getting daily requirements for protein is simple and can often be achieved in one meal. Those of us with tiny tummies, however, have to be a little more conscientious. That means protein at just about every meal, and we eat it first. You should have 2-3 oz on your plate.

2. VEGGIES SECOND. ALMOST as important as protein is our vegetables. Non-starchy ones, to be exact. Squash, green beans, leafy vegetables like lettuce and spinach ... you get the idea. How much? 1/4-1/2 C per meal. 

3. STARCH LAST. Starches really should be an afterthought and eaten only after you've had your meat and vegetables - and ONLY if you're still hungry. These include starchy veggies like potatoes, peas, and corn. Also included are whole grains such as whole grain breads, pastas, and brown rice. Keep these to a minimum of 1-2 T or 1 slice of bread. 

4. PICK REAL FOOD OVER FAKE WHEN POSSIBLE. In other words, if you CAN get your protein from a piece of meat or fish, go for that rather than a protein drink or bar. If you MUST have a protein supplement, pick an all-natural variety that doesn't include any fillers. Whey protein is your best bet, but if you can't tolerate it, go for a good vegan variety that contains a combination of brown rice, pea, and hemp proteins. 

5. EAT WHEN YOU'RE HUNGRY - STOP BEFORE YOU'RE FULL - Eating when you're hungry sounds like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised at how many of us still have the mindset that we have to starve ourselves. Newsflash - we've had our stomachs reduced to the size and shape of either an orange or a banana. WE'RE ALREADY STARVING OURSELVES (with medical supervision). Yes, YOU HAVE TO EAT. Learn to listen to your body. You might not feel hunger like you used to (especially if you've had the sleeve), but your body will tell you when it's time to eat. Learn your hunger cues! Same goes for when you're full. We all have different full-cues. Listen to your body. Stop eating BEFORE you feel that "I'm stuffed" feeling. It's far to easy to go from 0 to slime with WLS!!

In addition to great habits, there are some amazing foods that are great to have on hand in a bariatric patients life! We've put together this Benificial Foods for the Bariatric Patient printable just for you!