Bariatric patients will be on an all-liquid diet for Phase 1 of their diet, post-surgery. However, once solid foods are introduced, individuals will be able to incorporate most of the foods that provide omega-3 fats, including:
- Fish: Anchovies, bluefish, herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, sturgeon, lake trout, and tuna.
- Nuts and seeds: Walnuts, flaxseed and flaxseed oil, canola oil, and soybean oil.
Some fish have been reported to carry high levels of mercury and other toxins, including mackerel, wild swordfish, tilefish, and shark. You may wish to eat these less frequently than others, like wild salmon, which boasts high levels of omega-3s and low-to-no toxicity.
For patients who are in the early stages of their bariatric diet or for those who do not
eat fish, supplements may assist. There are many omega-3-providing
capsules available on the market today.Patients who choose to consume their omega-3s infood must keep in mind that small portion sizes provide just enough.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found infatty foodsthat must be limited on a bariatric diet. Do make sure you know where your fish oils have come from, and make sure it is high in DHA EPA not just any old supp from the supermarket will cut it.Ask at the health food shop or your practitioner.
