Weight loss surgery is a powerful tool, but long-term success depends on what happens after the procedure. Many people assume that bariatric surgery alone will keep the weight off, but the truth is that nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining results, preventing complications, and helping you reach your health and weight goals.

As bariatric dietitians, we have seen firsthand the common nutrition culprits that can slow progress - or worse, stall weight loss entirely following a gastric sleeve or bypass. The good news? With the right knowledge and guidance, these culprits are all fixable.

ONE: NOT EATING ENOUGH (OR OVERDOING) PROTEIN

Protein is the foundation of a bariatric nutrition journey, helping to maintain muscle mass, prevent hair loss, and keep you satisfied longer. However, some people struggle to eat enough, while others become so focused on protein that they exceed their needs (and a heads-up—this offers little to no benefit, just extra calories... eek!).

How a Bariatric Dietitian Can Help: We guide you on exactly how much protein you need, the best sources to include, and practical tips to improve tolerance. Plus, we teach you how to balance protein with other essential nutrients, including fiber, healthy fats, and carbs (yes, bariatric patients can and should include carbs—we’ll show you how to make them work for you!).

TWO: DRINKING TOO CLOSE TO MEALS

Hydration is essential after surgery, but drinking too close to meals can flush food through your sleeve or pouch too quickly. This can lead to discomfort, increased hunger, and a higher risk of overeating, impacting your ability to lose weight.

How a Bariatric Dietitian Can Help: We help you structure a routine that balances food and fluid intake, ensuring you stay hydrated while meeting your nutrition goals. More than just telling you what to do, we help you understand why these changes matter, so you feel confident making choices that work for you long-term.

THREE: OVERDOING SLIDER FOODS (AND NEVER FEELING SATISFIED)

Slider foods are processed, soft, or crunchy foods that are low in nutritional value and high in carbohydrates, fat, or sugar. Because they are easy to chew, easy to swallow, and move quickly through your digestive system, these foods don’t sit in your pouch or sleeve long enough to trigger that feeling of fullness. This means you can keep eating, even after you should be satisfied.

How a Bariatric Dietitian Can Help: We teach you how all foods can fit after bariatric surgery—including these indulgent sliders! With some clever portioning and pairing, even treats can be part of a balanced, satisfying diet. We don’t dictate rigid rules, our approach is solution-focused, helping you find what works best for your lifestyle.

FOUR: EATING TOO QUICKLY, OR TOO SLOWLY

Eating too fast can lead to discomfort, nausea, or false fullness, making it harder to recognise when you are satisfied. On the other hand, eating too slowly can turn your sleeve or pouch into a “leaking bucket,” allowing you to eat larger portions over time, a classic loophole to avoid!

How a Bariatric Dietitian Can Help: We teach you the “sweet spot” for meal timing and provide practical strategies to help slow down (or avoid eating for too long). This ensures you stay satisfied, comfortable, and on track with your goals.

FIVE: EATING TOO LITTLE (AND THEN OVEREATING LATER)

Many bariatric patients under-eat during the day due to previous dieting habits, limited capacity, or simply being busy. But this can lead to hunger, cravings, and rebound eating later in the day.

How a Bariatric Dietitian Can Help: We help you structure meals and snacks to prevent the cycle of under-eating and overcompensating.

SIX: FEELING LIKE YOU HAVE TO FIGURE IT OUT ALONE

Bariatric nutrition is complex and different from standard healthy eating advice. Many people feel overwhelmed trying to piece together information from various sources, unsure of what applies to them and how to put all the theory into practice.

How a Bariatric Dietitian Can Help: Instead of second-guessing every food choice, working with a bariatric dietitian gives you clear, reliable advice tailored to your needs - so you can feel confident in your nutrition.

WANT EXPERT SUPPORT WITHOUT THE BARRIERS OF ONE-ON-ONE APPOINTMENTS?

Traditional dietitian nutritionist appointments can be expensive, time-consuming, and require waiting weeks for answers. That’s why we created Elevate, our signature online, weight loss surgery nutrition coaching program.

Inside Elevate you will get:

✔️ Daily Q&A Support – Ask questions anytime in our members only Facebook support group and get direct answers from experienced bariatric dietitians who genuinely care about your success.

✔️ The Learning Vault – Packed with the exact tools, resources, and meal plans we use with our 1:1 patients to help you master your bariatric lifestyle changes.

✔️ Live Coaching Calls and Masterclasses – Small-group sessions and deep dive Masterclasses with Sally and Justine, your bariatric nutrition coaches, in real time.

If you have ever wished you had expert bariatric dietitian support at your fingertips, Elevate is here to help!

Register your interest here to be first to know when doors open. There's no obligation, just a chance to see if it feels like the right fit for you.