With millions of people suffering from obesity in the United States alone, stomach reduction surgeries are common. Although these surgeries often are very effective in helping people to lose significant amounts of weight, they also require that an individual adopt a very specific diet in order to avoid complications and prevent weight from coming back.
Fried Foods
Hold the fried chicken. Fried foods are problematic after stomach reduction surgery on two counts. First, they hold large amounts of calories, but are nutritionally deficient. This is a problem because the extra calories require more activity from the individual in order for weight gain not to occur. It's especially an issue due to the fact that those who have had stomach reduction surgery typically experience difficulty in absorbing key nutrients, vitamins, and minerals; they often have to take supplements even when their diet is excellent. Secondly, fried foods tend to delay emptying of the stomach. This can result in complications such as acid reflux, a condition in which gastric juices spill back into the esophagus. Some individuals who have stomach reduction surgery experience acid reflux even when they do not eat fried foods because of their physiology, so some people may be more sensitive to acid reflux after eating fried food than others.
Sugary Foods
Don't have sodas or candies. Although an occasional treat can be acceptable, foods like candy and soda have large amounts of sugar in them. The sugar in these foods can cause a condition called dumping, in which the jejunum, the lower part of the small intestine, opens too quickly. This condition is associated with nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and cramping, in addition to fatigue. Other foods that should be avoided due to sugar content and the potential for dumping syndrome include cakes, cookies, etc., as well as some natural foods like raisins.
Fibrous Foods
Curb the urge to gnaw a veggie. People who have had stomach reduction surgery definitely need to eat vegetables and fruit, but if they are desired, they need to be cooked first. This is because fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of fiber. Normally, fiber is excellent for digestive health, but after stomach reduction surgery, there is less room in the stomach pouch to hold the bulk of fibrous foods. There also isn't as much stomach acid to break it down, and it can stop up the opening to the small intestine in some people. Other foods besides fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber include bran and popcorn.
