What You Need To Know About Carbs After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

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Dr. Rosen has helped countless patients struggling with obesity achieve a slimmer and trimmer frame thanks to the advanced bariatric surgery options at Weight Zen. Patients come from all over New York for the Gastric Sleeve surgery procedure. Just like any other bariatric surgery, a patient’s diet is going to change. Today, we’re going to specifically look at which types of carbs you’ll be able to include in your diet after you’ve undergone Gastric Sleeve surgery.

Can You Still Eat Carbs After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Yes!

However, just because you can eat carbs doesn’t mean you should indiscriminately eat carbs with every single meal, or eat any kind of carbs. It’s important that you know what types of carbs you’re ingesting because some are going to better for your health – and weight – than others.

Not All Carbs Are Created Equal

Both simple and complex carbohydrates can cause a number of issues after you’ve had Gastric Sleeve surgery.

  • Complex Carbohydrates: These are your grains and starches. They absorb water as they sit in your stomach, expanding and potentially causing some serious discomfort.
  • Simple Carbohydrates: These are sugars. They will increase your chances of dumping syndrome, which can cause quite a bit of discomfort, too.

Even though these carbohydrates aren’t great for you after Gastric Sleeve surgery, your body still needs them.

Reach For Healthy Carbs

Healthy carbohydrates can be found in fruits and vegetables and should be consumed rather than complex and simple carbohydrates if possible. Fruits and veggies won’t cause as much abdominal discomfort as the complex and simple carbohydrates will. Plus, they contain a ton of fiber and vitamins and minerals that are important to maintaining good overall health and wellness.

Avoid Unhealthy, Processed Carbs

While you’re consuming those healthy carbohydrates that your body needs on a daily basis, it’s a great idea to avoid unhealthy simple – processed -carbohydrates as much as you can. This means staying away from white bread, white pasta, white rice, junk food and candy.

Your Diet Will Mostly Be High In Protein

After you’ve undergone bariatric surgery of any type, your main concern will be consuming a healthy, protein-rich diet. In the early stages post-surgery, the protein will help your body heal faster and with less complications. After you’ve made a full recovery, your high-protein diet will help your body perform protein synthesis, as well as prevent protein breakdown in your body. Basically, a protein-rich diet is going to help your body function the way it should while you lose weight.

Discuss Everything With Your Bariatric Surgeon

While the challenges you’ll face after bariatric surgery are real, they’re also worthwhile. In order to understand the advantages and disadvantages of bariatric surgery and to discuss the above issues in greater detail, it’s imperative that you speak with a trusted bariatric surgeon, such as Dr. Rosen.

Are you interested in weight loss surgery? Do you want to learn more about your bariatric surgery options? Make sure you contact Weight Zen today, and schedule a consultation with us. Dr. Rosen and Nutritionist Megan Wolf will work closely with you to help you find the best path towards a healthier weight and a healthier you. You can use the form below to get in touch:

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Which Pain Medications Are Safe After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

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Dr. Rosen has established himself as a leading bariatric surgeon in New York. One of the biggest reasons patients trust Dr. Rosen is because of his commitment to patient wellness and education. With that in mind, we’re here today to explore the issue of pain and pain relief after your Gastric Sleeve surgery while focusing on which pain medications are safe for those who have undergone bariatric surgery.

Pain & Discomfort Are Common After Bariatric Surgical Procedures

Any kind of bariatric surgery is going to put your body through a lot of changes, and that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Even a low-maintenance, less complex bariatric surgery like the Lap-Band or Gastric Sleeve may result in some form of post-surgical discomfort. You’ll be able to recover at home after early monitoring, and pain relievers can be taken to help with the discomfort and soreness. However, there are some types of medications that you should not take.

Avoid Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Bariatric surgery patients should never take NSAIDs. This includes:

  • Aspirin (Excedrin, Bayer)
  • Naproxen (Aleve)
  • Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin)

This also includes prescription NSAIDs:

  • Vimovo
  • Lodine
  • Relafen
  • Daypro
  • Voltaren
  • Indocin

Why Should You Avoid NSAIDs After Bariatric Surgery?

NSAIDs affect your stomach’s ability to create mucous, which protects your stomach’s lining from gastric fluids. When your stomach lining is exposed to these gastric fluids, your chances of ulcers, stomach bleeding, and even stomach perforations increase. These things can cause major medical complications after bariatric surgery.

Approved Pain Relief: Opioids

Opioid drugs such as hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (Percocet, OxyContin), codeine, and morphine (Avinza, Kadian) can be taken after bariatric surgery. However, these medications should be prescribed and taken with caution.  Here at Weight Zen, we take great care when prescribing these types of pain relievers.

Approved Pain Relief: Acetaminophen

Pain relievers that are acetaminophen-based, such as Tylenol, are approved for patients who have recently undergone bariatric surgery. It isn’t uncommon for opioids and acetaminophen drugs to be prescribed together to help with pain and discomfort.

How Long Will The Pain Last?

The pain and discomfort you experience after bariatric surgery can last as long as a few weeks; although, you will notice a significant decrease in pain after the first couple weeks. It’s important that you get a lot of rest and avoid any type of strenuous physical activity.

