The Celebrate Blog

Calcium Deficiency for Bariatric Surgery Patients

February 1st, 2020

Lifestyle

Patients who choose to have bariatric surgery have an increased risk of developing certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies, including calcium. Calcium is an essential element for human life. It is the most abundant mineral in the human body and 99% of your body's calcium is found in your teeth and bones. The remaining 1% of calcium in the body is found in blood, nerve cells, and body tissue. In addition to the commonly known role calcium plays in healthy teeth and bones, it is also essential for growth, maintenance, and reproduction. It also plays a role in blood clotting, muscle contraction, hormone secretion, and the expansion and contraction of your blood vessels. Not getting enough calcium can contribute to poor bone health and other long-term consequences. It is important to note that the body tightly regulates serum calcium. Serum levels of calcium do not change in regards to dietary intake of calcium. This means the body uses bone as a reservoir for and as a source of calcium in order...

Food Intolerances - Which Foods to Avoid After Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass Bariatric Surgery

January 30th, 2020

Lifestyle

Many patients report food intolerances, especially during the period of time immediately following surgery once you're allowed to progress to normal eating. Some foods may not sit well and cause an uncomfortable feeling or even discomfort for a while. What should you expect if you're a pre-op or early post-op patient? What are considered normal food intolerances and are there other causes of food intolerances? A few foods that are commonly not tolerated well after bariatric surgery may include, but are not limited to, pasta, breads, rice, beef, chicken, pork, eggs, stringy vegetables, fruit with membranes, foods with seeds, and cow's milk (or other dairy foods with lactose). However, with this in mind, every patient is different with what they can and cannot tolerate. Also remember that each day may be different. One day you may be able to tolerate a food that you may not be able to tolerate a few days later. Another thing to keep in mind is that some patients experience taste...

Meal Replacements vs Protein Supplements

August 8th, 2019

Lifestyle

Many bariatric (surgical and non-surgical) patients choose protein supplements to achieve their daily recommended protein intake, but what is the difference between a meal replacement and a protein supplement? Is one better than the other, especially for bariatric surgery patients? The term "meal replacement" is not defined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but generally refers to a calorie-controlled, pre-packaged product in the form of a bar or a beverage (ready-to-drink or powder) that is used to replace a meal. Meal replacements usually provide around 200-250 calories per serving (although some may be as high as 400 calories per serving) and are fortified with more than 20 vitamins and minerals (at a "good" or "excellent source" level), healthy carbs (including fiber), and healthy fats. The inclusion of fiber, in particular, is thought to decrease the incidence of low blood sugar, low blood pressure, constipation and/or diarrhea. The inclusion of vitamins and minerals provides...

Physical Activity & Exercise After Bariatric Surgery

April 30th, 2019

Lifestyle

This article does not intend to initiate the debate of exercise versus physical activity terminology. Some individuals call it exercise, but for the purpose of this article we use the terms physical activity and fitness. It is best to not stress over what we are calling it and rather stress the importance of actually doing it, being successful at it, and enjoying it. The goal is to be more active and increase your fitness level. Maybe you have never participated in physical activity before? Maybe you have physical limitations that make certain types of physical activity difficult, if not impossible. There are several benefits related to being physical active and increasing your fitness level, including, but not limited to, stress relief, better sleep, increased overall energy levels, decreased risk of chronic disease, better overall mood, etc. While all of these changes would be considered beneficial, how does someone get past the feeling of not wanting to be physically active and feeling...

What are Body Mass Index (BMI), Inches & Weight Measurements for Bariatric Surgery Patients?

April 12th, 2019

Lifestyle

As a bariatric surgery patient, you are constantly surrounded by numbers, but what do all of these numbers mean and which ones are important? Below we will review a few common metrics used in bariatric surgery, such as Body Mass Index (BMI), inches, and weight, and discuss their importance. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from an individual's height and weight. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems and/or conditions. You can calculate your BMI multiple ways. You can use a BMI calculator online like one from the National Institute of Health's website (1). The National Institute of Health also has a Body Mass Index Table you can use to determine you BMI as well (2). To use a BMI table, just find the appropriate height (listed in inches [in]) in the left-hand column labeled height. Move across to a given weight (listed in pounds [lbs], which have been rounded off). The...

Diet Progression After Bariatric Surgery

April 11th, 2019

Lifestyle

Many patients have heard that there's a diet progression after bariatric surgery (and possibly before). A lot of patients report being nervous about the liquid diet. But why is there a diet progression? Why do you have to follow different diets? Let's take a look at a brief description of the common diet progressions and why they're recommended. This is the one time we readily use the word "diet" as a diet is a short-term change to your eating pattern. The "diet" that is being recommended long-term; we typically prefer to call a healthy eating plan instead of using the word diet. The diet progression allows patients to move through different phases, eventually eating solid foods again. The amount of time in each stage may vary according to each surgeon or dietitian's recommendation as well as each individual patient. Be sure to follow the exact recommendations of your program. Some surgeons have their patients follow a special diet pre-operatively. This diet may include either a...

Crockpot Pork Tacos

August 7th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

These tasty tacos are healthy and full of flavor, with just a little kick! It's back to school and everyone could use a little more time, so this meal is a quick and easy solution that's oh-so-delicious!

Parmesan & Roasted Fauxtatoes

August 7th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Garlic Parmesan Mashed Fauxtatoes: Rich, creamy, and flavorful, but this small-batch recipe has no potatoes! You'll find tons of flavor and nutrients in this recipe that's just the right size for your post-op holiday needs! Serving...

