Can I Do This Program if I Had Bariatric Surgery?
Note: While we use clean, whole foods on the Betr program, we are an elimination/reintroduction protocol, we recommend speaking to your primary care physician or your bariatrician before beginning the Betr Health program.
Making Modifications for Different Circumstances
We are able to make modifications for all different circumstances. We make a few tweaks to the food plan, such as eating cooked vegetables instead of raw, and we never go against doctor's orders. Our plan focuses most on eliminating processed foods and eating nutrient dense foods straight from the source.
Helpful Strategies
- Drink at least 64 ounces of fluid a day, to avoid dehydration.
- Sip liquids between meals, not with meals. Wait about 30 minutes after a meal to drink anything and avoid drinking 30 minutes before a meal
- Eat and drink slowly, to avoid dumping syndrome — which occurs when foods and liquids enter your small intestine rapidly and in larger amounts than normal. (Can create nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating and diarrhea)
- Break up your meals into smaller quantities throughout the day.
- Eat lean, protein-rich foods daily and eat first. Ground meats are usually better tolerated.
- Choose foods that are low in fats and sugar (They travel quickly through the digestive system and cause dumping syndrome)
- Avoid alcohol
- Limit caffeine (which can cause dehydration)
- Take vitamin and mineral supplements daily as directed by your health provider.
- Chew foods thoroughly to a pureed consistency before swallowing.
Additional Suggestions for Struggling with Better Food Choices
- Raw vegetables (stick with steamed to soften)
- Fresh fruits with skins (peel to reduce fiber intake)
- Chicken (select ground if tolerated)
- High fiber fruits (peel apples, limit orange/grapefruit segment thicker skins)
- Nuts (grind to fine texture)
- Red meats (select ground if tolerated)
