Have you recently had bariatric surgery, and you’re wondering which snacks you can eat? Or are you planning on having a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass or simply planning ahead?
Either way, you need to know that there are plenty of healthy bariatric snacks and desserts that you can enjoy even after your surgery.
What are they? How will you know what you should and shouldn’t snack on? My Fit Foods is ready with all of the answers you need.
Why Do You Need to Watch What You Eat After Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery includes several procedures. The first is called a gastric sleeve, and it involves shrinking down the size of the stomach so that it holds less food.
The other two are both forms of gastric bypasses, and they require surgeons to make the stomach and reroute part of the intestines so that less nutrients are absorbed by the body. All three options have a high track rate of success, but they also leave patients having to carefully watch what they eat.
Since the way that the gastrointestinal system works is drastically altered by bariatric surgery, you still need to keep an eye on your meals once you’ve fully recovered from the procedure. You won’t be able to eat large meals, anything full of sugar or carbs, or even foods that are overly greasy and fatty.
To avoid indigestion, stomach pain and cramping, diarrhea, and other conditions, you’ll have to track your food intake and make sure that you’re getting enough protein and other nutrients. This doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy what you eat, though.
You still have plenty of yummy options for bariatric-friendly meals and snacks, all of which can help you lose weight and stay healthy at the same time.
What Are Healthy Bariatric Snacks and Desserts?
Although sugary treats, like pies, cakes, and cookies, may be off the table for good, you can still enjoy a number of healthy snacks and desserts.
These options are a little different than what you’re used to, but they’ll help you meet your weight loss goals, stay healthy, and even enjoy what you’re eating.
1. String Cheese
String cheese is pretty much the perfect snack. It’s lightweight and portable, it comes pre-wrapped in plastic, and it tastes good. Plus, it contains plenty of calcium and other vitamins, and it’s a soft cheese. (As you probably know, hard cheeses are a post-bariatric surgery no-go.)
Pulling off small strings ensures that you don’t put too much in your stomach at once, and you’ll get the benefit of all of the micronutrients while enjoying a tasty snack.
2. Veggies and Dip
You have to be super careful when eating raw vegetables after bariatric surgery. After all, everything from lettuce to peppers are on the list of things that are harder to digest and can irritate your gastrointestinal system.
With that said, you can have some raw veggies with a tasty dip like hummus under a few special circumstances.
First, you need to choose veggies that are easy to chew (turning them into a pulp that’s easier to digest), like baby carrots. Second, you have to keep the portion sizes small. Finally, if the veggies of your choice are particularly fibrous, like celery and broccoli, you need to break them into smaller pieces before eating them.
3. Olives
For a simple yet tasty treat, reach for some olives. You can choose the green olives, complete with pimientos in the center, or classic black olives. Both contain plenty of vitamins and minerals, and they’re easy to digest.
Even better, they’re fairly easy to carry around with you for a mid-morning or afternoon snack at work. Just put some in a small container, and nosh on a few here and there when you’re feeling hungry.
4. Fruit With Cottage Cheese
If you need something sweet to curb your cravings, look no further than a classic fruit and cottage cheese snack. In lieu of fresh fruit, you can add some canned peaches (with the juice drained off, of course) to the cottage cheese.
However, another option includes the berries of your choice mixed with the calcium-filled cottage cheese. Either way, you’re getting plenty of nutrients in an easy to digest manner.
5. Tuna Snack Packs
Have you noticed those tuna snack packs at the store? They contain everything you need to make some tuna into a tasty meal or snack. Consider adding a few of them to your pantry for those moments when you need a little boost.
The protein in the fish will do the trick nicely, and since tuna is easily digestible, you won’t have to worry about any side effects. Of course, you could choose the DIY version, complete with a can of tuna, but that’s up to you.
6. Hard Boiled Eggs
A hard boiled egg is the ideal snack, in our humble opinion. The shell makes it simple to port around with you, and eating hard boiled eggs is easy: Just remove the shell, add a little salt and pepper, and you’re good to go.
What’s more, you can make a whole bunch of them at once and place them in the fridge for when you’re feeling peckish.
7. Smoothies
Looking for a dessert that’s good for you? Try a smoothie.
You more than likely drank your share of protein powder beverages immediately after your bariatric surgery, so why not continue adding that powder to your diet? Make up a smoothie with it, some fruits and vegetables, a bit of yogurt, and more. The final combination is up to you!
(Plus, if you want to save some time, go with a pre-made smoothie blend that consists of already sliced and processed ingredients.)
8. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is exceptionally tasty, not to mention processed differently than other forms of yogurt. While you could reach for one of them, why would you when the Greek version is an option?
Whether you want your yogurt to have some fruit in it, or you plan to add your own toppings, feel free to take advantage of all of the calcium and other minerals that you’ll find in the package.
9. Mozzarella Cheese and Tomatoes
You have to be careful with which cheeses you eat after bariatric surgery — but thankfully, mozzarella is still an option. This take on caprese salad is quick to assemble, and it’s full of vitamins and minerals.
Just slice the tomatoes, add them to a plate or put them in a bowl, and top with mozzarella. For a little twist, sprinkle on some salt and pepper. Eat this snack with a fork, and you’ll enjoy the fresh taste of everything it contains.
10. Turkey Roll-Ups
Have you ever had a turkey roll-up? These snacks are easy to make, and quite tasty too. Start with a piece of turkey lunch meat. Lay it flat on a plate and top it with whatever you want.
Some mustard, a piece of soft cheese, a little bit of hummus … all of these are fair game. Then, roll up the lunch meat until it forms a small tube. Now you have a quick, portable snack that can also be used for lunch!
11. Peanut Butter
For a simple snack, get a jar of peanut butter and a spoon. Since this treat is on the richer side, you’ll need to go easy on the peanut butter and not too much of it in one sitting. Otherwise, you could end up with stomach pain and discomfort.
Despite that, however, peanut butter makes a very healthy snack option, even more so if you choose some fruit or even a healthy cracker or two to dip in it.
Snack and Dessert Options for Bariatric Patients
As you can see, there are a number of snack and dessert options that you can reach for post bariatric surgery. Although you do need to be careful, since your bariatric surgery has changed the ways in which your digestive system processes foods, you don’t have to worry about depriving yourself. Consider adding one or more of these tasty treats to your regular rotation.
Have questions about these snacks and desserts? Contact us!
Sources:
On the Go Snacks for Bariatric Patients | Barix Clinics
6 High Protein Snacks for Bariatric Patients | United Bariatric Center of Kansas City
29 Healthy Snacks That Can Help You Lose Weight | Healthline