Bariatric patients are recommended to adhere to a high protein intake after surgery.  A keto diet can be a natural choice for many since it consists of mostly proteins and fats.  It is not the ONLY diet that will work, however, it can definitely help shed weight quickly if done correctly. This article should clear the air about incorporating the keto diet into the bariatric diet!

We suggest other weight-loss diets over the Keto Diet due to eliminating too many carbs – which are part of a balanced diet after bariatric surgery.

The weight loss experience from Keto is usually due to “muscle loss” rather than the optimal weight reduction as a result of “fat loss”.

What is a Keto Diet?

A Keto Diet is a very low-carb diet which is in turn, high in fats and moderate in protein.  It typically contains 75% fats, 20% protein, and only 5% carbs. The reduction in carbohydrates puts the body in a metabolic state called ketosis which allows the body to become very efficient at burning fat for energy.

Foods You Can Eat on the Keto Diet

  • All kinds of meat
  • Seafood
  • Eggs
  • Butter and Cream
  • Cheese
  • Nuts and Seeds
  • Oils
  • Avocado
  • Low carb vegetables
  • Herbs and Spices
  • Olives
  • Nut butter

How to Successfully Lose Weight on the Keto Diet

Generally, it is said that on a keto diet you do not have to count calories because the high protein and fat intake create satiety and lead to less food eaten, and therefore less caloric intake than with a moderate to high carb diet.  However, the honest truth is a calorie is still a calorie and if too many calories are consumed (on any diet) the result will be weight gain. In other words, you still have to pay attention to your intake! You can’t eat cheese, sausage, and bacon all day long (which is allowed on a keto diet) and still expect to lose weight.

Adele’s 2020 100-lb weight loss is believed to be due to intermittent fasting and Keto diet plus exercise! Read More

Is it Worth it?

With that being said, following a keto diet is not the best choice for post-op bariatric surgery. For non-bariatrics patients who don’t mind a little meal planning and diet tracking, it may be a good option. It may take some time to get familiar with the proper ratio of fats, protein, and carbs but once you hit that sweet spot the weight will start to shed off!

– Written and approved by Nutritionist of Mexico Bariatric Center