Eating Slowly, Chewing Thoroughly Both Helpful After Weight Loss Surgery

After having weight loss surgery, patients are no longer able to eat the way they once could, which is one reason why the procedures help with losing weight. 

Overeating your favorite foods, snacking throughout the day, bingeing on sweets, and quickly consuming a meal on-the-go are no longer options after weight loss surgery.

Your doctor and dietician will help prepare you for what your weight loss journey will look like and how meals should look and feel after surgery, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

One important step is to chew each bite thoroughly before swallowing to avoid having the food feel stuck, according to the NIH. This issue can happen because the opening between the stomach and intestines is very small. 

Other things you can do to help make sure your food is easier to digest after weight loss surgery, according to the NIH, include:

• Avoid snacking
• Chewing each bite completely – until it is a pureed consistency without chunks
• Eating six small meals during the day instead of three larger meals
• Eating smaller sized bites
• Taking about 20 to 30 minutes to eat each meal

While it’s important to drink up to eight cups of water each day, it’s also important to remember to avoid drinking while you eat. The NIH also recommends these tips for drinking after weight loss surgery:

• Avoid using straws unless approved by your doctor
• Do not drink for 30 minutes after you eat
• No gulping, take only small sips

Aside from these tips, make sure to follow the personalized diet and medication plan created for you by your health care team. Ask questions along the way to help you understand the best ways to succeed at your weight loss goals.

For more information about changes in eating habits after weight loss surgery, talk with your doctor or visit Premier Weight Loss Solutions.