The dietary guidelines provided following surgery are essential for success. First and foremost, they are meant to allow your body to heal from surgery. Going forward, they are meant to help you lose weight appropriately. Any deviation from the dietary guidelines can result in a slowdown in weight loss. The number one goal is to improve your health!
STAGE 1 – DAY 1 TO 21
From the time you get home from the hospital to three weeks after your day of surgery, a full liquid diet is required (beverages, broths, protein drinks). These first three weeks after your surgery are crucial for minimizing complications and maximizing your recovery. Following a full liquid diet for the first 3 weeks after surgery will give your body time to heal. This diet will also help you begin to understand how much food you can eat BEFORE you feel too full. This is a time of learning new behaviors and developing new lifestyle habits.
Many patients ask why they need to be on liquids for three weeks?
Due to swelling, anything thicker than water can easily become stuck, creating a “dam” effect and causing any intake after that to back up and push on the stomach walls. This can stress your new staple line and may result in a leak. A leak from your stomach could be a serious complication. The bottom line: If you aren’t sure you can have it, put it in a strainer. Only that which runs freely and easily through the strainer is part of this phase of the diet. If it doesn’t go through, it is not for you!
The main 3 goals during Stage 1 of the diet are to:
- Rest the stomach and allow it time to heal
- Stay hydrated by consuming ≥ 64oz fluid per day
- Consume adequate amounts of protein to aid in the healing process
STAGE 2 – DAY 22 TO 42
Soft Solid Foods | 3-4 oz. per meal
Start this diet at Post-Op Day 22 and continue for 3 weeks. You are still learning about your new body. Let your pouch be your guide on portion sizes. Stop eating BEFORE you feel full. Remember to use a food scale to weigh your food. Overeating and not chewing your food thoroughly can lead to nausea, vomiting, and stretching out your stomach. *Start with softer foods like yogurt then transition into soft solid foods like ground turkey by the 3rd week. It is recommended to introduce new foods at dinner time.
Key Points for Healthy Eating Habits
- Eat slowly: Immediately after surgery, the pouch is swollen and needs time to heal. Eating too quickly may cause you to overfill your new pouch and cause discomfort, nausea, and vomiting.
- Drink small amounts: Learn to sip slowly. Try not to fill your entire mouth with fluid. Use a 1-ounce (30ml) medicine cup to help determine a safe amount.
- Stop eating before you feel full: Do not overeat. Listen to your body by eating slowly and mindfully. If you are unable to recognize fullness, eat only the recommended amount and no more at one sitting. Eating and drinking too much will eventually stretch your pouch and prevent you from reaching maximum weight loss.
- Maintain hydration by consuming at least 64 ounces of fluid during the day. Try to consume protein-rich fluid (1% or skim milk, protein drinks, etc.) as half of your fluid intake between meals. Avoid carbonated beverages for the rest of your life. Increase fluid intake until urine is clear.
- Protein: Protein is needed by the body to build and maintain tissue, promote wound healing, and fuel the metabolic engine that burns fat. Over the long term, protein will help preserve muscle tissue so weight can be lost as fat. Foods like lean red meat, pork, chicken and turkey without skin, fish, eggs, beans, and low-fat cottage cheese are high in protein and low in fat.
Foods to Avoid
There are different kinds of foods that you should avoid after having bariatric surgery:
- All raw fruit
- All raw veggies, including lettuce and tomato
- Cooked or raw asparagus, celery, corn, or peas
- Cooked or raw potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squash and plantains
- All nuts
- All high carbohydrate/sugary foods like bread, pasta, rice, crackers, tortillas, chips, dry cereal, cake, cookies, ice cream, etc.
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Limit artificial sweeteners
It’s important that you follow the post-op diet instructions and deter from eating certain foods to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of nutrition after your surgery.
While the surgery can help you limit the amount of food you eat, you must be ready to change lifestyle habits that led to weight gain. After surgery, you need to follow the nutritional recommendations and exercise regularly (150 minutes per week of physical activity is recommended). Participation in a support group could help you stick with new habits. It’s also important to keep follow-up medical appointments to monitor the effects of surgery.
About Author
One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson – along with a full staff of surgeons, physician assistants, and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with LAP-BAND, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Balloon and Revisions.
