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For many people, the holidays are all about family, friends, and food. But for those who have had weight loss surgery, holiday buffets and festivities could lead to some digestive issues.
There are different types of weight loss surgery, each with its own risks and complications. After certain procedures, like gastric bypass, eating even a single meal that’s too large, or high in sugar or fat, can cause nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. Knowing which foods to choose and how much to eat could mean the difference between a holiday you’ll always remember, and one you hope to forget.
If the season falls within a few weeks after your procedure, you’ll likely need to skip the holiday ham or slice of pie. Your healthcare provider (HCP) will prescribe a specific diet for the first several weeks following your surgery, which will consist primarily of liquids and soft foods.
If you’re past this post-op period, follow these simple tips for eating well after weight loss surgery.
Sources: Sherf Dagan S, Goldenshluger A, et al. N... + 8
- Sherf Dagan S, Goldenshluger A, et al. Nutritional Recommendations for Adult Bariatric Surgery Patients: Clinical Practice. Adv Nutr. 2017 Mar 15;8(2):382-394.
- Cleveland Clinic. Dumping syndrome. Last reviewed June 7, 2022. Accessed October 12, 2022.
- Medline Plus. Your diet after gastric bypass surgery. National Library of Medicine. Last reviewed July 20, 2020. Accessed October 12, 2022.
- The Nutrition Source. Protein. Harvard School of Public Health. Accessed October 12, 2022.
- Make protein a priority after weight loss surgery. Penn Medicine. Published March 18, 2018. Accessed October 12, 2022.
- Dumping syndrome after gastric bypass surgery. University of Rochester Medical Center. Accessed October 12, 2022.
- NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Definition & Facts for Dumping Syndrome. Last reviewed January 2019.
- Teo PS, van Dam RM, et al. Association between self-reported eating rate, energy intake, and cardiovascular risk factors in a multi-ethnic Asian population. Nutrients. 2020 Apr 13;12(4):1080.
- UCLA Health. Holiday eating tips. Accessed October 12, 2022.
