Nutrition

Vitamins

Vitamins and minerals are required for life after weight loss surgery. Insurance typically does not cover the cost of the supplements. Based on your pre- and post-surgery labs work, you may require additional supplements after surgery. Your healthcare team explains recommendations during your consult.

Protein Supplements

To prevent protein malnutrition, you must meet a minimum protein goal each day. Eating protein first at meals will help you reach those goals. For the first several months after surgery, you will need to drink a protein supplement between meals. Once you can get all of your protein from food alone, you won’t need protein supplements. When you can eat foods of a normal consistency and tolerate about 4 ounces of food per meal, aim for 20 grams of protein at each meal.

Diet Progression

The diet progression prepares you for a safe surgery and helps you avoid major discomfort after surgery. It's important to follow the diet progression as instructed by the Total Weight Loss Center team. Do not stay in a stage longer than you need to or advance your diet before you are advised to do so. Serious health consequences may result.