As many individuals explore various nutritional approaches for weight management and overall health, intermittent fasting (IF) has emerged as a trending option. Yet, is it safe and effective for individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery? Read this article to learn more about this trend and ensure your nutritional needs are met.

What Is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. Unlike traditional eating plans, which restrict what you eat, IF limits when you can eat. Different methods of IF include the:

• 5:2 Diet, which involves eating normally for five days and consuming about 500 calories a day for two non-consecutive days.
• 16/8 Method, which involves consuming foods during an 8-hour window and fasting for the remaining 16 hours each day. These hours of fasting may include time spent sleeping.
• Alternate-Day Fasting, during which fasting takes place every other day and, on non-fasting days, food is consumed at will.
• Warrior Diet, in which small portions are eaten for breakfast and lunch, and larger portions are eaten for dinner.

Lifestyle Changes After Bariatric Surgery

Intermittent fasting offers several benefits, from weight loss to improved blood cholesterol and heart health. Yet, fasting immediately after bariatric surgery is not recommended by many bariatric programs and healthcare providers.

Patients now have the pivotal task at hand of following a healthy eating plan tailored to their post-surgical needs. Since this surgery will impact total nutrient intake and may impact how nutrients are absorbed and/or processed, balancing nutritional intake is key.

Have Consistent, Nutrient-Dense Meals

Reintroducing food after surgery is a process. As you heal, you’ll consume small amounts of food that your smaller stomach can comfortably digest. Meals will also be consistent, providing a steady stream of energy and nutrients.

Follow the tailored advice of your healthcare provider and keep these lifestyle changes in mind!

• Stay Hydrated: Strive to drink 64 to 96 ounces (or eight to twelve, 8-ounce cups) of fluid each day. This keeps you hydrated and aids in digestion. The focus should be on consuming water, as soft drinks and alcohol have calories and offer little to no nutrition.
• Incorporate Healthy Foods: Foods especially high in fat and sugar can lead to dumping syndrome in some patients, in which foods move from the stomach to the bowel quickly after you eat. Uncomfortable symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. So, as you stay away from high-fat and high-sugar foods, be sure to consume lean meats, fruits, beans or other legumes, and vegetables. Talk with your healthcare team about specifics within each of these categories and if specific modifications may or may not be required depending upon your stage post-op.
• Meet Protein Requirements: A higher intake of protein is essential. It not only supports healing but also reduces feelings of hunger, boosts metabolism, and maintains muscle mass. Generally, 60 to 90 grams of high-quality protein daily is recommended by most healthcare providers.

Exercise Daily

To maintain weight loss, work your way up to 150 minutes of physical activity a week. One way to achieve this is by exercising 30 minutes a day for 5 days. Walking is often a great way to start. Other low-impact activities include yoga, Pilates, cycling, swimming, and strength training. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new physical activity plan or making changes to your current plan.

It’s worth noting that you won’t be able to do all types of activities right away. Start slow, set realistic goals, and build an fitness routine; the best routine is one you enjoy and can keep doing.

Take a Bariatric Multivitamin

Lifelong nutritional supplements are necessary to reduce your risk of experiencing any issues with malnutrition and optimizing your nutritional status which may enhance weight loss and improve overall health.

At ProCare Health, we care about your health and nutrition after bariatric surgery. That is why we offer our Once Daily Bariatric Multivitamin | Capsule. Each capsule delivers 22 nutrients, 14 of which have 200% or more of your recommended dietary allowance to help you stay nourished. The capsules are even vegetable-based, dissolve quickly, and break down in water. Those looking for a chewy alternative can pick up our Once Daily Bariatric Multivitamin | Chewable soft, easy-to-chew tablets.

Supplement Your Diet With ProCare Health!

ProCare Health is committed to bringing bariatric patients the best supplements on the market. Our products, developed by bariatric doctors and dietitians, provide an affordable solution allowing you to provide your body the vitamins and minerals it needs.

While you’re at the grocery store, make sure you get everything you need. Take along the post-op shopping list or the maintenance shopping list we created just for you.

To talk with a member of our team and learn more, contact us today!