Spicy Food After Bariatric Surgery: What Patients Should Know
Our network of weight loss specialists are leading bariatric experts based in Tijuana. Their high-quality care at a state-of-the-art facility has drawn many patients from across the border, knowing that they can save on the cost of a bariatric surgery procedure without any compromises with regard to safety and effectiveness.
Part of what makes us so trusted is our focus on life after bariatric surgery, such as diet and exercise needs. With that in mind, we want to look at spicy foods and how they may (or may not) affect your body after undergoing a weight loss surgery procedure.
Weight Loss Surgery Means a Number of Dietary Changes
We've stressed this countless times on this blog, but it's important to emphasize this point. When you undergo bariatric surgery, you will have to change your diet.
In the early stages of recovery, these dietary changes are meant to help you receive nourishment and return to solid foods as your stomach heals from the surgical procedure. Once you're fully able to eat solids again, you'll note certain restrictions in your diet to prevent painful conditions, such as indigestion, dumping syndrome, heartburn, and so forth.
Can I Eat Spicy Foods After Bariatric Surgery?
In general, the answer is no. Or more precisely, it's a good idea to limit your intake of spicy foods, especially in the first few months of healing.
Potential Problems Caused by Spicy Foods
A number of patients who eat spicy foods such as hot sauces, curries, and jalapenos complain of irritation and discomfort. The reason for this is the way that spicy foods and sauces affect the healing incision sites of the stomach and intestine. This can be quite uncomfortable, and it's your body telling you that spicy foods are something you should avoid as part of life after surgery.
Everyone Is Different, But Take Things Conservatively
After healing for several months, irritation from spicy food typically goes down. That said, don't rush things when it comes to your diet and your digestive health. While you may miss the flavor and tingle of your favorite spicy foods, your lasting wellness might depend on the way you manage these cravings.
Take things slowly as you continue to recover. Pay attention to your body and its needs, and be sure to treat yourself right as you move forward in life.
Consider Mild Instead of Spicy to Start
As you are testing your threshold for spicy foods, start with something that is mildly spicy to see how your body tolerates it. Savor your food, and savor the subtle spice as well. If you're able to tolerate mild sauces, try to slowly ease into spicier foods.
Some patients find that they can handle mild to somewhat spicy foods once a week, other patients may find that they can no longer handle spicy foods given the way their stomach reacts. Still others find that they are able to eat spicy food without any major issues.
Again, take this at your own pace, and never try to push yourself to eat something that disagrees with you.
Contact Tijuana Bariatrics
To learn more about diet do's and don'ts after bariatric surgery and how our team can help you with your various health and wellness needs, be sure to contact our weight loss surgery center today. Our weight loss surgery team will work closely with you to ensure optimal health and wellness.
