Preparing for metabolic surgery starts the day you attend the bariatric seminar. You will work with many medical prossionals including Dr. Kirk, dietitians, exercise specialists, psychologist, pulmonolist and cardiologist. There are many lifestyle habits you can work on in the weeks before surgery to improve your health for healthier surgery outcomes. Here are the "Top 10 Things to Do Now" in the weeks leading up to your surgery date. They will help you physically, emotionally and mentally.
*Start taking a good multivitamin. Vitamin and mineral supplements are essential for bariatric patients. Metabolic surgery results in a
restricted stomach pouch and malabsorption. They will provide part of the the nutrition your body needs as you begin the process of restricting caloric intake. You will need to continue taking a multivitamin daily after your surgery, so this also helps prepare you for that part of your daily regime. We recommend a multivitamin like Centrum, Centrum Silver or bariatric designed supplement. You will need a chewable after surgery.
*Find a protein shake you like. Protein is essential to preserve muscle mass, enhance immune system, prevent hair thinning and helps you feel fuller longer. Soon after surgery, you will depend on protein shakes for part of your protein due to the limited stomach pouch size. There are many protein shakes on the market with various flavors and nutritional content. Look for a shake with at 20 to 25 grams of protein, fewer than 5 grams of carbohydrates and less than 3 grams of fat. Start drinking your protein shakes at least once a day. Your dietitian will show how to look for a good protein shake.
*Eliminate the three: caffeine, carbonation and chewing gum. Metabolic surgery changes the way your body absorbs what you eat and drink. Not all the nutrients we consume are absorbed following surgery. Caffeine will block the nutrients like calcium and iron. Caffeine can also increase hunger in some people, promote dehydration, disturb your sleep and can irritate the stomach. Hydration is critically important for bariatric patients. The carbonation will quickly expand your stomach pouch which leads to complications and extreme pain. Stop drinking carbonated drinks now to help reduce your cravings after surgery. You swallow air when you chew gum which can lead to feeling full or be in pain. If you accidentally swallow your gum it will not pass through your stomach and can block food from entering and passing through your stomach.
*Stop alcohol and tobacco. Alcohol provides empty calories and can reduce your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, which we discussed are very important preparing and after surgery. Smoking also inhibits your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, as well as a host of other problems. Smoking increases your risk for heart attack and stroke during surgery, reduces the amount of oxygen available to your body and slows the healing process after surgery. Patients must be smoke-free for at least three months prior to surgery.
*Drink water. As we have mentioned, proper hydration is important for bariatric patients. Have water with you at all times amd sip throughout the day. Gulping water can lead to nausea and vomiting after surgery. Sipping through straws, like gum, can fill your stomach pouch with air and be uncomfortable.
*Change drinking habits. After surgery, you will only be allowed to drink water 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after meals. Start making changes now in your drinking habits to successful adjust after surgery. Do not drink during meals because you may fill up on water and not get all your protein. You will also liquify your food making it "flush" through your stomach quickly.
*Schedule meals. Following surgery, you won't be hungry and you won't be able to eat or drink much. You will need to be on a consistent eating and drinking schedule to make sure you get the nutrients you need, while adjusting to a smaller stomach. Start today by setting and sticking to a regular eating schedule of three meals a day.
*Take 30 minutes to eat meals. Slowing down eating helps give your brain sense fullness signals from your stomach. If you eat too fast, your brain will not have enough time to sense fullness and therefore you are more likely to overeat. Slow down the time at the table by cutting your food in very small bites and putting your fork down between bites.. Try timing yourself and see if you can spend at least 30 minutes eating your meals.
*Chew to applesauce consistency. Following surgery, chew food 20 to 30 times or to the consistency of applesauce. Think about your mouth as the first part of your stomach. Chewing starts the process of making your food easier to digest. Chewing will also help prevent overeating to prevent stomach discomfort. Be mindful of how many times you are chewing your bites before swallowing to get into the practice by your surgery date. Swallowing food before chewing it up properly can cause a blockage at the opening between your stomach pouch and small intesting, which can lead to severe pain and vomiting.
*Eat foods high in protein, low in carbohydrates and fats. Now is the time to start changing the food you eat. Start incorporating more foods that are high in protein, while low in carbohydrates and fat. Good sources of lean protein, include fish, skinless chicken and turkey breast, low fat dairy foods (cottage cheese, yogurt, cheese), eggs and beans. Decrease starchy carbohydrates like bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, chips, juice, and sweets. Eating too many carbohydrates after surgery can slow or stop weight loss. Stop eating unhealthy fats like fried foods, cream sauce, gravy, butter, margarine, regular mayonnaise, salad dressing, and whole milk.