3. Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects after bariatric surgery, and can be caused by a variety
of factors such as overeating, consuming too much sugar or fat, eating too quickly, or not chewing
food thoroughly. Here are some solutions that can help alleviate these symptoms for bariatric patients:
1.Follow a proper diet: Following a healthy and balanced diet is crucial for bariatric patients to
avoid nausea and vomiting. It is recommended to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day and to
avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar, and carbohydrates.
2.Drink enough fluids: Dehydration can cause nausea and vomiting, so it is essential to drink enough
fluids throughout the day. It is recommended to sip on water and other low-calorie beverages
throughout the day.
3.Take medications as prescribed: Your doctor may prescribe medications to help alleviate nausea
and vomiting. It is essential to take these medications as prescribed.
4. 4.Rest after meals: Resting for 30 minutes to an hour after meals can help prevent nausea and
vomiting. Avoid lying down flat after eating and instead sit upright or take a short walk.
5.Avoid trigger foods: Certain foods may trigger nausea and vomiting for bariatric patients. It is
essential to identify these trigger foods and avoid them.
6.Consult with a healthcare professional: If nausea and vomiting persist, it is important to
consult with a healthcare professional. They can help identify the underlying cause and
recommend appropriate treatment.
It is important for bariatric patients to follow a proper diet and lifestyle to avoid nausea and
vomiting. By making simple lifestyle changes and seeking appropriate medical treatment when
necessary, bariatric patients can effectively manage these symptoms.
Nausea and vomiting
5. Diarrhoea
Bariatric patients may experience diarrhoea as a result of changes in their diet and
gastrointestinal tract after weight loss surgery. It is important to consult with a healthcare
professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, as the underlying cause of diarrhea
may vary among individuals.
In general, some strategies that may help manage diarrhoea in bariatric patients include:
1. Hydration: Diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, so it's important to drink plenty of fluids,
including water, clear broths, and herbal teas. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can further
dehydrate the body.
2. Electrolyte replacement: Diarrhoea can deplete electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and
magnesium. Consuming foods rich in these minerals or taking supplements may help
replenish them.
6. 4. Fiber: In some cases, increasing fiber intake may help bulk up stools and reduce diarrhoea.
However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes
to dietary fiber intake.
5. Medications: Depending on the underlying cause of diarrhoea, medications such as loperamide
(Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) may be recommended by a healthcare
professional.
6. Probiotics: Probiotics can help restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut, which may be
disrupted by diarrhoea. Consuming probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, or
taking probiotic supplements may help
It's important to note that some medications or supplements, such as magnesium-containing
antacids, may exacerbate diarrhoea in some individuals. Therefore, it's important to consult
with a healthcare professional before taking any new medication or supplement.
Diarrhoea
7. CONSTIPATION
Constipation. Constipation/hard stools could result from sudden decreased intake of food and
fluid. Patients who are immobile or have restricted movement are also more prone to
constipation.
Constipation is a common problem that can occur after bariatric surgery. If you're
experiencing constipation after bariatric surgery, there are several things you can do to
alleviate the problem:
1. Increase your fluid intake: Make sure you're drinking enough water and other fluids
throughout the day. Dehydration can contribute to constipation, so aim to drink at least 8-10
glasses of water per day.
2. Increase your fiber intake: Eating foods high in fiber can help soften your stool and
promote regular bowel movements. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole
grains, and legumes.
8. CONSTIPATION
3. Take a stool softener: Stool softeners are medications that can help soften your stool and make
it easier to pass. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about which stool softener may be
right for you.
4. Increase physical activity: Exercise can help stimulate bowel movements and prevent
constipation. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
5. Talk to your healthcare provider: If you're still experiencing constipation despite making these
changes, talk to your healthcare provider. They may recommend further testing or prescribe a
different medication to help alleviate your symptoms.
It's important to remember that constipation can be a common side effect of bariatric surgery, but
it's typically temporary and can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications. If you're
concerned about your symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for
guidance.
9. CONSTIPATION
Here are some examples of high-fiber foods that are suitable for bariatric patients:
1. Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, and other leafy greens are excellent sources of fiber.
2. Fruits: Berries, apples, pears, oranges, and kiwis are high in fiber and can be
incorporated into a bariatric diet in moderation.
3. Whole grains: Quinoa, brown rice, barley, and oatmeal are high in fiber and can be
consumed in small amounts after bariatric surgery.
4. Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and other legumes are a good source of fiber
and protein.
5. Nuts and seeds: Almonds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and pumpkin seeds are high in fiber and
healthy fats.
It's important to note that bariatric patients should start with small amounts of high-fiber
foods and gradually increase their intake over time to prevent digestive discomfort.
10. Hair Loss
Shedding hair three to five months after weight-loss surgery is a relatively common
occurrence that happens from losing weight rapidly, not getting enough protein, and the
general stress your body goes through from surgery. Other less common reasons for post-
surgery hair loss might be a lack of important dietary nutrients such as zinc, ferritin,
biotin, potassium, vitamin B6, or phosphorus.
A deficiency of these nutrients can damage the hair root, thus making follicles
unsalvageable. Lack of protein in your diet, will cause the hair to break off as it grows
through the scalp.
11. Hair Loss
The following are some solutions to address hair fall in bariatric patients:
1. Ensure proper nutrient intake: After bariatric surgery, patients may experience
nutrient deficiencies due to reduced food intake and/or malabsorption. Nutrient
deficiencies can cause hair loss. Therefore, it is important to consume a balanced diet
and take supplements recommended by the doctor. Protein is particularly important for
hair growth, and bariatric patients may require additional protein intake.
2. Manage stress: Stress is a well-known trigger for hair loss. Bariatric surgery can be a
stressful experience, and it is important for patients to learn stress management
techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
3. Use hair care products wisely: Hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners, and
styling products can contain harsh chemicals that can damage the hair. It is important to
choose gentle hair care products and avoid heat styling tools like straighteners and
curling irons.
12. Calcium: bone pain
Iron: fatigue, brittle nails
Zinc: Hair loss, brittle nails
Vitamin A: inability to see in the dark
Vitamin E: poor wound healing
Vitamin K: easy bruising
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): confusion, irritability, weight loss
Vitamin D: numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
Vitamin B12 : fatigue and numbness in feet
Specific signs and symptoms of common
vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Bariatric Surgery: Postoperative Concerns Revised
02/07/2008 | Published: 05/23/2007
13. Diet for late dumping
1. Mixed meals - complex carbs + proteins+ fiber
2. Advise Soluble fiber as it forms a gel, delay gastric emptying & prolong
transit time - Pectin, hemicellulose: citrus, barley, oatmeal, peas, beans.
Seeds- chia seeds
Avoid: Refined Carbohydrates, simple sugars, sweetened soda, drinks/juices,
candies , alcohol
6/8/2023
14. Eating six small meals a day, instead of three larger meals
Waiting to drink liquids until at least 30 minutes after a meal
Eating more protein, fiber
Eating less carbohydrates
Choosing foods that contain complex carbohydrates—such as whole grains,
fruits, and vegetables—rather than foods that contain simple sugars—such
as desserts, biscuits, breads, Maida, sugary drinks
Avoiding milk and milk products
Adding pectin or guar gum—to your food
15. Diet plan
Bfast
Midday
Lunch
Tea
Dinner
Egg or sprouts or cheela
Fruits with nuts/ sprouts
Salad with flaxseeds
Whole dal and veggies
Nuts/ chana chaat
Chaach with chia seeds
Chicken/ dal with veggies
Editor's Notes
Medical management of dumping includes acarbose
Acarbose delays absorption of food and maintains an even blood glucose level.