BARIATRIC DIETS – General Guidelines

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  3. Part Two - Nutritional Wellness
  4. General Guidelines
  5. BARIATRIC DIETS – General Guidelines
  • While drinking liquids sip slowly, do not gulp, do not use a straw. 
    • Use a spoon to help you sip your liquids slower.
    • Use a small cup (i.e. mouth wash cups) to help you sip smaller amounts of liquids.
    • Drinking with a straw will cause you to swallow air which can produce uncomfortable sensations in the chest and upper abdomen.  You may feel a “bubble” like sensation in your chest.
  • Avoid extreme temperatures (extreme hot or cold foods or liquids).
  • “30-Minute Rule” – avoid drinking fluids for 30 minutes before or after eating solids or drinking protein shakes.
  • “30-Second Rule” – chew each bite 30 times or for 30 seconds before swallowing.
  • Always check your tolerance level when taking fluids or solids by mouth.
  • Stop drinking or eating when you feel full.  DO NOT force yourself to complete your meal or beverage.
  • Avoid carbonated beverages.
  • Avoid caffeinated beverages.
  • Limit sugar, sugar substitutes are permitted (Refer to the list of “Sugar and Sugar Substitutes”).
  • Recommend avoiding alcoholic beverages for 6 months.
  • Do not skip meals, have 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
    • Give yourself 30 – 45 minutes for each of your main meals.
    • Avoid returning to your meal after a few hours.
  • Avoid “grazing” or eating constantly throughout the day.
  • Always remember to keep increasing physical activity as tolerated.

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