Bariatric Surgery Diet and Guidelines

Guidelines for your Bariatric Surgery Diet

It is very important to follow the recommended dietary guidelines after undergoing bariatric surgery. These guidelines were carefully designed by your health care providers, with the goal of limiting the amount of calories you consume, while providing balanced meals that help prevent nutrient deficiencies and preserve muscle tissue.

This new way of eating may seem overwhelming at first, but over time, most patients find the guidelines become an unconscious part of their daily routine

General Guidelines

• Eat balanced meals with small portions.
• Follow a diet low in calories, fats and sweets.
• Keep a daily record of your food portions and of your calorie and protein intake.
• Eat slowly and chew small bites of food thoroughly.
• Avoid rice, bread, raw vegetables and fresh fruits, as well as meats that are not easily chewed, such as pork and steak. Ground meats are usually better tolerated.
• Do not use straws, drink carbonated beverages or chew ice. They can introduce air into your pouch and cause discomfort.
• Avoid sugar, sugar-containing foods and beverages, concentrated sweets and fruit juices.
• For the first two months following surgery, your calorie intake should be between 300 and 600 calories a day, with a focus on thin and thicker liquids.
• Daily caloric intake should not exceed 1,000 calories.

Fluids

• Drink extra water and low-calorie or calorie-free fluids between meals to avoid dehydration. All liquids should be caffeine-free.
• Sip about 1 cup of fluid between each small meal, six to eight times a day.
• We recommend drinking at least 2 liters (64 ounces or 8 cups) of fluids a day. You will gradually be able to meet this target.
• We strongly warn against drinking any alcoholic beverages. After surgery, alcohol is absorbed into your system much more quickly than before, making its sedative and mood-altering effects more difficult to predict and control.

Protein
Preserve muscle tissue by eating foods rich in protein. High-protein foods include eggs, meats, fish, seafood, tuna, poultry, soy milk, tofu, cottage cheese, yogurt and other milk products. Your goal should be a minimum of 65 to 75 grams of protein a day. Don't worry if you can't reach this goal in the first few months after surgery.

Supplements
You must take the following supplements on a daily basis to prevent nutrient deficiencies. Please remember that all pills must be crushed or cut into six to eight small pieces. You are not able to absorb whole pills as well as before surgery, and it can be difficult for the pills to pass through your new anatomy.



To your health!
The Bari Life Team
Improving the health and wellness of bariatric patients around the world by providing the most complete bariatric vitamin formulas that are highly effective and clinically proven.

Order Online Here www.barilife.com

 

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Bariatric Surgery Story to Motivate You

Bari Life has a lot of Bariatric Surgery stories to get you motivated.

In the 2 years since the surgery, Longcoy has shed over 100 pounds, but more importantly, has changed the way she eats and lives. “People who think weight loss surgery is an easy way out are wrong. It’s a tool to help you change your life, but you have to be committed to making better choices for your body,” states Longcoy.

For Gretchen Longcoy of Oak Ridge, life has begun anew at 50. Longcoy is embracing passing the half-century mark and enjoying a transformation in her body and health. The catalyst for her new vitality? Bariatric surgery. Since undergoing surgical weight loss surgery in 2012 with Dr. Stephen Boyce of New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery, Longcoy has shed more than 100 pounds and changed her life.

Longcoy says she has always been heavy, attending her first Weight Watchers meeting when she was in the fifth grade. But, she wasn’t obese until she got pregnant with her first child.

Why did Longcoy choose Boyce? Dr. Boyce is the most experienced weight loss surgeon in East Tennessee.  As a native Texan, there was a natural connection to Tennessee where Dr. Boyce has continued his interest and practice in weight loss surgery. With over 20 years experience in weight loss surgery Dr. Boyce’s formal education began at Texas A&M University. Dr. Boyce obtained his Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science from TAMU before beginning medical school in Dallas, Texas at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Surgical Residency was performed at the Parkland Memorial Hospital where he was introduced to weight loss surgery under the tutelage of one of the pioneering fathers of weight loss surgery Dr. Otto Wilbanks.