Patients’ most common question is, “How soon will I lose weight after bariatric surgery?” And this always depends on the patient’s age, starting weight, post-operation activity, and how well they adhere to the after-surgery diet. Every individual is different, but right away, bariatric patients will start to lose significant amounts of weight, and this will continue for the first few months. However, the dietary guidelines provided following surgery are essential for success. First and foremost, they are meant to allow the patient’s body to heal from surgery. Going forward, they are meant to help patients lose weight appropriately. Any deviation from the dietary guidelines can result in a slowdown in weight loss.
The amount of weight that a patient can lose and the amount of time it takes to lose the weight depends on a number of factors including the type of weight loss surgery and how committed the patient is to maintaining a healthy lifestyle after the surgery.
With LAP-BAND surgery, an average patient loses 50% excess body weight after 1-5 years.
With sleeve gastrectomy or gastric sleeve surgery, an average patient sees up to 70% of excess weight loss at one year.
With gastric bypass, an average patient experiences 70% to 80% excess weight loss at one year.
Those seeking bariatric surgery in Texas can call the Nicholson Clinic and set up a consultation where they can discuss and learn about each procedure and decide which one will be right for them. The procedure decided upon can also influence how quickly weight is dropped post-operation.
About Author
One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson – along with a full staff of surgeons, physician assistants, and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with LAP-BAND, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, Gastric Balloon and Revisions.
Dr. Nick Nicholson, minimally invasive abdominal surgeon and founder of Nicholson Clinic.
Plano, Texas, April 8, 2022 – Abdominal surgery specialist, Dr. Nicholson, is one of the top bariatric surgeons in the country, leading nationally acclaimed clinics in Dallas and Plano, Texas. Recognized for his educated treatment of obesity, Dr. Nicholson trains surgeons all over the world on bariatric procedures. He is dedicated to providing patients with the latest, most advanced options for obesity treatment. Patients have traveled from all 50 states and several countries to seek his care. Specializing in gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, gastric banding (Lap-Band), and bariatric revisions, he also offers other non-surgical treatments for weight loss and minimally invasive abdominal surgeries such as gallbladder removal, hernia repair and hiatal hernia repair to treat acid reflux.
“There is nothing more rewarding than seeing our patients transform into healthier, happier versions of themselves”, says Dr. Nicholson.
Dr. Nicholson carefully designed a highly experienced, compassionate team to make up the Nicholson Clinic to ensure each patient receives the experience and outcome that they deserve during their weight loss journey. Dr. Nicholson proudly leads his clinic and team toward helping their patients achieve their goals and reclaim happiness and quality of life.
Dr. Nicholson understands how important it is for individuals to have an educational guide before and after undergoing a procedure such as bariatric surgery. That’s why he co-authored the book “Weight Loss Surgery – The Real Skinny.”
Those considering weight loss surgery in North Texas should consider scheduling a consultation at the Nicholson Clinic. Dr. Nicholson and his team will help determine the best option for each individual, undergoing a full assessment to ensure they receive the most effective treatment for their individual needs.
About Nicholson Clinic
One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson – along with a full staff of surgeons, physician assistants, and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with LAP-BAND, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, Gastric Balloon and Revisions.
Sleeve surgery, also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is becoming an increasingly popular choice to combat obesity. This minimally invasive surgery has two main mechanisms of action. First, it reduces how much food fits in an individual’s stomach, making them feel fuller in a shorter amount of time. Second, it’s a hormonal operation as it blunts appetite.
The surgery revolves around a large portion of the stomach being divided vertically and removed. This is the non-reversible part of the procedure. The remaining stomach – now reduced to about 25% of its original size – is shaped like a banana and resembles a tube or sleeve, thereby decreasing the capacity of calories you can consume. More importantly, we are resecting the part of the stomach that secretes a hormone called ghrelin, which is responsible for appetite, therefore you see excellent appetite suppression after a sleeve.
Gastric sleeve surgery is becoming more common for a number of reasons. With this type of procedure, professionals are seeing better overall results in terms of total weight loss. Another popular reason gastric sleeve surgery is chosen is often due to the reduction in the number of complications.
