Weight loss surgeries like gastric sleeve can help you lose excess weight and require lifestyle changes. You may need to follow a specific diet after surgery to ensure you recover properly and maintain your weight loss.
Read more: Foods To Avoid Following Your Gastric Sleeve Procedure.
Popcorn is considered a whole grain food, meaning it’s low in calories, high in fiber, and contains essential vitamins and minerals. However, after surgery, popcorn can be difficult to digest because of its high-fiber content. We will discuss why popcorn is not recommended after surgery.
Risks of Eating Popcorn
Popcorn is a popular snack, but there may be better options for people who have undergone gastric sleeve surgery. Eating popcorn after this weight-loss surgery can involve risks like:
a) Dumping Syndrome
When someone overeats at once, their body can struggle to break down the food efficiently. This could cause what is known as “dumping syndrome,” featuring symptoms like nausea, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea. Popcorn contains a lot of carbohydrates and fat, which can be difficult for the body to digest. Eating popcorn after gastric sleeve surgery could cause dumping syndrome in some people.
b) Dehydration
Popcorn is a dry snack that absorbs moisture from your body when you eat it. This can cause dehydration if you don’t drink enough water. Dehydration can lead to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.
c) Blockage or Obstruction of the Stomach
Popcorn contains high amounts of fiber, which may be difficult for your stomach to digest after gastric sleeve surgery. Large chunks of popcorn that cannot be broken down could lead to a blockage or obstruction in the stomach. This is why it’s essential to be careful when eating popcorn after gastric sleeve surgery and ensure that all chunks are small enough for your stomach to handle.
Tips To Follow While Eating Popcorn After Surgery
Eating popcorn after gastric sleeve surgery is possible, but it should only be done in moderation. Individuals should follow specific guidelines to ensure optimal safety and health while eating popcorn post-surgery. Here are some tips to help you enjoy popcorn without straining your body:
a) Choose air-popped popcorn without added fat or oil. This will help ensure that the kernels are still light and easy to digest.
b) Avoid adding butter, cheese, or any other type of seasonings to your popcorn – these may be difficult for your body to digest.
c) Eat small portions at a time. After a gastric sleeve surgery, your stomach capacity is significantly reduced. Eating large amounts of popcorn at once can cause bloating and discomfort. Avoid overeating by eating small portions throughout the day.
d) Remember to drink plenty of water. Drinking lots of water helps move food through your system, which is especially important after surgery. Drinking plenty of fluids also helps to reduce the risk of dehydration, a common side effect of gastric sleeve surgery.
e) Check with your doctor. Every individual’s body responds differently after gastric sleeve surgery. Therefore, you must consult your doctor before eating popcorn or other food post-surgery.
Contact West Texas Bariatrics for the best weight loss surgery in West Texas. We offer gastric sleeve surgery as a viable weight loss method.