“This was a life-saving procedure for me,” says Longcoy, a Realtor with Realty Executives. “After years and years of struggling with my weight and other health problems, I have a new lease on life, after 50.” Longcoy now bikes and swims, and is healthier than ever. “It’s a new beginning. It’s transformed my relationship with my husband and myself,” smiles Longcoy.  “I tell people ‘If you’re considering Bariatric Surgery, don’t let anything stop you. You deserve it; your life and health are worth it!’”


To your health!
The Bari Life Team
Improving the health and wellness of bariatric patients around the world by providing the most complete bariatric vitamin formulas that are highly effective and clinically proven.

Order Online Here www.barilife.com

 

 

Bari Life Bariatric Vitamins and Supplements wants you to just say “Om”

Post weight loss surgery, few things are more important than developing a healthy nutrition and bariatric vitamins program. In addition to getting into the habit of taking your daily bariatric vitamins, one of the best ways to fuel your body is to say “Om.”

Say what?

As you embark on a new life following weight loss surgery, you may not be ready to plunge into an intense – and often grueling – exercise routine. That’s where yoga can help.

More than just a method to relieve the madness of your day, yoga is like vitamins for your spiritual body. It can help you lose weight, strengthen your core and promote better sleep. From relaxing Vinyasa to the more rigorous Bikram, yoga offers many benefits:

• Improved posture: few things are worse for your body than sitting in an uncomfortable office chair eight hours a day. All types of yoga help improve posture, align your spine and keep your chest open so you can lift and engage the posture-improving muscles in your core.
• Builds strength and flexibility: if you’re not a fan of lifting weights, basic yoga poses – including Downward-facing Dog, Plank and Warrior – strengthen various muscles and also improve flexibility. Yoga is great for strengthening your abdomen, back, pelvis and hips.
• Eases digestion: believe it or not, the deep-breathing exercises in yoga actually aid in the digestion process. The popular Spinal Twist helps alleviate symptoms of gas, bloating and constipation.
• Relieves stress: yoga focuses on breathing. Inhaling and exhaling through each pose helps you relax and relieve stress and anxiety. Not to mention, every type of yoga ends with a 10-minute relaxation session known as Savasana, which allows you to clear your mind, meditate and relieve stress.

Bari Life Bariatric Vitamins and Supplements knows it’s not easy to hit the ground running following weight loss surgery. Yoga is like vitamins for your spiritual body and can be a wonderful beginning to a whole new world of exercising!


To your health!
The Bari Life Team
Improving the health and wellness of bariatric patients around the world by providing the most complete bariatric vitamin formulas that are highly effective and clinically proven.
Order Online Here www.barilife.com

Internet Marketing Consultant

Bari Life Bariatric Vitamins and Supplement Founder Named a 2014 Top Doctor

Bari Life Bariatric Vitamins and Supplements is pleased to announce Dr. Stephen Boyce has been recognized as one of the Top Doctors of 2014 by the Knoxville Medical Community. Founder of the New Life Center or Bariatric Surgery and creator of Bari Life Bariatric Vitamins and Supplements, Dr. Boyce is featured as a Top Doctor in Cityview Magazine’s March/April Issue for his specialty work in the field of bariatric surgery. 

Every year, Cityview Magazine surveys the Knoxville area’s referring physicians to find out their choice for specialized care. The results provide evidence of who doctors would choose to be their doctors.

And, once again, Dr. Boyce has been chosen as the go-to choice for bariatric surgery in the Greater Knoxville area. "It is very encouraging to me that our primary care doctors are now thinking of bariatric surgery as an important and needed surgical specialty,” said Dr. Boyce. “It wasn't long ago that even physicians didn't understand the need for bariatric surgery.    The fact that bariatric surgery is being recognized as ‘specialized care’ is very encouraging for me and the bariatric patient community.”

