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.

Gum is made from a rubber base, and we humans do not metabolize or digest rubber. We suggest no chewing gum for the first six weeks post-surgery. If you accidentally swallow a piece of gum, it will pass through your system the natural way.

Our recommendation is to not drink water or any thin liquid 15 minutes before meals and 30 minutes after meals. Think of your protein shakes as food for the first 6 weeks post-surgery. The whole point is to leave the foods, soups, and shakes in your stomach longer and metabolize normally. If you drink with your meals, you will basically “flush” the food through the stomach quicker, and this may create an issue with cramping and diarrhea. By not drinking with meals, you will feel fuller longer too, so it helps with 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.

We suggest waiting 2 weeks post-surgery to drive. Certain medications for pain and reduced caloric intake can affect your mentation, so it is best to take precautions and not drive for a couple weeks after surgery.

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.

Make sure to discuss this with the surgeon while you are in Tijuana. It is very important to have a plan, because you may not need to restart certain 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.

It depends on your specific job, but usually you can return to work within 2 weeks. Some jobs that are more physically demanding (e.g. police officer, truck driver, construction worker, etc.) may require a longer time away. Remember: no 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