There is no evidence-based practice that shows using a straw will be harmful to you. There is a small amount of air at the top of the straw that might get sucked into your stomach each time you take a sip. Air in your stomach can cause some pain. That space would be better used for something nutritious instead of air, so we suggest not using a straw for at least the first 6 weeks post-surgery.

We advise against chewing gum for the first six weeks post-surgery. Gum is made from a rubber base that the body cannot digest. If swallowed, it will pass through your system naturally.

We recommend not drinking water or any thin liquids 15 minutes before and 30 minutes after meals. This helps keep food in your stomach longer, aiding in proper digestion and preventing issues like cramping and diarrhea. Additionally, avoiding liquids with meals helps you feel fuller for longer, reducing hunger.

Yes, of course. You want to make sure that they are not bigger than one-third the size of a dime. If they can be broken into, then that may be fine to do, but do not open capsules or break enteric coated pills unless directed to do so by your doctor.

You need to shower daily.

For soaking tub use (bath tub, hot tub) and swimming, wait until all your incisions are healed up and closed so bacteria does not get inside. Usually that will take 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery.

Move a little more slowly for the first 6 weeks post-surgery. Avoid hot showers, and if you are taking medications for blood pressure or that make you feel tired, be sure to check with your doctor at home because you may need to adjust the dose or stop them altogether. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water, because even slight dehydration can cause dizziness.

It is recommended to wait at least 7 days after surgery before driving. Pain medications and reduced caloric intake can impair your mental alertness, so it's safer to avoid driving during this period.

If you wore them before, or were instructed by your doctor at home to wear them, then follow the doctor’s instructions. For the sake of weight loss surgery, you should wear them until you are ambulatory and mobile and can avoid long periods of sitting or lying down.

Consult with your surgeon in Tijuana about when to restart your medications. It's crucial to have a plan, as you may not need to resume some medications after surgery.

Usually right after surgery the doctors want you to walk as much as possible. Little by little, you will gradually increase your level and duration of exercise. Walking or using a treadmill or stationary bike is fine for the first month post-surgery. Remember: no lifting, pushing, or pulling over 20 pounds for the first 6 weeks post-surgery.

The timeline for returning to work varies by job. Generally, you can return within 2 weeks, but physically demanding jobs (e.g., police officer, truck driver, construction worker) may require more time. Avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling over 20 pounds for the first 6 weeks post-surgery.

Usually we say to let your incisions breathe a bit, and waist trainers may make you feel uncomfortable, but you are typically permitted to wear a soft and stretchy abdominal binder.

We begin sending post-op emails when you arrive home after your surgery. Sometimes these get deleted or sent to your spam folder. If you find that these messages are getting caught in your spam or junk folders, add jodi@weightlossinmexico.com to your whitelist.

In order to help maintain muscle, lose fat, and promote proper healing, it is very important to include enough protein in your diet. Your body makes thirteen amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. However, there are nine “essential” amino acids that your body cannot produce, which you must obtain from food sources. It is important to eat “complete” foods, which are foods that contain enough “essential” amino acids. Be sure to eat plenty of lean protein foods, which are lower in calories and will help you maintain your weight loss.

Types of Protein

Whey

A dairy byproduct, whey contains enough essential amino acids to be a complete protein source. The whey isolates are believed to have a better absorption rate than the concentrates, but remember this will not be your only source of protein in your diet.

Whey Concentrate

Although there is some lactose in whey concentrate, most people can eat it without experiencing problems, even if they are lactose intolerant.

Whey Isolate

Whey isolate is also a good source of protein for people who are lactose intolerant, because it contains almost no lactose, which is a sugar naturally found in milk. Some patients develop lactose intolerance after bariatric surgery and begin to experience gas and bloating as a result of eating dairy. Whey isolate and lactose-free milk make excellent additions to your diet if lactose intolerance becomes a problem. These have higher concentrations of whey protein than whey concentrate does. If you can afford whey isolate and tolerate it, then this is a good choice for the first three to six months post-surgery. If you cannot tolerate this type of protein, then use a whey concentrate instead.

Soy Products

Soybeans are a quality protein source and contain protein similar in quality to the protein in meat. In general, products made from soy are a great way to incorporate protein into your diet. Also, soymilk is a good milk alternative for people who are lactose intolerant.

Plant-Based Protein Mixes

Plant-based protein mixes contain proteins made from plants, peas, hemp, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, soy, brown rice, and/or sunflower seeds. It is important to make sure that your choice of protein shake meets the doctor’s recommendations:

• Not more than 250 total calories

• At least 15 grams of protein

• Carbohydrates should not be more than ½ the number of grams of protein

Keep in mind that there are literally 100’s of brands of protein shakes available, so you have to read the labels to make sure they meet the above requirements.

Plant-Based Vega: 160 calories, 20 grams of protein, 10 grams of carbs

Superfood Protein Meal: 90 calories, 13 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbs

Atkins: 160 calories, 15 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbs

GNC Lean Shakes: 170 calories, 25 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbs

Premier Protein Shakes: 160 calories, 30 grams of protein, 5 grams of carbs

Orgain Clean Protein Shakes: 140 calories, 20 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs

Muscle Milk: 160 calories, 25 grams of protein, 7 grams of carbs (non-dairy version available)

Ensure Max: 150 calories, 30 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbs

Iconic Protein Shake: 130 calories, 20 grams of protein, 8 grams of carbs

Pure Protein Shake: 170 calories, 35 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs

Slim Fast: 180 calories, 20 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbs

310 Protein Shake mix: 90 calories, 15 grams of protein, 7 grams of carbs

Protein Infused Waters

Premier Protein Clear: 90 calories, 20 grams of protein, 0 grams of carbs

Protein H20: 60 calories, 10 grams of protein, 5 grams of carbs

Isopure Protein Water: 80 calories, 20 grams of protein, 0 grams of carbs (bottle)

Isopure Infusions: 90 calories, 20 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbs (dry mix)

Ready Protein Water: 70 calories, 15 grams of protein, 1 gram of carbs

Trimino Protein Infused Waters: 28 calories, 7 grams of protein, 0 grams of carbs