Power Chicken Salad

August 7th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Power up for the next day. This is not your traditional chicken salad. Add a little Dijon mustard, edamame, and pepitas and you have yourself a Power Chicken Salad! Serve it on high-fiber crackers or try it on jicama! You'll be ready to go with this quick and easy recipe....

Crockpot Curry Chicken

August 7th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

In a "curry?" This weeknight meal is big on flavor, but easy to make and saves time! Pull out your crockpot and get ready to fire up this creative twist on a traditional Indian dish that's low in calories and high in protein. Using cauliflower rice and coconut milk as a healthy substitution make this curry-licious dish one you and your family will love!

Can You Have Bariatric Multivitamins with Calcium?

April 25th, 2018

Lifestyle

With so many different types of multivitamins out there, it is hard to know what is the best product for you as a bariatric surgery patient and what your body can actually absorb. Unfortunately, not all companies (including many over-the-counter brands and some bariatric vitamin brands) follow the rules of how the body absorbs various nutrients. The multivitamins some of these companies create might include nutrients that cannot be absorbed when taken together or they might include nutrients that need to be provided within a certain ratio for optimal health and in order to prevent deficiencies. Specifically, one of the questions I get asked quite a bit is, "Should my multivitamin contain calcium?" Of course, the answer to this question is not a simple "yes" or "no" and a few questions must be asked before an answer can be provided. The first question that must be asked is, "does the multivitamin also contain iron?" If the multivitamin contains both...

Cabbage Rolls

April 24th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Cabbage rolls are down-home comfort food. This smoky version eliminates most of the carbs, leaving you with a soothing winter meal that packs a powerful protein punch!

Cauliflower Crust Pot Pie

April 24th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Wondering what to do with that last bit of leftover turkey meat? Make it into this low-carb pot pie that's perfect to freeze and reheat on a cold winter's night!

Cheeseburger Meatballs

April 24th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Do you miss cheeseburgers? If so, this is the recipe for you! These small meatballs pack a big protein-punch with the flavors of bacon, cheese, and even your favorite toppings!

Super Food Stuffing

April 24th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Thanksgiving just isn't Thanksgiving without stuffing! This recipe combines the classic flavors of sausage stuffing with the protein power of ancient grains to pack a flavorful and nutritious punch!

Zoodle Ravioli

April 24th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Zoodle ravioli? Yes you can! In this recipe, we fill zucchini noodles with a creamy ricotta mixture and top it with a savory pumpkin sauce for a healthy comfort dish that screams Fall!

Sweet Potato Toast with Egg

April 24th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Eggs they're not just for breakfast anymore! This recipe takes advantage of the latest nutritional trend sweet potato toast. Sweet potatoes are rich in nutrients, including beta-carotene, and are a healthy source of carbs for fueling an active lifestyle. Here we've topped it with a deliciously nutritious mix of spinach, tomatoes, and onions with a poached egg for just a little bit of indulgence. Serve this for an elegant breakfast-for-dinner.

Spicy Vegetarian Chili

April 24th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Do you enjoy vegetarian meals but worry about getting enough protein? This spicy chili is a hearty meal packed with flavor and protein! Give it a try for a delicious Meatless Monday meal or any day!

Turkey Burritos

April 24th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Burritos are a family meal favorite! These smoky burritos lighten the fat and carb loads without sacrificing flavor. Make a tray of these for the next big game and rest assured you're fueling you and your family right!

Meatball Ramekins

April 24th, 2018

Bariatric Recipes

Who doesn't want dinner to be quick and easy, especially when we have so many other things going on at night? Not only is this recipe quick and easy, it's also creamy, cheesy, and savory! Oh, did we forget to mention that it's also healthy?

Fiber After Bariatric Surgery

March 22nd, 2018

Lifestyle

Following a healthy eating plan high in fiber is a constant recommendation many of us hear frequently throughout the year. But why? And does this apply to a bariatric surgery patient? There are plenty of reasons to consume fiber as part of your healthy eating plan. Below are a few of the reasons to include fiber-rich foods as part of your healthy plan. When eating high fiber foods, they typically require more chewing. This helps you slow your pace of eating and gives your body time to realize how full you really are, by preventing overeating. Also, high fiber foods take longer to break down in the digestive system, which makes you feel full longer. High fiber foods may contain fewer calories for similar volumes of foods that are not high in fiber, which also assists in maintaining your weight. Soluble fiber, the kind found in beans, oats, flaxseed, and oat bran, may help lower total blood cholesterol levels by lowering low-density lipoprotein or cholesterol levels. Many bariatric surgery...

Iron Deficiency after Bariatric Surgery

May 6th, 2017

Lifestyle

Have you ever found yourself chewing cups of ice throughout the day? Many bariatric patients report this behavior after their bariatric surgery. While chewing ice does not necessarily mean you have low iron levels, it does warrant getting your iron levels checked. Iron is a key element in the metabolism of all living organisms and helps to make up hundreds of proteins and enzymes. Iron has many functions, but below are some of the key functions of iron. There are many symptoms related to iron deficiency including fatigue (low energy levels), increased heart rate (especially during physical activity session), heart palpitations (especially during a physical activity session), rapid breathing on exertion, decreased athletic and physical work capacity, the inability to maintain a normal body temperature, brittle and spoon-shaped nails, sores at the corners of the mouth, taste buds diminish (are not as sensitive), sore tongue, some forms of hair loss, pica (the eating of non-food substances,...