Bariatric surgery is an effective tool for weight loss and improving your overall health. But after surgery, the way you eat and how your body processes food changes dramatically. Understanding and following the right post-bariatric surgery nutrition guidelines is essential for long-term success and ensuring your body gets the nutrients it needs to thrive. If […]

Intermittent fasting has gained popularity as an effective weight loss and health improvement strategy. However, there are many myths about intermittent fasting that can lead to confusion and misinformation. For bariatric patients and those struggling with obesity, understanding the truth behind these myths is crucial for making informed decisions about their health. This blog will […]

For bariatric patients and individuals struggling with obesity, understanding the link between diet and mental health is crucial. Recent research from the University of Colorado Boulder has revealed that a high-fat diet may fuel anxiety, adding another layer of concern for those already facing weight-related health challenges. This blog explores how a high-fat diet can […]

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys. These cysts can alter the shape and size of the kidneys, leading to various complications, including high blood pressure and kidney failure. A notable concern for PKD patients is the correlation between obesity and the progression of […]

The role of thiamine in the post-bariatric diet is critical. This nutrient is not only essential for overall well-being but also plays a significant role in managing post-surgical symptoms like nausea. Most bariatric patients recognize the necessity of multivitamin supplementation following their surgical procedures. Post-operative bariatric vitamin intake is essential to prevent nutritional deficiencies. However, there […]

In the realm of weight management and post-bariatric surgery care, intuitive eating for bariatric patients emerges as a grounded approach that challenges traditional diets. This approach, rooted in psychological and physiological principles, advocates for a harmonious relationship with food, emphasizing internal cues over external dietary restrictions. This blog aims to dissect the concept of intuitive […]

Bariatric surgery has become an increasingly popular option for individuals struggling with obesity, providing them with a powerful tool to achieve sustainable weight loss and improve overall health. While the surgery itself can be life-changing, it is important to understand the tips for weight loss success after bariatric surgery.  One of the key aspects of […]

Managing nutritional deficiencies after bariatric surgery is a major concern for patients and physicians. Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure for individuals struggling with obesity. It helps patients achieve significant weight loss and improve their overall health and quality of life. However, one of the challenges faced by individuals who undergo bariatric surgery is managing […]

Patients who have weight loss surgery are at a greater risk of developing vitamin deficiencies after bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery alters the anatomy and digestive tract, significantly affecting vitamin and nutrient levels postoperatively. If left untreated, these nutritional deficiencies can have long-term effects.  A nutritional deficiency is most commonly a result of malnutrition caused by […]

The gastric bypass diet is specific for bariatric patients and is similar to the gastric sleeve or duodenal switch diet post-operatively. The surgery process is long, so post-operatively, patients want to adhere to the dietary guidelines set forth by their bariatric care team to ensure optimal weight loss success. The gastric bypass diet and the […]

When you have weight loss surgery, there is sometimes this notion that you will no longer be hungry after bariatric surgery. It is normal not to have as large of an appetite after bariatric surgery. But experiencing constant hunger may signal something else is going on.  A significant portion of your stomach is removed when […]

After bariatric surgery, we recommend patients include two to three small snacks in their meal plan throughout the day. Snacking can help keep your blood sugar stable, give you an added energy boost, and curb hunger between meals. However, there are a few snacking mistakes to avoid after bariatric surgery and promote weight loss.  This […]

The DASH diet is a dietary approach to managing high blood pressure. DASH stands for “dietary approaches to stopping hypertension,” precisely as it sounds. The DASH diet is prescribed to patients with high blood pressure; however, it is a generally healthy plan for anyone to follow.  Understanding Hypertension Hypertension is the medical term for abnormally […]

Bariatric vitamins are necessary for all post-op patients to prevent vitamin deficiencies. All bariatric procedures cause a restrictive effect, meaning your stomach pouch size is smaller, so you can not intake as much food to keep your vitamin levels up. Similarly, the gastric bypass and the duodenal switch produce a malabsorptive effect making it harder […]

