After Weight Loss Surgery, Eating is a New Adventure

After weight loss surgery, learning what to eat — and in what quantity — can be confusing.  Margaret Furtado, clinical nutrition specialist for the bariatric surgery program at Johns Hopkins University’s Bayview Medical Center, shares her healthy eating tips for bariatric patients.

Furtado, author of two cookbooks featuring nutritious recipes for weight loss surgery patients, aims to help post-operative patients feel more normal about their eating habits.

“I have things for parties, going out, appetizers…it’s a new lifestyle,” says Furtado, whose books offer readers pointers on everything from getting enough fluids after surgery to how to stock a kitchen and how to read a food label.

Furtado emphasizes the importance of getting enough protein, especially for patients who have had a malabsorptive bariatric procedure, like a duodenal switch or gastric bypass.

“You need at least 60 grams of protein each day, regardless of which type of surgery you had,” she explains. “I really emphasize high-quality protein supplements.”

Both in her cookbooks and her bariatric support groups, Furtado helps weight loss surgery patients recognize red flags and take appropriate steps to stay on track toward healthy living.

“I tell people all the time, they operate on your gastrointestinal tract, not your brain” says Furtado.  “You really want to make sure you have real support, and realistic expectations.”