Healthy Holiday Season After Bariatric Surgery
The holidays bring joy, but they can stress out people following a post-bariatric surgery diet. Patients often worry about holiday events because they involve more food and drinks, leading to guilt for indulging. Enjoy holiday treats guilt-free by eating in moderation and following your doctor's advice. Strategies for a Healthier Holiday Season Post-Bariatric Surgery: Prioritize Protein during Holiday Meals: Start your Christmas and New Year's dinners by consuming protein-rich foods such as meat, chicken, or turkey. This way, eating your usual foods helps you feel full quicker before eating less healthy ones. Limit Sugar and Fat Intake: After a gastric bypass or sleeve surgery, excess sugar and fat can trigger dumping syndrome. To mitigate this, minimize sugar intake and consider using substitutes like Splenda when preparing holiday desserts. Opt for low-fat butter substitutes when making sauces and gravies. Choose Your Indulgence Days Wisely: Treat the holiday season like any other time of the year regarding following your eating schedule and food intake. Understand that just because it's Christmas doesn't mean you can eat any food in any quantity without potential repercussions. Find the foods that work for you after surgery, plan for days when you might eat more, [...]