In gastric band surgery, it is common to replace or remove the band. Oftentimes, a person will become intolerant to a lap band or experience complications such as band erosion, band migration/slippage, band infection, gastric prolapse, esophageal and/or pouch dilation, issues which are avoided by choosing vertical sleeve gastrectomy.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In your research for weight loss surgery options, you may have come across new ReShape Lap-Band advertising. Some people are suggesting that this procedure is just as effective as other weight-loss surgeries available and that it’s less invasive than surgical stapling procedures. However, most health professionals would agree that this procedure is not the best choice for weight loss surgery.
The Final Weigh-In
There are a few critical takeaways to remember when researching weight loss surgery in Texas and across the country.
- This surgery provides fewer complications than gastric band surgery.
- In most cases, a gastric sleeve is just as effective as a gastric bypass which accounts for its rise as one of the fastest growing options for weight loss surgery in the U.S.
- Gastric sleeve is less invasive than gastric bypass – and therefore, a lower risk – surgery.
About Author
One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson – along with a full staff of surgeons, physician assistants, and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with LAP-BAND, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Balloon and Revisions.
Lose & Maintain Weight with an Individualized Support System
Dallas, Texas, March 10, 2022 – The Nicholson Clinic is widely known in Dallas, Texas for its experienced weight loss surgeons and comprehensive support. However, what many people do not know is what this entails. It’s crucial to understand that weight loss requires commitment to a new lifestyle and a strong support system to succeed. The Nicholson Clinic has formed a team of specialized experts in the weight loss field to help each patient with their specific needs.
In addition to our experienced medical staff, we have highly regarded specialized providers to help patients with diet/nutrition, fitness and psychological needs. Options vary from in-person to virtual and one-on-one to group settings. Every staff member works together alongside the patient to provide superior weight loss services, including physical and mental targets and support.
Before undergoing surgery, patients should meet with a clinical psychologist to determine their specific challenges, goals, and to obtain an understanding of their mindset and the role it plays in weight loss. This protocol is highly beneficial to provide patients with the tools they will need to succeed. This idea ensures that patients receive an individualized method of weight loss, and weight maintenance, with the necessary psychological support to be highly successful and prevent patients from falling back into their previous routines, habits, and mindsets.
Diet is also a vital part of the weight loss process. Professional dietitians will work with each patient to create a personalized plan based on their individual analysis. Dietitians provide nutrition advice before and after surgery to set you on the path to success. Together you set goals and plans for pre-and post-surgery. Our patient educators/medical assistants also offer pre-op and post-op nutrition advice, support and guidance to along the way.
Following this, fitness experts, skilled in bariatrics, can help you determine a fitness regimen, based on your individual needs. They will provide instruction and exercise recommendations appropriately tailored to where you are in the process.
Each step of the comprehensive support process should be followed by your doctor and medical team and may need to be adapted as the process continues, which is why follow-up appointments with your doctor are crucial.
This one-of-a-kind support system not only includes one-on-one support with medical professionals who are a part of the weight loss surgery and treatment protocol, but it also includes additional options such as online support and group support. The structure and support provided are nothing less than superlative.
About Nicholson Clinic
One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson – along with a full staff of surgeons, physician assistants, and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with LAP-BAND, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Balloon and Revisions.
Have you determined that weight loss surgery is right for you? It is vital to know the lifestyle changes you have to make before the surgery. These lifestyle changes are essential to help you obtain both positive and long-lasting results.
Starting to lose weight before surgery is important to reduce the fat in and around the abdomen and liver, prepare patients for a new way of eating, and help them stay safe during the procedure. While the exact recommendations will be recommended by your doctor and dietitian, guidelines may include the following:
Two-Week Pre-Op Diet: You’ll be required to switch to a 1200 calorie/day pre-op diet two weeks before your appointment date. The goal is to get 1,200 calories with 60-80 grams of protein each day to lose 5% of your starting weight. The purpose is to shrink your liver to ensure a safe operation. This diet must be high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
The best foods include:
- High protein shakes or bars
- One meal per day of 5 oz or less of lean meat and veggies, no starches
- Make sure to sip on water throughout the day to get 64 oz
Foods to eliminate include:
- High-sugar beverages
- High carbohydrate/sugar foods
- Starchy vegetables such as corn, peas, potatoes, etc.
- Alcoholic drinks
Final Thoughts
The two-week pre-op diet must be adhered to in order to shrink your liver. Surgery can be cancelled if your liver is too large to perform surgery safely. To be sure you get the best possible results from weight loss surgery, stay committed to the pre-op and post-op lifestyle changes. The better you do, the higher your chances of success.
