How to Reduce Hunger After Bariatric Surgery

Many people are turning to bariatric surgery as an effective way to lose weight, specifically an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty or gastric balloon. After either of these procedures are performed, your stomach will hold less food. While this helps with weight loss, choosing the right foods to eat becomes even more important.

Foods to help you not overeat

An endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty and gastric balloon help you feel fuller from a smaller amount of food. Combined with a balanced diet and increased exercise, many patients lose weight. Your doctor will provide a post-operative diet for the first two weeks. Afterwards, you can gradually introduce regular foods while increasing the variety.

The general rule of thumb is to follow this order of food intake:

1. Eat proteins first, such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs and beans

2. Eat vegetables second

3. Eat carbohydrates last, such as bread, rice, potatoes and pasta

While all these food groups are nutritionally important, high‑protein foods digest slowly and will keep hunger under control.

Don’t forget about fiber

While proteins should be a big part of your post-operative diet, fiber is another tool to help manage hunger. High-fiber foods tend to be more filling, making it more likely that you eat less and stay satisfied for longer. It also helps food pass through your digestive system more easily and quickly.

Once your care team says it’s safe, try adding cooked vegetables, soft beans, or oatmeal to your diet.

Another simple way to jump-start your day is to choose a breakfast cereal with at least five grams or more of fiber per serving. You can also top it with sliced bananas, berries or other fruit to add even more. With this one meal, you’re well on your way to achieving the daily fiber recommendations:

- 21 grams for women older than age 50.

- 25 grams for women age 50 or younger.

- 30 grams for men older than age 50.

- 38 grams for men age 50 or younger.

For more information on weight loss options and support, visit Loyolamedicine.org/weightloss