Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, refers to a variety of procedures performed on people who are obese. The goal is to help them lose weight and improve obesity-related conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, joint pain, and more. There are a few different types of bariatric surgery – gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric band, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.
After bariatric surgery, the digestive system is altered in some way that limits how much can be eaten as well as the absorption of nutrients. As a result, people need to follow a diet that is low in calories, carbs, fat, and sugar. This helps promote weight loss after surgery. Bread can be included in the diet after surgery but there are some things to consider when choosing bread products.
Guidelines for Bread After Bariatric Surgery
Here are some general guidelines for including bread in your diet after bariatric surgery:
- Opt for whole grain breads – These provide more nutrients and fiber.
- Avoid breads made with processed or refined flours – Like white bread, bagels, croissants. These tend to be higher in carbs and lower in nutrients.
- Look for bread with at least 2-3g fiber per slice – The fiber helps you feel fuller longer.
- Limit bread to 1-2 slices per day – Stick with a 1-2 oz serving size.
- Avoid breads with added sugars – Look for no sugar added.
- Be mindful of density – Breads that are airy and fluffy may be easier to tolerate.
- Introduce bread slowly – Reintroduce bread about 3-4 weeks after surgery when your stomach has healed.
Paying attention to things like the ingredients, fiber content, and portion size is key to choosing the healthiest bread options after bariatric surgery. Let’s take a more in-depth look at some specific kinds of bread and their suitability after surgery.
Whole Grain Breads
Whole grain breads are excellent choices after bariatric surgery. Whole grains provide important nutrients like B vitamins, iron, magnesium, selenium, and dietary fiber. Look for the words “100% whole grain” or “100% whole wheat” on the food label. The fiber will also help you feel satiated after eating. Here are some specific whole grain bread options:
- Ezekiel Bread – This nutrient-dense bread is made from whole grains and legumes like wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt. Just one slice provides 4g of fiber and 4g of protein.
- Whole Grain Sourdough – The fermentation process in sourdough bread makes it easier to digest and lowers the glycemic index.
- Sprouted Whole Grain Bread – This bread is made from whole grains that have been sprouted, which increases nutrient absorption. Brands like Food for Life offer sprouted breads.
- 100% Whole Wheat Bread – Basic whole wheat bread provides dietary fiber and nutrients without a lot of additives or sweeteners.
When shopping for whole grain bread, still be sure to check the label for fiber content, ingredients, and portion size. Two slices of whole grain bread per day would be a great addition to your post-bariatric surgery diet.
Low Carb or Keto Breads
Following a very low carb or ketogenic diet can also be an effective way to lose weight after bariatric surgery. There are many low carb and keto-friendly bread options available today. These breads are typically made with a base of almond flour, coconut flour, flax meal, and/or whey protein instead of regular flour. Some specific low carb breads include:
- ThinSlim Foods Bread – They offer keto bread with just 1g net carb per slice.
- Love Bread – This keto bread is also just 1g net carb and provides 12g protein.
- Julian Bread – Their keto bread is sweetened with stevia and contains 1g net carb and 10g protein.
- Aldi L’Oven Fresh Keto Bread – This budget-friendly bread has 1g net carb per slice.
- Sola Keto Bread – Their wheat and low carb variety has 2g net carbs and tastes close to regular bread.
You’ll probably need to order these breads online or find them in the freezer section of stores that carry specialty foods. The low carb content helps keep blood sugar stable while still offering the convenience of bread.
Pros of Low Carb Bread
- Very low in carbohydrates and calories
- Helps maintain blood sugar and ketosis
- High protein content
- Usually have higher fiber than regular bread
Cons of Low Carb Bread
- May be more expensive than regular bread
- Different taste and texture than regular bread
- May contain additives and preservatives
If you are able to tolerate the different taste and texture, one slice of low carb keto bread per day can fit well into a post-surgery diet. Just monitor your individual response.
High Protein Bread
Getting adequate protein is vital after bariatric surgery. Higher protein breads can help you meet your daily protein goals. Here are some high protein bread options:
- Dave’s Killer Bread – Their Powerseed and Sprouted Grains varieties have 6-7g protein per slice.
- Mestemacher Bread – Choose their 8g high protein bread.
- Kiolbassa Protein Bread – This bread packs 15g protein per 80g slice.