About Author
One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson – along with a full staff of surgeons, physician assistants, and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with LAP-BAND, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Balloon and Revisions.
A Leading Clinic Offering The Right Weight Loss Solution
Dallas, February 15, 2022: Each year, approximately 200,000 Americans make the decision to address weight concerns with the help of bariatric surgical procedures. The Nicholson Clinic is one of the leading weight loss surgery centers in the country offering life-changing bariatric surgery. As one of the leading pre-eminent centers, they are home to some of the most experienced surgeons in the country.
Bariatric surgery is a general surgery specialty. While it’s true many surgeons can perform these procedures, the best outcomes tend to come from those who focus their careers on this pursuit and centers that are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of bariatric care, using emerging technology, and advancements in products and techniques.
At the Nicholson Clinic for weight loss surgery, Dr. Nicholson leads a full staff of surgeons, trains doctors around the globe, consults on new products and techniques, holds two patents on medical devices, and has published books on obesity. Nicholson Clinic surgeons are credentialed at some of the top facilities in DFW and have the designations to meet bariatric coverage requirements that many insurance companies need. The Nicholson Clinic has dramatically changed the lives of over 25,000 patients who wanted to reverse obesity. We offer varying weight loss options, which include:
- Gastric Bypass
- Sleeve Gastrectomy
- LAP-BAND and Revisions
Our licensed surgeons are not only devoted to the premium standard of surgical technique alone, but also deliver excellent patient care. Because bariatric surgery affects our patients emotionally and physically, we offer support before and after the process. You can expect comprehensive care from providers and staff:
- Preparing for the weight loss surgery
- Recovering after surgery
- Aftercare
- Long term support
If you are obese, it’s time to consider bariatric weight loss surgery. The emotional and physical pains from the extra weight, and health conditions associated with obesity, can affect your lifestyle and overall health and well-being.
The Nicholson Clinic specializes in surgical weight loss while providing additional support to ensure patients attain and maintain their weight loss goals. To learn more about the Nicholson Clinic, its locations and the weight loss services it provides, visit us online at www.nicholsonclinic.com.
Dallas, Texas, January 5, 2022: Have you tried losing weight for years but have failed repeatedly? Now is the time to take a new approach! What new approach? Undergo weight loss surgery together with a family member, friend, or significant other. Weight loss surgery reduces the size of a patient’s stomach, helping them decrease the amount of food they consume and helping them feel full longer, curbing their appetite. By having a lifetime partner throughout the process, you will have support every step of the way, leading to better results and compliance.
A recent study published in the American Medical Association Internal Medicine Journal revealed that both men and women are more likely to lose weight and become physically active if their partner is involved. A study further endorsed this recent finding. The Association for Psychological Science indicates that life contentment is linked with behaviors that can impact health. These include:
- Diet and exercise
- Having a happy and active spouse or partner
This remarkable model also extends to friendship. How much can friendship impact your health? According to the Mayo Clinic, friendship significantly impacts well-being and health. Your friend can help you to avert or change unhealthy lifestyle habits.
If you are looking for a center that encourages this new approach, look no further. The Nicholson Clinic has got you covered!
Without a doubt, relationships foster support, accountability, and motivation. Fortunately, these are essential ingredients for adopting a healthy lifestyle. Apart from these, your partner’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle will further inspire you to keep up with your goal to lose weight. Your conversation will center on your weight loss goals, offering benefits beyond weight loss. Patients reduce the risk of developing serious weight-related diseases and health complications, and eliminate them all together. Weight loss surgery can lead to a longer, happier, healthier, more active life.
To learn more about other benefits that come from paring up when undergoing weight loss goals, visit www.nicholsonclinic.com now!
About Nicholson Clinic
One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson – along with a full staff of surgeons, physician assistants, and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with LAP-BAND, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Balloon and Revisions.
Is your weight impacting your health and preventing you from getting the best out of life? The Nicholson Clinic has got your back! Our board-certified team of surgeons offer comprehensive weight loss surgery and minimally invasive abdominal surgery options. As one of the best bariatric centers in the country, we help patients obtain their weight loss goals. In this article, we’ve explained how our team attains this feat.
Why Choose The Nicholson Clinic For Your Weight Loss Goal?
