Can bariatric patients have smoothies?

Quick Answer

Bariatric patients can have smoothies in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Smoothies can provide important nutrients but should be low in sugar. Patients should focus on getting adequate protein from foods like Greek yogurt and protein powder. Small amounts of fruits and vegetables can be added to smoothies as well. Patients should avoid large smoothies and limit intake to 4-8 oz per serving.

What is a Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, refers to a variety of procedures performed on the stomach and intestines to help people with severe obesity lose weight. The most common types of bariatric surgery include:

  • Gastric bypass – Divides the stomach into a small upper pouch and a larger lower remnant pouch which are reconnected to the small intestine, bypassing the duodenum and jejunum.
  • Sleeve gastrectomy – Removes approximately 80% of the stomach, leaving a narrow tube-like stomach called the gastric sleeve.
  • Adjustable gastric band – Places an inflatable band around the upper portion of the stomach to create a small pouch and narrow opening into the rest of the stomach.
  • Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch – Removes most of the stomach and reroutes food to bypass a large portion of the small intestine.

Bariatric procedures work by limiting the amount of food that can be consumed and/or reducing absorption of nutrients. This helps promote weight loss. However, these surgeries require lifelong diet and lifestyle changes.

Why Choose Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is an option for individuals with severe obesity who have been unable to lose weight through diet, exercise, and medication alone. Reasons someone may consider bariatric surgery include:

  • Having a body mass index (BMI) over 40 (class III obesity)
  • Having a BMI between 35-39.9 (class II obesity) with other obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea
  • Inability to achieve or maintain weight loss through other methods
  • Seeking to improve obesity-related health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and mobility limitations

Studies show bariatric surgery can help achieve significant, sustained weight loss in severely obese individuals when coupled with lifestyle modifications. It may also improve or resolve conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Dietary Changes After Bariatric Surgery

Making dietary changes is crucial for bariatric patients both before and after surgery. Doctors provide nutritional guidelines to help patients adjust to their postoperative digestive system for optimal weight loss and health. General recommendations include:

  • Eating small, frequent meals and chewing food thoroughly
  • Consuming 60-80 grams of protein daily while limiting sugars and fats
  • Avoiding high calorie liquids including juices, carbonated beverages, alcohol, and concentrated sweets
  • Drinking 64 oz of fluids per day to prevent dehydration
  • Taking prescribed vitamins and minerals to prevent nutritional deficiencies
  • Avoiding snacking and eating between meals

Following the dietary guidelines both before and after surgery is shown to improve surgical outcomes. Patients should work closely with their bariatric team including surgeons, nurses, and dietitians when making nutrition adjustments.

Can Bariatric Patients Have Smoothies?

Smoothies can be part of a balanced bariatric diet when consumed in moderation. Here are some guidelines for bariatric patients considering adding smoothies:

  • Focus on protein – Use high protein ingredients like Greek yogurt and protein powder as the smoothie base.
  • Watch added sugars – Limit honey, agave, fruit juices and other sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are generally fine.
  • Include fruits and veggies – Add a serving of leafy greens and/or 1/2 to 1 cup of fruits like berries or peaches.
  • Avoid large sizes – Keep smoothies to 4-8 oz, not 16 oz or more. Best to use small smoothie blenders.
  • Mind the timing – Have smoothies as meal replacements, not in addition to meals or as snacks.

When prepared appropriately, a 6-8 oz protein-based smoothie containing fruits, veggies, yogurt, and protein powder can be a nutritious meal replacement. But patients should be cautious of adding calorie-dense ingredients like juices, ice cream, and large amounts of fruit. Additionally, smoothies do not provide the valuable chewing experience so patients should balance with meals requiring chewing each day.

Recommended Smoothie Recipes for Bariatric Patients

Here are some sample smoothie recipes appropriate for a post-bariatric surgery diet:

Greek Yogurt Protein Smoothie

  • 1/2 cup 0% fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 scoop (25g) vanilla protein powder
  • 1/2 cup spinach
  • 1/4 cup frozen blueberries
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • Ice as desired

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Provides over 20 grams protein.

