Siddharth Chauhan

Article 1 - Post bariatric surgery diet Nutritional well-being is crucially important after a bariatric ( weight-loss ) surgery. A plethora of questions may arise in the mind of a diet-conscious person in being selective towards the right food consumption. After undergoing such a surgery, the body needs time to rest and heal. While doctors have suggested various methods to regulate the fat metabolism and sustain a balanced diet, let us inch towards a healthy lifestyle through a step-wise guide. Step 1 : Revamping the eating schedule - A clear liquid diet in the initial two weeks helps ease the digestive system. Staying hydrated by consuming diluted juices ( Grapes and apples ) will definitely synergize the body and help avoid the feeling of nausea which is pretty common in the early stages. Vegetable or chicken broth can relax the digestion process during this phase. Step 2 : Shifting to Pureed foods - One may gradually progress towards Pureed foods and liquid protein supplements from the third week onward. These may included Pureed Vegetables and meat, strained cream soups as well as yoghurt. Mashed fruits and light juices also help in hastening the healing process. Step 3 : Adapting to soft solids - This phase may be initiated around the beginning of the second month and should be continued till the third month. Consuming cooked vegetables, soft meat, low calorie starch and egg whites is beneficial to the belly as well as the body. One should possibly avoid fibrous solids at this phase as it is too early for the body to get accustomed to such changes. Step 4 : Resuming the stabilization diet - At the beginning of the fourth month, one may look forward to start consuming a standard regular diet. However, old eating habits should be discarded by focusing on new healthy patterns. One should avoid high sugar items and incline more towards nutrient-rich food. 2-3 balanced meals with regular intake of liquids in-between will nurture the body in the long run. Following stringent dietary guidelines may sound too much of an effort but it is the body that eventually harvests the benefits of a disciplined lifestyle. A healthy body has rippling effects on the mind and helps cultivate positivity. While junk-food and unhealthy eating patterns have escalated food related diseases at an alarming rate in the present times, sustaining a good nutritional-intake with consistency has assumed pivotal importance.