Dr. Boyce has been performing bariatric surgery in the Knoxville area for more than 20 years. His skill and experience are unsurpassed in the community. And his commitment to providing the best quality care, both pre- and post-bariatric surgery, is second to none. Being chosen as one of the area’s 2014 Top Doctors exemplifies Dr. Boyce’s recognition as one of the best bariatric surgeons by those in the medical profession.

To your health!
The Bari Life Team
Improving the health and wellness of bariatric patients around the world by providing the most complete bariatric vitamin formulas that are highly effective and clinically proven.
Order Online Here www.barilife.com

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Internet Marketing Consultant

Bari Life Bariatric Vitamins and Supplements wants you to develop healthy habits

Bari Life Bariatric Vitamins and Supplements knows it’s not easy to break a habit or form a new one.  While it’s good to break bad habits and create new ones, like taking you daily dose of bariatric vitamins, it can be very easy to add a few simple, healthy habits to your life.

Create healthy habits

Out with the old and in with the new is often easier said than done. Making the decision to have weight loss surgery is a life-changing event. Leading up to and after having bariatric surgery, developing healthy habits, such as taking your vitamins, will help you get into shape quicker, stay in shape and feel better both physically and mentally.

Follow these tips to create a few healthy habits:

• Take the bottle – carry a bottle of water with you everywhere you go. Make it a habit to stay hydrated. Water can help cut calories, energize your muscles and keep your skin looking fresh and young. And, it’ll come in handy when you take your daily vitamins.
• Eat more fruit and vegetables – instead of heading to the vending machine at work, carry your own healthy fruits and veggies with you to curb your mid-morning or mid-afternoon cravings. Packed with fiber and other good-for-you nutrients, fruits and vegetables are nature’s vitamins that help you feel fuller longer.
• Enjoy getting physical – the most effective way to stick to an exercise program is to find something that you enjoy doing. From walking to swimming, from tennis to roller blading, there’s an activity out there with your name on it. The key is to make it fun. 
• Take a break – sitting at a desk or behind the wheel of a vehicle eight hours a day can be very rough on your body. Make it a habit to get up, stretch and walk around the building – or even outside – every hour, if possible.
• Pay it forward – one of the most rewarding things you can do is give back. And don’t think this necessarily means spending money. Pay a compliment to a total stranger, help someone who has their hands full, or open the door for the person behind you. 

To your health!
The Bari Life Team
Improving the health and wellness of bariatric patients around the world by providing the most complete bariatric vitamin formulas that are highly effective and clinically proven.
Order Online Here www.barilife.com

Internet Marketing Consultant

Check Out This Delicious St. Paddy's Day Shake Recipe From Bari Life!

A small size Shamrock Shake from McDonald's has 400 calories and 60 grams of sugar. If you’ve ever been tempted to grab one of these festive green shakes, look no further! This version is so thick and creamy that you can eat it with a spoon! The best part is, it’s packed with protein and is extremely low in sugar and calories. It tastes downright AMAZING! Get your St. Paddy's Day "fix" with this lean, green protein shake!

 St. Paddy's Day Shake Recipe
Ingredients:

• 1 packet Bari Life Vanilla pudding/shake mix (prepared)
• 1/4 cup vanilla or plain protein powder (1 scoop-100 calories)
• 1/8 tsp  mint extract (or to taste)
• 2-3 packets of Stevia or sweetener of choice (or to taste)
• 5-10 ice cubes (more or less depending on how thick you like it)
• 4 oz. water (again, alter according to desired thickness of shake)
• 2-3 drops green food coloring OR a handful of spinach to make it green!
• 1-2 tbsp Sugar Free Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix (Jell-O brand)
• Pinch Guar or xanthan gum

Directions:
1. ONE SIMPLE STEP!  Put all the base ingredients in the blender, and blend away until desired consistency! Swirl in one drop of green food coloring just before serving  *Top with fat free Reddi Wip if desired! *

Nutritional Information:
1 Serving


To your health!
The Bari Life Team
Improving the health and wellness of bariatric patients around the world by providing the most complete bariatric vitamin formulas that are highly effective and clinically proven.
Order Online Here www.barilife.com

Be aware of the importance of Thiamine/B-1 Vitamin!