Tropical Protein Smoothie

  • 1/2 cup canned light coconut milk
  • 1 scoop (25g) vanilla protein powder
  • 1/4 cup frozen diced pineapple
  • 1/4 cup frozen mango chunks
  • 1/4 medium banana
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 cup baby spinach

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Provides over 20 grams protein.

Green Protein Smoothie

  • 1/2 cup canned light coconut milk
  • 1 scoop (25g) unflavored protein powder
  • 1 cup kale
  • 1/4 medium apple, cored and chopped
  • 1/4 ripe avocado
  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
  • Ice as desired

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Provides over 20 grams protein.

Smoothie Guidelines for Other Bariatric Procedures

While smoothies are generally acceptable for most bariatric patients in small amounts, there can be some differences depending on the type of bariatric surgery performed:

Gastric Bypass: Smoothies may help meet protein and nutrient needs, but should not replace chewing. Avoid using fruits and vegetables not tolerated. Introduce smoothies slowly post-surgery.

Gastric Sleeve: Patients may tolerate smoothies better than puréed foods. Focus on thin, protein-packed smoothies. Avoid thick smoothies that can cause regurgitation. Introduce slowly.

Gastric Band: Smoothies with soft fruits and vegetables can provide hydration if patients have difficulty tolerating solid foods. Use thin smoothies. Avoid carbonation.

Duodenal Switch: Higher protein needs make smoothies helpful. However, higher risk of dumping syndrome limits use of concentrated sweets in smoothies. Introduce slowly.

Regardless of surgery type, work closely with your bariatric team when first introducing smoothies into your diet. Stop drinking smoothies if bothersome symptoms develop.

Are There Any Risks With Smoothies After Bariatric Surgery?

While smoothies can be included as part of a healthy bariatric diet, there are some potential risks to keep in mind:

  • Dehydration – Thick, frozen smoothies digest more slowly. This can contribute to dehydration which is already a concern after surgery.
  • Poor nutrition – Smoothies with lots of fruit juice and added sweeteners may provide excess sugar and calories with little protein.
  • Gas and bloating – Some ingredients like cruciferous veggies may increase gas. Yogurt helps reduce risk.
  • Dumping syndrome – Consuming cold, sweet liquids may trigger symptoms like nausea, bloating, cramping or diarrhea in gastric bypass patients.
  • Reduced chewing – Over-reliance on smoothies can reduce chewing and salivation needed for proper digestion.

Being mindful of portion size, ingredients, and timing can help minimize risks when incorporating smoothies into a bariatric diet. Additionally, working closely with your bariatric dietitian can ensure smoothies are consumed safely.

Tips for Consuming Smoothies After Bariatric Surgery

Here are some tips bariatric patients can follow when adding smoothies to their diet:

  • Introduce slowly and look for signs of intolerance like nausea or diarrhea.
  • Avoid large smoothies – stick to 4-8 ounces per serving.
  • Alternate with solid meals requiring thorough chewing.
  • Choose unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or protein supplements for the liquid base.
  • Include protein powders or Greek yogurt for protein content.
  • Add soft fruits and vegetables that are tolerated well.
  • Avoid raw veggies which can be harder to digest.
  • Blend completely smooth to prevent stomach irritation.
  • Use a narrow straw to prevent over-consumption.
  • Stop drinking if feeling full to prevent stretching the stomach pouch.

Starting with simple, diluted smoothies and gradually increasing thickness and variety can help bariatric patients determine which ingredients are best tolerated. Additionally, limiting smoothies to one meal replacement per day allows the remainder of meals to provide chewing and salivation benefits.

Should Bariatric Patients Have Smoothies?

