Getting Ready for Summer for Bariatric Patients
On this week’s episode of Bariatric Friday, Kemal Erkan and Dr. Isaias Irgau sit down to talk about how bariatric patients can enjoy the summer while sticking to their goals. With summer comes warmer weather, vacations, outdoor barbecues, weddings, and more. While many people may be able to attend these events without a second thought, bariatric patients may need to put extra thought into planning. This may look like bringing your own protein-forward snacks, bringing an accountability partner for portion control, or scheduling your workouts for early morning or evening to avoid sweltering weather. With the right preparation in place, it is still very possible to enjoy your summer as a bariatric patient!
While summer is not inherently dangerous, it can pose a challenging season for post-op patients. Due to the nature of the altered GI anatomy, bariatric patients cannot take big gulps of water. Thus, dehydration poses a significantly greater concern for this particular population. Water should be accessible at all times, and it should also be consumed in small sips, rather than in large amounts. Some signs of dehydration to look out for are dark/tea-colored urine, dizziness, feeling faint, and a higher heart rate. Generally, patients are asked to intake around 64 ounces of water a day. During especially hot days, this amount may be even higher. Dr. Irgau recommends continuing to take sips throughout the day, keeping yourself ahead before you even feel thirsty.
What you drink also matters. Typical summer beverages tend to contain sugar, caffeine, or alcohol. Not only do these types of drinks run a high risk of triggering dumping syndrome; but they are also very calorie dense. Additionally, alcohol is especially dangerous due to the way the body processes the substance post-operation. After surgery, the body metabolizes and absorbs alcohol significantly faster, which dramatically increases one’s intoxication levels and risk of alcohol poisoning. Dr. Irgau recommends abstaining from alcohol after the procedure.
With summer also comes many outdoor barbecues, parties, and events full of calorie-dense foods. There can be many temptations present. Dr. Irgau advises always going back to the basics—prioritizing lean protein and adding vegetables. Foods to avoid or minimize include carb-heavy items, such as corn, chips, pastas, and bread. If you start the meal with carbs, you run the risk of getting full of less nutritionally dense foods and missing out on key macronutrients. Another tip is to bring your own balanced, bariatric-friendly meal. There may not always be options available that are suitable for your goals. Thus, the safest option is to pack food you know will be protein-forward.
Another challenge that comes with summer is exercising in high temperatures. As mentioned before, bariatric patients are especially susceptible to dehydration. Therefore, exercising requires extreme caution and should be planned accordingly. Aim to exercise early in the morning or in the evening hours, when it is cooler. If you have a gym membership or have a home setup, that can also be a great way to get a workout while being in a temperature-controlled environment. Listen to your body and take it slowly. If you do feel faint or weak, stop exercising immediately and move to a cool place. There is no need to push extremes. Exercise should work with you, not against you!
If you are traveling, here is a packing list that can help ensure you cover the basics of what you need as a bariatric patient:
Water bottle
Protein shakes/protein powder
Protein-forward snacks
Vitamins/Supplements
Medications
Copy of important medical information