Many bariatric surgeons are prescribing 100mg of vitamin B-1 (also called thiamine) daily for the first four weeks after bariatric surgery to prevent a deficiency, which is often caused by nausea vomiting.

Dr. Stephen Boyce shares his expertise and findings from his bariatric practice, The New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery, “My clinical experience tells me that patients who are deficient in thiamine are the patients who experience the worst nausea and vomiting after surgery.  In my practice, as a precautionary measure, I prescribe an additional supplement of 100mg of thiamine daily for one month after surgery to all of my patients.”

Vitamin B-1 is an essential nutrient and is one of the B complex vitamins that is water soluble.   Thiamine helps to convert carbohydrates into glucose, which is used to produce energy.  It helps to metabolize protein and fats as well as support the nervous system and promote good brain health. It is sometimes referred to as an “anti-stress” vitamin because it is thought to strengthen the immune system and improve the body’s ability to handle stressful conditions.
 
Dietary sources include, beef, brewer’s yeast, nuts, milk, legumes, pork, rice, seeds oranges, wheat and whole grain cereals.

Dr. Boyce explains the importance of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery thiamine recommendations and why patients sometimes need more thiamine than the recommendations: "The ASMBS recommends 3mg daily for weight loss surgery patients.  What patients must understand is that these recommendations are to prevent deficiencies and may not be enough if the patient is already deficient. There are no reported adverse effects from consuming excess thiamine from food and supplements.  Most of my colleagues agree that adding a B-1 supplement as a standard protocol after surgery is in the best interest of the patient.  Once the patient’s thiamine levels are normal then we recommend at least 3mg daily for maintenance.”

Very little B-1 is stored in the body and deficiencies can develop quickly in the bariatric patient.   Thiamine deficiency is quite common in gastric bypass patients due to impaired absorption and decreased acidification of food. Symptoms of deficiency include fatigue, irritability, depression and abdominal discomfort.  It can cause problems with digesting carbohydrates which allows a substance called pyruvic acid to build up in the blood causing a loss in mental alertness, difficulty in breathing and even heart damage. (A disease called Beriberi).

Bari Life Bariatric Supplements offers a 30 count (one month supply), 100mg tablet of B-1.  Additionally, all of the Bari Life multivitamin formulas contain 6mg of B-1 for daily maintenance.


About Dr. Stephen G. Boyce:
Dr. Stephen Boyce obtained his Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science from Texas A&M University, College Station, before beginning medical school in Dallas, Texas at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School where he received his medical degree. Surgical Residency was performed at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas where he completed his general surgery training and was introduced to weight loss surgery under the tutelage of Dr. Otto Wilbanks, a pioneering father of weight loss surgical procedures.

With more than 24 years of experience performing bariatric surgeries, Dr. Boyce has completed over 4,000 weight loss surgical procedures, has special training in advanced laparoscopic surgery and has also completed a Masters Certification in Bariatric Surgery. He started his own practice the New Life Center forBariatric Surgery in Knoxville, Tennessee in 2002, which shortly after became one of the Nation's first Centers of Excellence (7th in the Nation) in 2005.

He is the Medical Director of the Tennova Center for Surgical Weight Loss in Knoxville, TN.  His special interest in bariatric nutrition led him to develop Bari Life Bariatric Supplements, specializing in custom multivitamin formulas for the weight loss surgery patient.  Additionally, he is an active educator for Ethicon-Endo Surgery and he was the first physician to be awarded by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), "Outstanding Membership Recruitment by a Physician Award.”