In general, having one small protein-based smoothie per day can be included as part of healthy eating plan for many post-bariatric surgery patients. The key is focusing on protein content and limiting sugars by avoiding fruit juices, ice cream, and added sweeteners. Smoothies should not fully replace chewing solid foods. Patients who experience symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, pain, or dehydration with smoothies should avoid them. By working closely with your bariatric care team and making mindful smoothie choices, many patients can enjoy smoothies safely after surgery.

Nutritionist Tips for Bariatric Smoothies

Here are some tips from bariatric dietitians and nutritionists for making smoothies work in a post-surgery diet:

  • Use skim or low fat dairy products like milk, Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese for protein.
  • Look for unsweetened plant-based milks like almond, coconut, soy, or flax milk.
  • Include 20-30 grams protein powder per serving.
  • Alternate liquid bases like dairy, plant-based milks, and protein powders.
  • Add chia seeds, wheat germ, nuts, or nut butters for healthy fats.
  • Use a small amount of nuts/nut butters as they are high calorie.
  • Blend in soft fruits like bananas, berries, peaches, or melon.
  • Stick to 1/4 to 1/2 cup fruit per smoothie.
  • Include dark leafy greens for nutrients like spinach, kale, or chard.

Avoid ingredients like fruit juice, ice cream, honey, and large amounts of frozen fruit or nut butters which can add unwanted sugars and calories.

Sample 1 Week Menu of Post-Bariatric Smoothies

Here is a sample 1 week menu of smoothie ideas for after bariatric surgery. Smoothies should be limited to 4-8 oz:

Monday

1 scoop chocolate protein powder, 1/2 banana, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 tsp peanut butter, and ice.

Tuesday

1/2 cup 0% Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup berries, 1/2 cup spinach, 1 scoop unflavored protein powder, 1 cup coconut water.

Wednesday

1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1/2 cup pineapple chunks, 1/4 cup spinach, 1 tsp chia seeds.

Thursday

1/2 cup silken tofu, 1/2 cup spinach, 1/4 avocado, 1/4 cup mango chunks, 1 cup unsweetened soy milk.

Friday

1 scoop chocolate protein powder, 1/2 cup 0% milk, 2 tablespoons cacao powder, 1 tablespoon almond butter, 1 cup kale.

Saturday

1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 1/2 cup 0% Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup carrots, 1/4 cup strawberries, 1 teaspoon cinnamon.

Sunday

1 scoop unflavored protein powder, 1 tablespoon almond butter, 1/2 banana, 1 cup flax milk, 2 cups spinach.

Common Questions About Smoothies After Bariatric Surgery

How long after bariatric surgery can I have smoothies?

Most surgeons recommend introducing smoothies slowly 2-4 weeks after surgery as tolerated. Always follow your surgeon’s specific guidelines.

Can I have a smoothie every day after bariatric surgery?

Limit smoothies to once per day to ensure adequate chewing. Having a smoothie every day may not provide enough chewing to stimulate digestion.

When should I drink protein shakes after bariatric surgery?

Protein shakes are ideal 30 minutes to 1 hour after surgery. Spread protein intake evenly throughout the day. Have shakes between meals, not with meals.

How do you make smoothies easier to digest after bariatric surgery?

Choose ripe fruits and cooked vegetables and blend completely smooth. Include probiotics like yogurt or kefir. Avoid raw veggies, skins, seeds, nuts, and pulp which can be hard to digest.

Can I put protein powder in a smoothie after bariatric surgery?

Yes, adding 20-30 grams of protein powder to smoothies is recommended after bariatric surgery to help meet higher protein needs. Whey, soy, pea, and other protein powders work well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having one small protein-based smoothie daily can be included as part of a healthy diet for many bariatric patients when following proper nutritional guidelines. Smoothies allow incorporating protein, dairy, fruits and vegetables into a blended, digestible form. However, they should not replace adequate chewing from regular solid meals. Patients who experience difficulty digesting or tolerating smoothies after surgery may need to avoid them. Working closely with your bariatric care team ensures smoothies are consumed safely and aid your weight loss success after surgery.

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