- Trader Joe’s Protein Bread – 5g protein per slice.
High protein bread can offer steady nutrition to help with wound healing, preserving muscle mass, and keeping you feeling fuller between meals after surgery.
Pros of High Protein Bread
- Higher in satiating protein
- Can help meet daily protein goals
- Good for preserving or building muscle mass
Cons of High Protein Bread
- May be more expensive
- Potential for digestive issues if overeaten
- Higher carb content than low carb breads
One or two slices of high protein bread per day can be beneficial after bariatric surgery. Just be mindful of portion sizes.
Other Bread Considerations
In addition to the bread characteristics discussed already, here are some other things to keep in mind when choosing breads after bariatric surgery:
- Added Fiber – Look for breads with added dietary fiber for digestive health, like Nature’s Own Double Fiber Wheat Bread.
- Sprouted Grains – Breads made with sprouted grains like Ezekiel bread may be easier to tolerate.
- Light or Diet Bread – Brands like Sara Lee Delightful or Franz Light have 45-60 calories a slice.
- Portion Size – Stick to 1-2 slices per day in a 1-2 oz serving size.
- Avoid Dough Conditioners – These food additives may be hard to digest.
- Introduce Slowly – Wait at least 3-4 weeks after surgery before reintroducing bread.
Paying attention to serving size, ingredients, and nutrients will help you choose the healthiest and best tolerated breads after bariatric surgery.
Sample Menu with Breads
Here is a sample one day menu showing how bread could fit into your diet after bariatric surgery:
| Meal | Foods |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | 1 slice sprouted whole grain bread with 1 tbsp natural peanut butter and 1⁄4 cup sugar-free Greek yogurt |
| Lunch | 1 oz grilled chicken, 1⁄2 cup roasted vegetables, side salad with 2 tbsp light dressing |
| Dinner | 3 oz baked white fish, 1⁄2 cup steamed broccoli, side salad with 2 tbsp light dressing |
| Snack | 1 stick part-skim mozzarella string cheese |
This provides one serving of sprouted whole grain bread at breakfast to start the day. The other meals focus on lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. One slice of tasty nutrient-dense bread can fit into a balanced post-surgery diet.
Bread Products to Avoid After Bariatric Surgery
While bread can be included in moderation, there are some bread products that are better to avoid or limit after bariatric surgery due to their higher carbs, calorie density, and fat content. Bread products to be cautious with include:
- Croissants
- Sweet breads like banana bread or zucchini bread
- Biscuits
- Scones
- Muffins
- Sweet rolls or doughnuts
- Bagels
- Artisan breads with cheese or oil
- Glazed doughnuts
- Hawaiian rolls
- Buttertop white bread
These bread items tend to be very refined and enriched with sugars, fats, and oils. It’s best to avoid them – especially in the first several months after bariatric surgery when your stomach is healing and your tolerance is limited.
Tips for Introducing Bread After Surgery
Here are some tips for slowly reintroducing bread back into your diet after bariatric surgery:
- Wait at least 3-4 weeks after surgery before trying bread. Your stomach needs time to heal.
- Start with a very thin slice of whole grain bread or light diet bread.
- Take small bites and chew the bread thoroughly before swallowing.
- Have bread at the beginning of a meal when you are less likely to overeat it.
- If tolerated, gradually increase portion to 1-2 slices of bread per day.
- Drink fluids after eating bread to help it pass through the digestive tract.
- Avoid eating bread and meat together since this can be hard to digest.
- Stop eating if you feel discomfort or nausea after eating bread.
- Avoid soft, doughy breads at first. Go for firmer sliced breads or thin bagels.
- Watch out for constipation. Increase fluids and fiber if this occurs.
Reintroducing bread slowly and cautiously after surgery will allow you to assess your individual tolerance and find the healthiest options for your new digestive system.
Conclusion
Bread can be part of a balanced diet after bariatric surgery when chosen mindfully and eaten in appropriate portions. Focus on nutritious whole grain and high protein bread options, and limit refined bread products. Introduce bread slowly back into your diet about 3-4 weeks after surgery. One or two slices of hearty whole grain bread per day can provide satiety and nutrients without hindering your weight loss. With the right choices and portions, bread can still be enjoyed as part of your post-bariatric surgery lifestyle.
