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Types of Fibers You Should Eat After Bariatric Surgery

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Types of Fibers You Should Eat After Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery aims to ensure the health and fitness of an individual. A balanced diet is vital for this purpose. Where proteins are primarily recommended nutrients after surgery, an adequate amount of fibers and other nutrients are also essential. Deficiency of any one of the nutrients leads to nutritional imbalance. A balanced diet ensures the desired fitness of an individual according to his weight and height for each age group which is calculated as BMI (body mass index). Being either overweight or underweight is a risk factor for many unwanted diseases. Therefore, proper guidance related to dietary requirements is essential for every individual.

What is fiber?

Fibers are non-digestible carbohydrates found in foods. It is categorized on the basis of its solubility in water as Soluble and Insoluble. According to their metabolizing nature by gut bacteria as Fermentable and Non-fermentable, some types may overlap. 

Fibers are not digested foods. They are the source of nutrition for the good bacteria present in our gut. These bacteria are entirely harmless and naturally present in our hearts. They have special enzymes to ferment the fibers and get energy, otherwise serving essential functions in our body like production of short-chain fatty acids like acetate butyrate, propionate, etc., and vitamin K production. 

 

Sources of fibers

The sources of fibers differ according to the types. 

Foods with soluble fiber include oatmeal, nuts, beans, lentils, apples, and blueberries.

While, foods with insoluble fiber include wheat, whole wheat bread, whole grain couscous, brown rice, legumes, carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

Soluble fibers dissolve in water. They help in decreasing blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Insoluble fibers do not get dissolved in water. They help in facilitating the movement of food within the gastrointestinal tract. They help in preventing and relieving constipation.

Why are fibers recommended after surgery?

Fibers are essential nutrients that have the following functions:

  •         Regulate bowel movements 
  •         Protect against certain forms of cancer
  •         Lower cholesterol
  •         Control blood sugars 
  •         Increase fullness to help manage weight

 

After surgery, patients need to adjust to their new lifestyle. They need to acquire new dietary habits. After surgery, the patient is advised to shift from liquid to semi-liquid and a solid diet slowly. Most of the patients are conscious of their new dietary habits. They have difficulty and confusion related to their new diets. Fibers are types of food that provide relief after surgery. They help in the easy movement of food through the gut. They also produce a feeling of fullness. This prevents overeating which may otherwise become a burden on the recently operated surgical site. 

Tips to add fibers to your diet

Following are essential tips to add fibers to your daily diets:

  •         Add fibers gradually over a period of weeks. Adding fibers quickly may lead to bloating. 
  •         Try not to eat all of it at once; spread it out throughout the day
  •         Eat fresh fruits instead of juices. 
  •         Add beans, grains, and lentils. 

 How do fibers help to lose weight after surgery?

 Fibers help in weight loss after surgery in the following way:

  •         Decreasing appetite. 
  •         Decreasing the caloric intake 
  •         Decreasing the water content of the intestine
  •         Slowing the movement of food
  •         Promoting a feeling of fullness.

Conclusion

Fibers are a crucial part of a balanced diet. These are non-digestible carbohydrates that help in the easy movement of food and the relief of constipation. They also help in weight loss after surgery by decreasing the appetite. Both soluble and insoluble fibers are vital to acquire. Nutritionists usually counsel the patient related to proper intake of fiber. This helps in proper weight loss after surgery. 

 Read More: Nutrition after Bariatric Surgery

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