The Nicholson Clinic has been operating for more than twenty years. We have helped over 25,000 patients in all 50 states reach their weight loss goals. At the Nicholson Clinic, we offer a full staff of experienced clinicians, surgeons, physician assistants, patient care advocates and support staff. These compassionate experts implement a team approach to reverse obesity and maintain wellness for patients.
Explore Our Advanced Weight Loss Procedures & General Surgery Options
Our highly trained and experienced team is always excited to utilize modern emerging technology to help patients. This helps present the best medical weight loss care that meets and surpasses the expectation of patients. We stay updated with recent technologies available in the weight loss industry. We have a dedicated team that continues to personally and professionally improve and master their field of expertise. They comfort patients, helping them achieve excellent experiences at all stages. Some of our comprehensive procedures include:
- Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Gastric Balloon
- Gastric Bypass
- LAP-BAND
- Revisions
By undergoing any of these procedures, a patient may experience outstanding results on obesity reversal, Type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, high blood pressure, arthritis, and other weight-linked problems. At the Nicholson Clinic, our team also specializes in general surgery, such as:
- Gallbladder removal
- Abdominal wall hernia repair
- Hiatal hernia repair to treat acid reflux
Conclusion
The Nicholson Clinic is home to a team passionate about your health. Our surgeons offer individualized strategies effective for obtaining your target weight and/or relieving abdominal pain or discomfort. After surgery, our team stands by you offering you support for life. If you’ve not met success in the past, worry no more. To schedule a visit or make further inquiries, contact us today.
About Author
One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson – along with a full staff of surgeons, physician assistants, and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with LAP-BAND, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Balloon and Revisions.
Yes! But how affordable is it? We believe that pricing and payments should not be an obstacle to allow you to achieve your weight loss goals and obtain a healthier life. Deciding which weight loss procedure is best for you should be the question, not how to pay for it. There are choices to help you afford weight loss surgery. Read on!
Our Self-Pay Pricing vs. National Averages
At the Nicholson Clinic, we offer patients some of the lowest prices available. On top of that, we can refer you to Care Credit or Prosper Healthcare Lending for financing with low monthly payments. When you have your weight loss surgery at our clinic, the low price you’ll pay covers everything except for pre-op and/or post-op prescriptions and includes lifetime follow-up visits. Our goal is to make our weight loss surgery affordable and available to everyone who needs it. Below is a quick look into our pricing and that of the national average:
Lap Band
- Ours- As low as $14,000
- National Averages- $15,000
Gastric Sleeve
- Ours- As low as $10,000
- National Averages- $19,000
Gastric Bypass
- Ours- As low as $16,500
- National Averages- $24,000
Surgical Package Cost Lists
To enable you to make an informed surgical decision and make required plans for your cash payments, below are the costs per procedure and what’s included. Some clinics may charge separately so it’s important to know what’s included and what’s not.
Lap-Band Removal – As low as $2,500
Costs include:
- Surgical fee for doctors and anesthesiologists
- Hospital facility fee
- All Pre & Post-Operative office visit
- Preoperative blood work & EKG included
Lap-Band- As low as $14,000
Costs include:
- All Pre & Post-Operative office visits
- Surgical fee for clinic doctors and anesthesiologists
- Lap-Band fills for a lifetime
- Hospital facility fee
- Preoperative blood work & EKG included
Gastric Sleeve – As low as $10,000
Costs include:
- All Pre & Post-Operative office visits
- Surgical fee for clinic doctors and anesthesiologists
- Pre & Post-Operative bariatric educational resources
- Hospital fee or day surgery center
- Preoperative blood work & EKG included
Gastric Bypass – As low as $16,500
Costs include:
- All Pre & Post-Operative office visits
- Surgical fee for clinic doctors and anesthesiologists
- Pre & Post-Operative bariatric educational resources
- Hospital facility fee
- All routine hospital charges
- Preoperative blood work & EKG included
Bottom Line
Are you ready to give weight loss surgery a shot? Work with our team today! We are passionately interested in meeting your health and financial needs. For more inquiries on pricing and charges on revision surgery, contact our reputable surgeons now!
About Author
Founded by Dr. Nick Nicholson, one of the country’s leading weight loss surgeons and co-author of “Weight Loss Surgery: The Real Skinny,” Nicholson Clinic helps patients reverse obesity with LAP-BAND, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Balloon and Revisions.