As the most prominent communication and information-sharing platform, social media greatly influences the diet culture, sometimes sharing unrealistic weight loss expectations. Social media diet culture and trends are constantly moving and changing, with users sharing “newer” and “better” diets to follow. Although not all are necessarily bad, basing your weight and food intake on someone […]

Let’s face it, life is busy, and cooking can become a chore you dread doing at the end of every day. Meal prepping for a busy schedule can relieve the stress of cooking and making healthy food choices after bariatric surgery.  We recommend patients follow specific guidelines to optimize their weight loss after their bariatric […]

The most successful post-bariatric patients follow the guidelines of their bariatric care team when it comes to knowing what foods to avoid after weight loss surgery. The number one reason for a weight-loss stall or weight regain is poor eating habits.  There are many “rules” surrounding the post-bariatric diet, and it can quickly become overwhelming. […]

The gastric bypass diet is very particular, with your bariatric care team having specific protocols for how you need to eat at various stages post-operatively. The gastric sleeve and gastric bypass diets are pretty similar in concept, so feel free to use this as a guide for either surgery. The gastric bypass diet phases consist […]

Eating after bariatric surgery has many different components, so truthfully, there is no perfect plan for everyone to lose weight. There are many diets and programs for weight loss, and of course, our bodies will respond differently to each. However, one main component for weight loss can apply universally for anyone trying to lose weight: […]

Bariatric surgery alters the anatomy and digestive tract, playing a significant role in vitamin and nutrient levels postoperatively. In particular, bariatric surgery impacts bone density due to malabsorption, alteration of the intestinal tract, weight loss, and reduction of adipose tissue.  The gastric bypass and the duodenal switch are both malabsorptive procedures, meaning there is a […]

Understanding how much to eat after bariatric surgery depends on many factors. However, one piece of advice given to anyone who goes through weight loss surgery is to eat protein. Protein is a huge part of your diet after weight loss surgery, and knowing how much to eat after bariatric surgery is a significant factor in […]

If you want to lose weight or maintain your weight loss, the best method is to eat healthier after bariatric surgery. Food fuels your body. Scientific and medical research has shown that nutrition can decrease your risk of developing specific medical conditions.  Tips to Eat Healthier After Bariatric Surgery Understanding the science behind food doesn’t […]

Following a vegan diet may improve your overall health and long-term quality of life, which can become quite attractive when considering incorporating this new form of eating into your lifestyle. Yet before you jump into eating a plant-based diet, there are a few things to consider.  Here are ten things you can expect when switching […]

Veganism and following a vegan diet has become trendy, whether for health reasons, environmental concerns, or ethical motivations. Whatever the reason, it is entirely safe and healthy to follow a vegan diet after bariatric surgery. You may have to be a little more creative and careful with the foods that you pick. On a vegan diet, […]

The vegan diet has become a popular form of eating in more recent years. With celebrities and influencers touting the health benefits of a vegan diet, you may be curious about what it means to be vegan and why everyone follows this trend.  A vegan diet, otherwise known as a plant-based diet, is a way […]

For bariatric patients, a low-carb diet is the most recommended way of eating to lose weight and maintain your weight loss after bariatric surgery. Hopefully, you have learned the importance of a low-carb diet at your bariatric program. However, if you are searching for resources online about getting started, this is a great place to look.  […]

Bariatric providers require patients to take a bariatric multivitamin after weight surgery, along with other vitamins, to ensure optimal health. After bariatric surgery, the digestive tract will be altered, reducing the amount of vitamins and minerals absorbed by the body. Therefore, to avoid malnutrition, patients will be required to take vitamins for life after their […]

It is not unusual to become overwhelmed and confused when sifting through the latest nutritional data to improve your health after bariatric surgery. However, when it comes to improving your diet, sometimes the little steps can make a big difference. Here are five foods that you can substitute for healthier options to improve your overall […]

Do you ever wonder how Halloween candy calories affect your weight loss goals? Or how long you will have to work out to burn those calories you have just consumed? I have created a detailed infographic to show you just how many calories and carbs you are consuming with every sugary, chocolatey bite. I pulled […]

