When it comes to weight loss surgery–whether it’s gastric sleeve, duodenal switch, gastric bypass, and so on–there are some common questions. But none seem more prevalent than the concern about what you can and can’t eat. After all, food is one of life’s greatest joys! But these bariatric breakfast ideas will show that you can still consume foods you enjoy, just through healthier variations and moderation.
The main goal is to provide your body with the nutrients it needs by eating small frequent meals throughout the day. Protein is an important part of how your body functions and we receive most of our protein from the foods we eat. However, if we’re eating less of those foods, our protein levels can take a hit and supplementation may be advised by your dietitian or surgeon.
Utilizing at least one protein shake a day after bariatric surgery is a very common way to help meet your body’s protein needs that cannot be met through food. With that being said, aim for at least one source of protein at every meal, starting with breakfast foods. Some examples of foods full of protein you can include in your healthy breakfast meal are greek yogurt, eggs, soy chorizo, turkey sausage, cottage cheese (low fat), nuts, and nut butters.
Eggs are super versatile, too, and great for bariatric breakfast meal prepping. They can be used in breakfast wraps along with black beans, cooked into perfectly portioned egg muffins with bits of ham, and several other breakfast options. Both egg whites and yolks are good sources of protein.
They are also easy to reheat so you can make a lot and then reheat when you’re on the go. One less excuse to forgo a great breakfast! To make your high-protein egg breakfast even more filling, add your favorite vegetables to a scramble to increase your intake of dietary fiber to keep you fuller for longer.
Other Bariatric Breakfast Ideas
Fruits are always a good idea but can be packed with carbs. Watermelon, cantaloupe, and grapefruits are good low-carb options while bananas, cherries, and apples should be eaten in smaller portions. Chia seeds are very high in protein, so sprinkling some over your meal can help meet your needs.
Another important nutrient to make sure to include at the first meal of the day is dietary fiber. Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, nuts/seeds, and whole grains. Be sure to limit fruit to 1-2 pieces per day because it does still contain sugar, even though it’s natural. Some of the best fruits to eat are berries because they have less sugar. Another way to get fiber is from seeds like chia seeds, You can sprinkle these in smoothies or on top of your eggs.
Ask your dietitian for online resources for recipes and cookbooks to give you ideas on how to build a complete meal suitable for your diet after bariatric surgery. For example, you may need to skip adding flour or dairy products to your bariatric breakfast. That’s what makes eggs such a great starting block for breakfast recipes–they can set up nicely on their own without the addition of flour or milk.
Pay Attention to Your Portions
It is true, however: there are some foods you won’t be able to eat anymore. There will be certain foods that you will not be able to eat after surgery, or at least have to limit to moderation. With that being said, even healthy foods can cause intolerances if you eat too much of them at one time, so it is important to follow the recommendations for portion control at each meal.
These guidelines will be given to you by your surgeon and dietitian. The main thing to remember when making any meal for yourself is the portion size. Even the healthiest of foods can cause problems if you eat too much of them at one time.
In most cases, bariatric surgery is designed to restrict the amount of food you are able to take in at a meal. The gastric sleeve, for example, removes around 80 percent of your stomach from the digestive process. That’s why so many bariatric products (like protein shakes) come in the portion sizes they do. They are made for weight-loss patients and often have increased protein and other nutrients your body needs.
Work With Bariatric Experience
If you’re thinking about bariatric surgery, but are worried about sticking to an overly strict diet, reach out to the Olde Del Mar team. We can answer all of your bariatric procedure questions, including what you can expect from your diet in the weeks, months, and years after the surgery.
Being excessively overweight can lead to many health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Bariatric surgery, along with a proper diet and physical activity, can help you lose that excess weight and keep it off. Wondering if you’re a candidate for weight loss surgery? Reach out to Olde Del Mar Surgical for a consultation.
