Thursday, January 13, 2011

Where To Find Bariatric Food & Supplies

If you've had or are planning to have bariatric surgery such as RNY, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve or Lap-Band, you need support through your journey. The changes made to your gastrointestinal tract will require you to make permanent adjustments to your eating habits. You must stick to them to achieve weight loss. Bariatric food and supplies will help you as you make this adjustment.


Food


Bariatric surgeons have varying post-surgery dietary guidelines. These guidelines depend on a patient's health history and condition. It is essential to follow your doctor's recommendations. However, there are some basics -- a diet rich in protein, with several low-calorie meals per day. Your doctor should arm you with paperwork detailing what to eat and prepare it. There are also many online resources designed to help you with this. BariatricEating.com provides instructions for preparing your meals along with a printable food journal (see Resources). The site helps you learn blend protein and eat healthy meals that will help you achieve your ultimate weight loss goals. Focus28 Bariatric Bootcamp (see Resources) sells meal plans based on how many daily calories you can consume. These meals take the guesswork out of the planning process.


Support


Even though you've made the decision to have bariatric surgery, you still need support as you make permanent lifestyle changes. The surgery is not enough on its own to solve your weight and health issues. You need the emotional guidance to know that you can do this! You can succeed. Online resources such as BariatricEating.com and Focus28 Bariatric Bootcamp provide professionals to motivate and inspire patients. There are online support groups and tough love to help you successfully adapt to the life change.








Supplies


Supplies that you need following bariatric surgery include supplements. Most patients take multivitamins, vitamin B, zinc, fiber and iron. You want a multivitamin that offers a broad spectrum of amino acid chelates and essential vitamins. B vitamins are good to take because they help your body break down carbs into glucose, which gives you energy. Iron aids in the production of hemoglobin, which brings oxygen to your cells. It also helps your body use energy. A fiber supplement will keep you regular. Instead of buying generic supplements formulated for everyone, there are some that are specifically designed to meet the demands of a post-operative bariatric surgical patient. Bariatric Advantage (see Resources) and Bariatric Choice are just a couple of several websites that sell a complete line of nutritional supplements for patients.

Tags: bariatric surgery, Bariatric Bootcamp, Focus28 Bariatric, Focus28 Bariatric Bootcamp, have bariatric, have bariatric surgery, make permanent