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The bariatric surgery post-op diet series continues with months 4 to 6, where you’ll see more diversity in your food options, and may start to get a little over-confident as you lose weight and keep feeling better. By now, you should be well into the lifestyle you’d envisioned for yourself when you first decided to have the surgery.
Sample Foods for Months 4, 5 & 6
During months 4 through 6, you’ll continue with solid proteins and vegetables and add fruits to bring some sweetness to the table. The need for extra protein has diminished by this point, although each patient will be evaluated for his or her individual needs. Breakfast may consist of two sticks of Polly O string cheese or 3 oz. of Greek Yogurt with 1 oz. of fresh berries.
For lunch, you might enjoy 3 oz. of tuna mixed with 1 tsp. of low fat mayo inside a scooped out tomato, or 3 oz. of cubed chicken over 1 oz. of raw spinach salad. Dinner options include a 3 oz. turkey burger with 1 oz. of cooked asparagus or 3 oz. of baked eggplant with 2 oz. of lite shredded mozzarella and low sodium sauce. The tiny portion sizes work well with the size of your modified or constricted stomach, so you should always feel satisfied after each meal.
Staying Focused
About this time, your focus can start to wane a little. Your body is healed, you’re probably feeling better than you have in years, and you may consider adding the odd treat food that isn’t part of the program. Feeling good is what the entire program is about, but it is important to remain focused and have faith that the specific foods in your program have been chosen for a reason. If you feel your motivation or focus start to get a little wobbly, send off an email to your RD at any time to help get back into the right frame of mind.
Supplementing for Optimum Nutrition
By now, your RD and surgeon will have a handle on where you may be lacking in terms of nutrients. You will have a six-month update, where certain supplements or vitamins may be recommended to boost your levels. If you are in need of extra protein during this stage, you may want to try one of the protein bars offered at the NYBG bariatric supplement store.
There really is no magic solution for every patient, which is why Sharon George, MS, RD, CDN works so diligently with surgeons and patients to create and modify the plans to produce the most impressive and sustainable results. Come back again to learn about the final installment of our bariatric post-op diet series: Month 6 and beyond.
