What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery brings changes to your digestive system that helps you lose weight. If your extra weight is causing you serious health issues, your doctor will advise you to opt for bariatric surgery. If you are visiting the gym and following a proper diet but still your weight is not decreasing, listen to your doctor and undergo bariatric surgery if he/she suggests.

Bariatric surgery- A doctor from Kolkata explains:

You require bariatric surgery only if you have health issues which have life risk.

 Some health issues that require bariatric surgery:

  • Diabetes- Type 2
  • Sleep apnea
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Bariatric surgery is not apt for everyone who is overweight. There are some medical guidelines, if you meet them, only after that, the doctor can perform bariatric surgery. A screening process is there which you need to qualify.

A change of lifestyle is one of the most important parts of bariatric surgery, says Dr. Mainak Pal from Kolkata. The person needs to be patient and passionate enough to undergo this surgery. Effort and obedience are very important in this case.

Food that you can eat after the surgery:

Once the surgery is done, the doctor will provide you with a diet chart. As you start to recover, your doctor will keep adding, food items that you can digest, into your diet. But a very important thing that you need to keep in mind is the portion of food you consume. You need to control it.

Don’t eat food items that your eyes get attracted to. While you are watching a show on television, the advertisements in between will show delicious food items which will attract your mind but don’t let it rule your diet over your doctor’s diet chart. You need to restrict your desire for fast food if you want your weight to be in control. Hold your emotions and get rid of fast food or street food items as that can never be good for your health.

Diet chart: After weight loss surgery- a bariatric surgeon in Kolkata suggests-

Liquid diet:

  • Broth
  • Unsweetened juice
  • Decaffeinated coffee or tea
  • Milk (1%)
  • Sugar-free popsicles

Food items (Pureed):

  • Soft fruits
  • Cooked cereal
  • Cottage cheese
  • Cooked vegetables
  • Cream soups (Strained)
  • Soft scrambled eggs

Food items (Soft):

  • Rice
  • Lean meat or poultry
  • Soft and fresh fruits (without seeds and skin)

Food items (Solid): 

Solid food items will be added to your diet after about 8 weeks or so from the surgery. The bariatric surgeon will guide you and gradually add items that are easy for you to digest. Avoid food items like:

  • Red meat
  • Fried food
  • Meats with indigestible tough tissue
  • Raw vegetables
  • Spicy food

Develop a habit to eat healthily and listen to what your bariatric surgeon based in Kolkata says:

  1. Eat slowly
  2. Small meals
  3. Chew the food thoroughly
  4. Add high-protein food items to your diet
  5. Avoid having high-fat food items
  6. Drink liquids from time to time