There are a lot of misconceptions and assumptions when it comes to weight loss surgery. Understanding what’s real and fake is essential to having a successful weight loss journey. Here are the top 8 bariatrics myths that patients always ask us to help you choose the best options.
1. Will My Stomach Stretch Back To Its Original Size?
False: It is actually natural and healthy for your stomach pouch to stretch over time to properly recover from the surgery. However, your stomach pouch won’t stretch back to its original size. You can do the pouch test to see how much your stomach pouch has changed, but stretching your pouch isn’t dangerous and does not stop weight loss.
Stretching Your Pouch/Sleeve
Your pouch will naturally stretch a little over time, but you can take some steps to manage your stomach pouch or sleeve to help you maintain a healthy weight:
– Avoid overeating
– Do not skip meals
– Watch out for emotional eating
– Protect your stoma (new stomach pouch)
2. Should I Avoid Carbonated Drinks?
True: Avoid soda and sparkling soft drinks. Regular sodas and carbonated drinks contain a lot of sugar and calories, which can cause you to gain weight quickly. Diet sodas with zero calories can also cause certain hormonal reactions, which can store more fat in your body. Stick with water, tea without caffeine, coffee (in moderation), and other non-carbonated drinks for better results.
See guidelines for drinking coffee and caffeine after gastric sleeve surgery.
3. Should I Drink From a Straw?
True: Using straws or chewing gum can get air into your new stomach pouch and create painful air bubbles, which will rise or fall based on your recovery. This can also make you feel full and take up space in your pouch, which should be filled with proteins.
DO NOT USE A STRAW AFTER SURGERY.
4. Will I Get Nauseous If I Drink Soda?
True: If you have had gastric bypass surgery, eating or drinking anything high in sugar can stimulate dumping syndrome. This is caused by the sugar in your diet entering the small intestine at an abnormally fast rate, which can lead to nausea, cold sweats, paleness, heart problems, and diarrhea.
Avoid dumping syndrome by choosing foods and liquids that are low in fat and sugar. Also, make sure to eat and drink slowly to allow the sugars to be absorbed properly.
Learn more: 10 Practical and Effective Tips to Stop Drinking Soda and Energy Drinks
5. Can I Eat Larger Amounts of Food?
True: AVOID OVEREATING! While the pouch makes you feel full with less food, overeating can excessively stretch out your stomach pouch and make it easier to gain weight. You can prevent this by measuring your food, taking your time during a meal, and being careful when you feel full. When getting full, try writing down exactly how much you have eaten to learn what your limits are.
Learn more: Risks of Overeating – Before & After Weight Loss Surgery
6. Can I Eat and Drink at the Same Time?
True: Drinking during a meal, especially a soda, can push food through your stomach faster and make you feel less full. Wait 30-60 minutes before or after any meal to drink again.
Learn more: Dumping Syndrome Guide: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
7. Do I Have to Eat Protein First for Every Meal?
False: It isn’t required but eating protein-rich foods before a meal can help make you feel full and balance blood sugar and insulin levels. Try adding lean cuts of beef, chicken, pork, fish, and beans to your diet. Low-fat cheese, cottage cheese, and yogurt are also good sources of protein.
Learn more: How to Track Macros After Gastric Sleeve Surgery – Carbs, Protein, & Fats
8. Can I Take Extended Release Pills?
False: Bariatric surgery reduces the surface of the stomach, which causes problems with certain medications and the absorption of vitamins/minerals. Immediate-release products are better options compared to Extended-release and sustained-release products because the essential medicine is better absorbed into the body.
Learn More: What medications should I avoid post-op?
Medications to Avoid
There are certain medications and multi-symptom products that you should avoid after surgery, including aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These can irritate your stomach after surgery and increase your chances of developing a gastric ulcer.
Contact us today to learn more!
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