One of my top priorities for patients who are post op from bariatric surgery is making sure they get enough protein and water. Why is this? Along with counting calories, protein and water are some of the most powerful tools for healing after surgery. Protein and water both aid in the recovery from surgery and help patients continue to lose weight to reach their weight loss goals.
Getting plenty of protein is an essential part of the bariatric surgery recovery process. Protein enables the healing of wounds while helping the body build and repair skin, muscles and organs. It also helps skin and hair stay healthy during the recovery process. After significant weight loss, bodies struggle to produce hormones, enzymes and antibodies, and protein helps that process along. This makes it a powerful tool for healing the whole body after surgery.
Eating enough protein helps the body burn fat instead of muscle, which is critical after weight loss surgery. It also helps build muscle, and the increased muscle mass leads to increased calorie burn over time. Additionally, protein creates a feeling of fullness and prevents snacking between meals, which helps with overall caloric intake. In all of these ways, protein guides your metabolism, helping you lose weight and feel better.
Staying hydrated helps your body function properly. After surgery, it’s especially important because it helps your body heal and increases your energy levels. This is essential when you’re on a weight loss journey of any kind. However, with the difficulty of drinking enough water after surgery, you’ll find that your medical team places a major emphasis on getting the water you need.
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of hospitalization after bariatric surgery. This is partly because drinking enough water can be difficult when your stomach dramatically reduces in size. Drinking water with meals can make you fill up too quickly, and drinking too much too fast can lead to nausea and vomiting. However, when you’re recovering from surgery, drinking water is crucial.
After bariatric surgery, you need to drink water strategically and often. Make sure to drink water every morning when you wake up. Measure your water intake throughout the day, making sure you get at least 8 cups, or 64 ounces, each day. This can be done by setting timers, using water bottles with measurement markers, or using water tracking apps like Water Drink Reminder and Aqualert. Carrying a water bottle with you at all times can also help you make sure you drink enough water during the day.
When you’ve had bariatric surgery, water and protein intake become more important than ever. You need to take care of yourself during this time to make sure you heal and continue reaching your goals. Keep practicing these healthy habits, and you’ll continue seeing great results!
