With high protein, low carbohydrate diets being so popular among people trying to lose weight, there has been a ton of new food products coming on the market. In order to decrease carbohydrate content, many food manufacturers are incorporating vegetables into their products. This approach can definitely lower the carbohydrate content. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the product is a low carbohydrate food.
Bariatric patients need to be aware of this type of marketing. For people just watching their carbohydrate intake or those trying to eat more vegetables, these types of products might be great. But for gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and lap band patients, these types of products may still be too high in carbohydrates to easily fit into their bariatric diet.
One such example is a pasta product available in the frozen food section. It uses cauliflower to replace flour in the pasta. It is a great way to incorporate more vegetables and reduce refined carbohydrates. But, the product still has around 40 grams of carbohydrates per cup. Dr. Shillingford’s bariatric patients are encouraged to limit their carbohydrate intake to 50 grams of carbohydrates per day. Limiting carbohydrate intake is ideal for gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and gastric band patients to maximize their weight loss.
Don’t be fooled by marketing tricks. Always read the Nutrition Facts label of products you buy. Also be sure to check the serving size, calories per serving, protein, carbohydrates and fiber content. Do not rely on the front of the package for your information, always check the ingredient list and the nutrition label to see if the food item is a good choice for your post bariatric surgery diet.
Dr. Shillingford, MD, PA, is a board-certified surgeon specializing in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery, as well as obesity surgery. Dr. Shillingford’s gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and lap band patients have their surgery performed in Northwest Medical Center’s Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery, where Dr. Shillingford proudly serves as Medical Director. Follow up visits are in his Boca Raton office, which is conveniently located for patients coming from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Coral Springs, West Palm Beach, and even Orlando.