Cheat days have become a popular trend amount dieters and fitness enthusiasts alike. Life after bariatric surgery comes with many changes, the most significant being a change in your eating habits. Transitioning from a diet high in carbs and fatty foods to the typical post-op diet low in carbohydrates and high in protein can be […]

Easiest Yogurt Popsicle Recipe for Your Summer Hangouts For most people, the 4th of July celebrations involve grilling out, drinking beer, soaking up the sun, and sharing laughs with family and friends. As glorious as this may sound, holidays can lead to anxious feelings for bariatric patients, though, as they are typically surrounded by food. […]

Finding foods that promote weight loss can be difficult, especially when summer consists of backyard barbecues, outdoor festivals and fairs, and lots of time with family and friends. These surroundings can mean battling the urge to eat whatever and whenever you want when surrounded by all the temptations. As an individual interested in losing weight, […]

The carnivore diet, also known as the zero-carb diet or all meat diet, is not to be confused with the ketogenic diet. If you’ve followed other diets to lose weight only to put it back on again later on, maybe the carnivore diet is what you need to achieve your weight loss goals and build lean […]

All patients must adhere to a two-week bariatric pre-op liquid diet no matter the type of bariatric procedure being performed. The thought of drinking only liquids for two weeks might sound horrible and intimidating.

In general, we recommend bariatric patients consume anywhere from 1,000 to 1,200 calories a day, which will vary based on the factors mentioned above.  Macronutrients for Bariatric Patients Macronutrients (“macros” for short) are the components of food that we consume in large quantities that provide energy in the form of calories—fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Macros […]

“Portion control” after bariatric surgery is a word that is frequently heard in the weight loss industry. Like any doctor or nutritionist will tell you, you can not successfully lose weight without limiting the amount of food you consume during each meal. Although the right portion size is different for every individual depending on your […]

Nutrition facts are on any packaged food item and even pertain to produce and meat products. Nutrition labels are essential to providing valuable information on the quality of food you are eating and making informed, healthy food choices—which is especially important after bariatric surgery. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) created the nutrition label to […]

Are you experiencing cravings after bariatric surgery? Are you a sugar addict or do you love your salty, crunchy chips? We have all experienced a time when we feel like we can’t control our cravings and they just “take over” and the next thing we know is we have cleaned out our entire pantry looking […]

What is biohacking supplements, you might ask? Well, it’s a DIY way to make changes in your lifestyle for improved health and wellness, specifically with supplements. These changes are usually small and incremental, which means you can start incorporating them right now! One way to ease this process is by using biohacking supplements, and here […]

The holidays are a time when family and friends gather together, and food is usually a huge part of the celebration. Food is part of culture and heritage, and there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, family recipes and ethnic or regional dishes are one of the things that makes holiday meals so special. As […]

Carbohydrates are naturally occurring sugars, starches, and fibers found in food products. Like fats and protein, carbohydrates are a macronutrient, meaning a nutrient that must be consumed in relatively large amounts as fuel for the body. In fact, you may have heard that carbs are the body’s primary source of energy. So if carbs are so […]

Magnesium is an electrolyte that works alongside other electrolytes to help our normal bodily functions occur. This mineral is involved in over 300 enzymatic processes in the body, including every major organ function—especially the heart and brain. But did you know that there is a link between magnesium deficiency and weight gain? Your body depends on […]

For most people, especially us southerners, July 4th is spent enjoying a long weekend filled with grilling out, drinking beer, soaking up the sun, and sharing laughs with family and friends. As glorious as this may sound, holidays can lead to anxious feelings for bariatric patients though, as they are typically surrounded by food. And […]

The keto diet has been shown to be an effective diet for losing weight. Its low-carbohydrate, high-fat, moderate-protein model transforms the body from glucose-reliant to a machine that uses fat for fuel and produces ketones endogenously. In addition to its fat-burning abilities (ketones are produced when the body burns fat because it doesn’t have carbs […]

Many swear by keto, but just like other diets, it isn’t for everyone. The important things to consider when deciding whether or not to “go keto” after bariatric surgery are your current health status, your health goals, and how (and if) keto can fit into your life. Following a Keto Diet after Bariatric Surgery: Is […]

