It can be a real struggle to figure out what to eat after Bariatric Surgery, don’t you think?
You’re hungry one day and full the next – and you may not tolerate all foods well anymore.
Well…we’re here to help!
With these 3 simple Bariatric Snacks you’ll be sure to boost both your protein AND your fiber goals today!
Building a Bariatric Snack – the importance of protein and fiber
Bariatric snacks are healthy, nutritious and meant to be delicious. Depending on how far out of you’re surgery you are and whether you’re able to tolerate most foods well – bariatric snacks are an invaluable addition to your overall diet.
Snacks help you to:
- Keep you satisfied in between meals
- Get more protein in (every meal is an opportunity to meet your protein goals better)
- Keep you well nourished overall
The key secret to building a healthy bariatric snack can be found in 2 nutritional compounds: protein and fiber.
Both protein and fiber keep you full for longer. Also, protein is king macronutrient when it comes down to eating after bariatric surgery. You need protein for sufficient muscle mass, healing and overall health.
Fiber after bariatric surgery, can help you minimize issues like constipation and diarrhoea. Also, fiber is a great way of keeping your pouch full as you get through your day.
The bariatric snack ideas you’ll find in this article are based both on 1 protein source and 2 fiber sources.
Now…we’re not saying that other snacks that aren’t based on this principles are ‘bad snacks’. But it’s important to keep in mind which foods serve your higher goals – and which ones aren’t.
And remember – it’s what you do MOST of the time that counts!
#1 Snackbox 1: Grapes, Cottage Cheese & Red Bell Pepper
Who said that you can’t eat fruit after weight loss surgery? That’s a myth for sure.
Fruit is an excellent source of dietary fiber and lots of other nutrients too.
In this bariatric snackbox we added grapes, cottage cheese and red bell pepper.
Grapes and bell pepper are an excellent source of dietary fiber. And cottage cheese can provide you with the protein your muscles need after bariatric surgery.
Tip: substitute the bell pepper for carrot sticks for a different variety!
#2 Snackbox 2: Apple, Chicken Breast & Radish
Apples, chicken and radish. That’s what this bariatric snack consists of. It’s simple, it’s healthy and it’s tasty too!
Did you know that radish is a great source of potassium? Along with anticyanides and 2g of dietary fiber per cup – radish is known to be a root vegetable with many health benefits.
It’s definitely not everyone’s favorite – but don’t hesitate to give the good old radish a try once you’re cleared by your surgeon.
Chicken deli meat is processed meat. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t eat it after bariatric surgery. It’s convenient, low in fat and high in protein.
Tip: sprinkle some cinnamon powder on the apple to add more flavor to your snack!
#3 Snackbox 3: Blueberries, Gouda Cheese & Cucumber
Last but not least – one of our favorite combinations – blueberries, cheese and cucumber. This delicious and refreshing summertime snack can be eaten in all seasons of the year.
Blueberries are relatively low in sugar (1 cup = 15 grams) and low in calories too.
Cheese is one of our favorite post-op foods – with its high protein count and the presence of amino acid leucine. Studies show that specifically leucine can help sustain lean mass after weight loss surgery.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that most cheese is high in fat, thus high in calories too.
After bariatric surgery, it can be hard to meet your hydration goals. One strategy to get more fluids in, is to ‘eat your fluids’ by consuming foods that are high in water. Cucumber is one of those hydrating foods that we find very useful after weight loss surgery.
Not to mention, that they have a great ‘crunch’ as well!
Tip: peel the skin of the cucumber (and all fruits and vegetables) if you don’t tolerate it well.
Be sure to check out our other blogpost on how to fit 16g of protein in 1 bariatric snack!
About Your Onederland
We’re so glad you made it to the end of this post!
If you’re looking for reliable bariatric resources and want your questions about your journey answered – then you’ve found the right place.
Your Onederland is your go-to resource for all things bariatric surgery. We give you a free platform where connections are made, every single day.
And you’ll find TONS of tips, tricks and reliable resources for your bariatric journey too.
But there’s more!
You see, our ultimate goal is to help you find, and most of all keep, your focus while you’re navigating your post-op life.
Bariatric surgery isn’t the easy way out. And creating new habits doesn’t happen overnight.
But it doesn’t have to be complicated!
*Disclaimer: The information on our Instagram page, website, blogposts, e-mails and other (social) media platforms and channels as well as the community challenges we provide have been prepared solely for general educational purposes and should not be construed or relied on, nor is intended to be used or substituted for medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. It should not be used to replace that of your surgeon, your dietitian, your therapist or other qualified medical professional or healthcare provider. Each individual and situation is fact-specific and the appropriate solution in any case may vary; therefore, these materials may not be relevant to your particular situation. While every attempt was made to ensure that these materials were accurate at the time of publication, errors or omissions may be contained therein, for which any liability is disclaimed. Should you have any health care related questions please contact your qualified health care provider as soon as possible. Never disregard medical advice or delay seeking advice because of information you have read or listened to on our websites and social media accounts. Communication on any of our platforms including comments, emails, the community challenges and direct messages does not constitute a therapeutic relationship.