Nutritional Counseling

Nutrition is one of the most important factors before, during and after bariatric surgery. You will need to adjust to a lifestyle change that incorporates healthy meal plans. To aid you in this significant transition, the SC Obesity Surgery Center has a specific nutritional program to meet the needs of our patients.

Throughout your weight loss journey, meal planning is essential in order for you to maximize your success. Therefore, you will meet with one of our dedicated bariatric dietitians at your first visit, prior to surgery, and post-operatively to discuss your needs on an individual basis.

Our program provides guidelines that vary based upon the stage of your journey: pre-operative, immediate post-operative, long term health maintenance, and after adjustable band fills (for lap-band patients).

You will change not only what you eat, but also how you eat. We will provide guidelines to help you develop appropriate eating behavior. It is important to follow these guidelines so that you will minimize unnecessary discomfort, or urgent visits to our office.

Vitamin, Supplements and Nutritional Products

All patients who have bariatric surgery should take supplements after surgery. If you have questions about your vitamins/minerals, please contact a dietitian in our office.

Gastric Bypass Surgery:

-          Chewable Complete Multivitamin/Mineral Supplement (2 per day)

-          Iron 18 mg/day (if not included in multivitamin)

-          B-Complex Vitamin

-          Women should also take 1200 mg Calcium Citrate and 800 IU Vitamin D3

Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery:

-          Chewable Complete Multivitamin/Mineral Supplement

-          Iron 18 mg/day (if not included in multivitamin)

-          B-Complex Vitamin

-          Women should also take 1200 mg Calcium Citrate and 800 IU Vitamin D3

Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery:

-          Chewable Complete Multivitamin/Mineral Supplement (2 per day)

-          Women: Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D3: 1200 mg Calcium and 800 IU Vitamin D3

There are many different options for chewable multivitamin supplements. Several brands are developed specifically for people who have had bariatric surgery. Below are links to several of these websites.

http://www.bariatricadvantage.com/catalog

http://www.celebratevitamins.com/

http://www.bariatricfusion.com/

http://www.opurity.com/store/multivitamin/

Protein Supplementation

Protein supplement shakes are important for use before surgery (during the pre-op diet phase), and after surgery as well. We recommend that the shakes be made with water, provide less than 150 calories per serving and provide between 15 and 25 grams of protein per serving. Some recommended brands are:

Supplements available at Wal-mart, Target, Grocery Stores:

• Super Advanced Whey Protein
  
• EAS Advantage – Carb Control
  
• Muscle Milk Light – (liquid shake)
  
• Pure Protein Shake

Supplements available at Speciality Nutrition Stores:

• Oh Yeah (small) (liquid shake)
  
• Nectar
  
• Isopure

Supplements available online:

• Bariatric Advantage http://www.bariatricadvantage.com/catalog
  
• Celebrate Vitamins http://www.celebratevitamins.com/
  
• Chike Protein Supplements http://www.chikenutrition.com/
  
• Unjury Protein Supplements http://www.unjury.com/store/protein/