The Good and the Bad Food

Despite many diets leading you to believe otherwise, there are no “good” or “bad” foods. This is why weight-loss surgery is not the next diet. Yet a balanced diet with quality foods like proteins, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats is always the advice to maintain your health. Not surprisingly, French fries are not the healthiest nutrition. But if you follow a wholesome diet generally, there is no harm in eating them occasionally. That said, WLS has changed your body, so you need to keep a few things in mind.

The Challenges of WLS

After WLS, your digestive system works differently. This means that food is absorbed differently, but also the risk of food entering the intestine too quickly and into too large pieces. This can create discomfort, better known as early dumping. In addition, consuming fat and too many carbohydrates can lead to late dumping. Here you can read more about dumping. Another possibility is that you may not tolerate certain foods, leading to nausea or diarrhea.

The bottom line? We won't encourage you to eat French fries after WLS, but we understand if you want to from time to time. When eating chips, think of the following guidlines.

Guidelines for Eating French Fries after a Gastric Bypass or Other Type of WLS

• Don't eat fried foods too often and stick to a healthy diet
• Each body reacts differently to food. So be careful and experiment with what works for you
• Eat only small portions - it helps to eat from a smaller plate
• Eat without distraction. Eat slowly and take small bites to notice when you are full
• Opt for healthier French fries alternatives, see below.

Choose an Alternative Preparation

Chips are usually prepared deep-fried in restaurants and takeaway places. A healthier option is to make them yourself at home. Instead of using a deep fryer, go for an air fryer. By doing so, you use less oil and thus less fat. Baking or grilling fries in the oven is another healthier alternative. Similarly, don't forget the sauces! Try homemade yoghurt-based mayonnaise or opt for curry and sugar-free ketchup.

Go for Healthier Variations of French Fries

Even better, swap traditional fries for healthier varieties. Best part? They taste great, so you're not missing out on the good stuff. So how about sweet potato fries, or veggie fries made from celery, parsnip, carrot, or pumpkin? They are easy to make. Wash the vegetables and cut them into strips. Spread them on baking paper in a baking dish and drizzle with a little olive oil. Sprinkle with a little salt, garlic powder, and spices such as cumin or paprika powder. Roast them for 35 minutes in a heated 200-degree oven. Give them a good shake halfway through and your delicious, healthy vegetable chips are ready!