Follow All Recommendations From Your Bariatric Surgeon

It’s important that, as you recover, you follow all recommendations from your doctor pertaining to diet and activity level. This will help you with the healing process and allow you to make the transition into your new life and body. Follow every instruction to the letter, and never hesitate to call your bariatric surgeon should you have questions.

For more information on bariatric surgeries, such as the Gastric Sleeve surgery, and how they can help transform your life, contact Weight Zen today using the below form, and ask to schedule a consultation with us. We look forward to working with you and discussing your treatment options.

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Can The Gastric Sleeve Help Your Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

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When you visit Dr. Rosen at Weight Zen, you can count on getting premium, safe and caring care. We offer a variety of bariatric surgery procedures, including the Gastric Sleeve surgery, in New York. Our bariatric procedures are aimed at providing a way for individuals to beat obesity and become healthier. While bariatric surgery is a great treatment for obesity, many people don’t know that it’s also really helpful in combatting other health issues, specifically diabetes, high blood pressure and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

What Is PCOS?

PCOS is a condition that affects women of reproductive age when their hormones are imbalanced. In most cases, women experience small cysts on their ovaries. Approximately 10 percent of women experience PCOS. Not only can PCOS affect fertility, wellness, and overall appearance if left untreated, but it can also result in diabetes and other co-morbidities. Obesity is a potential risk factor for PCOS.

Signs Of PCOS

Common signs include:

  • Irregular or infrequent periods
  • High levels of androgen (male hormone)
  • Enlarged ovaries

The hormone imbalances associated with PCOS can result in the following:

  • Severe acne
  • Thinning hair on the scalp
  • Excess body hair
  • Excess facial hair

How Can Gastric Sleeve Surgery Address PCOS?

Gastric Sleeve surgery and other types of bariatric surgeries can help address problems with weight that might have been caused or be simply related to PCOS. Moreover, by reducing your weight and moving towards a healthier body mass index (BMI), you may experience fewer symptoms related to PCOS. This can include a significant drop in weight and reduced blood pressure and risk of heart disease.

Basically, Gastric Sleeve and other bariatric surgeries for weight loss help by promoting total wellness. In turn, this addresses many symptoms that may be associated with a myriad of health problems and systemic conditions.

Will My PCOS Affect The Gastric Sleeve Surgery Results?

It’s not likely that your PCOS will affect your Gastric Sleeve surgical recovery. During the consultation process with Dr. Rosen and Nutritionist Megan Wolf at Weight Zen, we will look at all risks, including but not limited to any heightened possibility of serious side effects or complications resulting from various wellness issues.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery & Other Bariatric Surgeries Promote Total Wellness

Are you experiencing any type of systemic condition that may be due to obesity or related to obesity? If so, the Gastric Sleeve surgery may be the answer you’ve been searching for. Patients who undergo Gastric Sleeve surgery at Weight Zen in New York routinely report seeing excellent results and feeling better overall in the years following the surgery.

Learn More About Bariatric Surgery & If It’s Right For You

If you’re interested in improving your health and overall quality of life and want to know more about how Gastric Sleeve or another type of bariatric surgery can help you lose weight, make sure to contact Weight Zen. Dr. Rosen, Nutritionist Megan Wolf and the entire team at Weight Zen are looking forward to connecting with you and discussing all of your options with you. It’s time to take control of your life. Start today.

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Gastric Sleeve Protein Shakes

“How do I get protein after gastric sleeve?” is a question clients ask constantly. And rightfully so – it is so important.  Protein shakes are great for post-op gastric sleeve patients.  Since protein intake is important, protein shakes make it quick and easy to be sure you are filling up on good-for-you protein.  If you’re short on time, we have scoured the market in search of the best ready made or one step (add liquid) gastric sleeve protein shakes .

Here’s a list of our top 5 Fast and Go Protein Shakes! 

  1. Premier Protein

    • Nutritionals: 160 calories, 30g protein, 1g sugar
    • What we like:
      • Ready made.
      • Low sugar content – important!
      • Three distinct flavors.
      • A patient favorite!
  2. UNJURY Protein Powder

    • Nutritionals: 100 calories, 21g protein, 3g sugar (chocolate)
    • What we like:
      • Easy to make – just add water or unsweetened almond milk (our favorite!).
      • Six distinct flavors, including unflavored which is great to add to other foods.
      • Kosher
      • Savory flavor available.
  3. GNC Pro Performance Lean Muscle Meal

    • Nutritionals: 190 calories, 30g protein, 1g sugar (chocolate)
    • What we like:
      • Ready made.
      • Widely available.
      • Low sugar content – important!
  4. Bariatric Advantage Ready To Shake

    • Nutritionals: 150 calories, 27g protein, <1g sugar (chocolate)
    • What we like:
      • Ready made.
      • 7 flavors to choose from.
      • Tailored to bariatric patients.
      • Low sugar content – important!
  5. About Time Protein Powder

    • Nutritionals: 100 calories, 24g protein, 0g sugar (chocolate)
    • What we like:
      • Easy to make – just add water or unsweetened almond milk (our favorite!).
      • MANY flavors (over 12!) to choose from.
      • Tailored to your lifestyle: vegan or whey protein options available.
      • Available in bulk.
      • Sweetened with Stevia.
      • Unflavored available.
      • Low sugar content – important!

We love hearing from you! Please share your favorites in the comment section below.

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