Advice from Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and Dr. George Fielding on Portable and Appetizing Meals After Bariatric Surgery Success

Learning to eat healthy foods after undergoing bariatric surgery is a process you will begin during recovery. Your doctor’s follow-up care will include which foods are important and how to eat for optimal success. After undergoing bariatric (weight loss) surgery, such as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), you will eat smaller portions of food more slowly. One opportunity for healthy eating comes when you choose to pack your lunch for work rather than ordering food or eating at a restaurant. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and Dr. George Fielding offer practical advice on what kinds of food make for healthy lunches after bariatric surgery.

Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and Dr. George Fielding on Taking Control of Your Lunch Choices

First, after bariatric surgery, you need to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs during the weight loss process. It is important to remember your stomach will fill more quickly so you should always eat one bite at a time and to chew slowly. Reflect on how you feel after each forkful. Pausing between bites not only helps you enjoy the food more, but also helps prevent digestive issues from eating too quickly. By making your own lunch you have complete control over your food choices. Another plus? The sky’s the limit when it comes to variety. Consider these ideas:

• Chicken salad with raisins and apples
• Fish, such as salmon or tuna
• Egg salad over mixed greens
• Lean pork dishes
• Roasted red pepper wrap
• Vegetable beef soup
• Grilled chicken and tabbouleh wrap

Then, once you have some ideas, be creative in your meal prep. Explore these high-protein lunch recipes that taste as good as they look. To help encourage your own home meal planning, check out these grown-up lunch boxes that include everything from Bento-box-inspired containers to insulated bags. These allow you to up both your lunch and snack game.

Healthy and Portable Snacks

Next on everyone’s mind is the dreaded afternoon slump. After bariatric surgery, Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and Dr. George Fielding recommend turning to healthy snacks rather than relying on coffee. Especially for men and women who are always on the go, these portable small bites will satisfy your hunger while giving your body the energy it needs. Plan ahead with snacks like:

• Parmesan crisps and salsa
• Low-fat yogurt with mixed berries
• Sliced apple with cashew or peanut butter
• 1 oz. low-fat cheddar cheese with 1 cup grapes
• Hummus and vegetable slices

Or try different combinations of healthy foods like these snacks that can be prepared quickly and easily. Your post-operative body will be well-suited for success while absorbing the nutrients it needs.

Hydration and Mindful Eating after Bariatric Surgery

Last, Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and Dr. George Fielding emphasize the importance of staying hydrated after bariatric surgery. Your doctor and nutritionist will help you understand how eating smaller portions and a protein-rich diet is essential to your success. In addition, experts agree that water should be your go-to drink. Coupled with a healthy, proportion-appropriate diet, being well hydrated can help prevent digestive issues. Your post-bariatric surgery life can help you enjoy each bite of food more, while feeling, confident you have made the right decision for a better quality of life.

If you are considering weight loss surgery, consult experts like Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and Dr. George Fielding by visiting the the NYU Langone Weight Management Program here.