Is "Clean Eating" Actually Risky After Weight Loss Surgery?
I recently read an article by Dr. Huffman, a well-known bariatric physician, and also an occasional contributor here on American Bariatrics. He talked about why the popular "Clean Eating" diet, which is all about raw, unprocessed foods, can actually be a problem for people who have had gastric bypass or sleeve surgery. After looking it over, I agree with almost everything he says, but I do see things that are likely to not be completely accurate for All bariatric patients.
Here is a breakdown of the main points, what I agree with, and a few things we might look at differently.
Processed Protein
Most "clean" diets say "Don't eat anything from a package!" But Dr. Huffman explains why that doesn't work for bariatric patients:
"To prevent hair loss and keep your muscles strong, you need about 60 to 80 grams of protein every single day. In the beginning, it is almost impossible to get that much protein just from eating whole foods. You have to rely on protein shakes, powders, and bars..."
He is 100% right. If you try to get 80g of protein just by chewing plain chicken breast right after surgery, you’re going to have a hard time. Those "processed" shakes are what keep you healthy and keep your hair from thinning. Don't feel guilty for using them!
Natural Sugar
Clean eating fans love honey and maple syrup because they come from nature. But Dr. Huffman gives a serious warning for post-op patients:
"But for a bariatric patient, real sugar can trigger Dumping Syndrome. This is a scary physical reaction that causes sweating, dizziness, a racing heart, and diarrhea."
"Natural" sugar makes you just as sick as a candy bar would, plus they are still packed with crazy high amounts of sugar per content size. Dr. Huffman is totally right, stick to the low sugar or sugar-free options, regardless of where the sugar comes from. Your heart rate (and your bathroom) will thank you.
Vitamin Myth
A big part of clean eating is the idea that you can get all your vitamins from food. Dr. Huffman says that’s also not true for us:
"For a gastric bypass or gastric sleeve patient, that is medically impossible. You must rely on daily, manufactured vitamin pills to stay healthy."
Our bodies literally can't absorb enough nutrients from regular food amounts anymore. You need those bariatric vitamins. It’s not optional! Further out from surgery, you can target certain vitamin deficiencies that you have by eating specific foods for that deficiency. But overall, you'll need some supplements.
A Few More Minor Disagreements?
Dr. Huffman is the expert, but as patients get further out from surgery, there might be a little room for adjustment:
- Raw Veggies: He says raw veggies like celery can cause blockages. This is totally true early on! However, once you are a year or two out, some people can handle tiny amounts of raw cucumber or a small salad if they chew it perfectly.
- The Stress Factor: He mentions that having too many rules is stressful. This is true for most! But if someone really loves the "Clean" style and finds a way to mix it with their shakes, it might work for them individually.
Dr. Huffman’s main point is that medical safety comes first. Don't try to be a "perfect" clean eater and end up getting sick. Use your shakes, take your vitamins, and keep your sugar low regardless of where it comes from!
What do you think? Are you trying to eat "clean," or are you sticking to the bariatric basics?