Macronutrients (“macros” for short) are the components of food that we consume in large quantities that provide energy in the form of calories—fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Macros provide the bulk of our body’s energy, and all of the food we consume contains some relative percent of each. We often express dietary macros in terms of what […]

Far from a fad diet, the ketogenic diet, a.k.a the keto diet, is proving that it is here to stay. The attention is well justified since the keto diet and weight loss go hand-in-hand. The ketogenic diet has benefits for athletes, weight loss, and several other health-related conditions. And with an emphasis on the consumption […]

After bariatric surgery, all patients must take vitamins and supplements. As a result of the significant change in the digestive process and the reduction in food intake, vitamins and minerals are not absorbed as easily nor as frequently. All bariatric patients, at some point, have heard that vitamins and supplements must be taken, for life, after […]

Although I highly suggest patients avoid eating at fast food restaurant chains, there is bound to be a time when you are stuck in the drive-thru line at McDonald’s. Whether your spouse sent you on a run to pick up dinner after a long day at work or you are road-tripping it, I want to […]

After bariatric surgery, patients must make changes to their eating habits to avoid regain. This is to include eating fewer packaged and restaurant meals, which are traditionally high in calories and carbohydrates. However, eating out after bariatric surgery is inevitable and is often a focal point of social events with friends and family. So how […]

The holidays are a time when family and friends gather together, and food is usually a huge part of the celebration. Food is part of culture and heritage, and there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, family recipes and ethnic or regional dishes are some of the things that make holiday meals so special. As […]

In last week’s blog post, I talked about intermittent fasting, what it entails, and the added benefits. And as promised, this week I am talking about the downsides as well as what my take is on intermittent fasting for bariatric patients. In case you didn’t read last week’s post, intermittent fasting is a pattern of eating […]

Intermittent fasting seems to be another rising health trend and one that is said to promote weight loss and simplicity—if done appropriately. It is not a diet, but rather a pattern of eating. It involves alternating between periods of fasting and eating. There are no stipulations on what you can or can’t eat, unlike some […]

We have all heard about the keto diet, the latest trend. But do you actually know what it entails other than eating lots of fat and losing weight? In this blog, I am going to dive into the basics of the keto diet for bariatric patients. The Science Keto, short for ketogenic, is a diet […]

It is estimated that about 45 million Americans go on a diet each year. However, two-thirds of the US population is considered overweight or obese based on their body mass index. With the steady rise in the obesity rate, it is no surprise Americans are turning to extreme methods to lose weight. One moment we […]

I frequently get questions about taking supplements including how often you should take them, for how long, and what types of supplements you need to take. Contrary to some medical articles I have read that show no benefit to taking supplements, I am a huge advocate for supplements, for many reasons. The flaws is the arguments […]

Do you ever wonder why we promote a lifestyle change and not a diet? Fad diets just don’t work! How many times have you started your healthy eating kick with the elimination of all processed foods, all sugar, all carbs, and basically anything that tastes good? Yeah, we have all been there. Everyday there seems […]

If you’ve ever wondered “What do my cravings mean?”, you’re not alone. Cravings are connected to our emotions and weight loss/gain. Last month I talked about why we crave certain foods. Whether it be sugar, salt, carbs, or chocolate, there is often a reason we have an uncontrollable desire that leads to us yearning for […]

Just like that, the holidays have come and gone. And if you are anything like the millions of other Americans, you probably put on a little weight as a result of all the glorious sweets and treats. On average, Americans will gain 1.3 pounds by the time January 1st rolls around and some will continue […]

For most individuals, summertime in Georgia means backyard barbecues, outdoor festivals and fairs, and lots of time with family and friends. This can also mean battling the temptation to eat whatever and whenever you want because “hey, you haven’t seen your Uncle Ernie in 5 years so you gotta enjoy this ice cream with him!”. […]

When we talk about eating an all-natural, whole food diet, we are referring to eating foods that are minimally processed. There are many benefits to eating a diet rich in vegetables and farm-raised meats, including weight loss and lowering your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and much more. So it […]