There are several types of weight loss surgery, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, known as lap band surgery. All three surgeries have the same objective: to help you lose weight by reducing the amount of food that you can consume at one time.

Is the first thing you do each morning eat breakfast? If you've had bariatric surgery, you may wonder how to best space out your meals each day. Caitlin McCullough, RD, LD, clinical dietitian with the Lake Health Bariatric Surgery Center, discusses if it's best to eat breakfast right away or wait awhile: 

Eating out at restaurants with friends and family is a popular way to socialize and enjoy the company of others. The good news is you can still find dishes at most restaurants that fit with your post-surgery diet! Caitlin McCullough, RD, LD, clinical dietitian with the Lake Health Bariatric Surgery Center, gives her top tips for ordering at restaurants after weight-loss surgery:

A common question from people considering weight loss surgery is what foods they can and cannot eat after surgery. Caitlin McCullough, RD, LD, clinical dietitian with the Lake Health Bariatric Surgery Center, describes what a typical diet includes (and excludes) after bariatric surgery. 

When it comes to weight loss, it all boils down to calories in vs. calories out. Calories are a scientific measure of the energy in food. Our bodies need a constant supply of energy (calories) to do everything from physical activity to carrying out basic vital functions like breathing and digesting food. Caitlin McCullough, RD, LD, clinical dietitian with the Lake Health Bariatric Surgery Center, explains how calorie counting could help promote weight loss: 

The last thing most people want to do at the end of a busy work day is prepare dinner. According to the USDA, Americans in 2014 spent an average of 37 minutes a day preparing food and cleaning up. That’s over 4 hours a week! Why is meal planning so important?

Caitlin McCullough, RD, LD, clinical dietitian with the Lake Health Bariatric Surgery Center, explains: 

Have you ever heard your stomach growl, gurgle or rumble? A common misconception is that a growling stomach means you're hungry, but this is usually not the case.

Whether or not you've had weight-loss surgery, you should always be eating healthy, balanced and whole foods. Here's a day's worth of recipe ideas to enjoy the flavors of fall. 

Abdominal pain is a common complaint after any surgery, including weight loss surgery. Initially, this is often caused by the abdominal incisions from your surgery. This pain should be temporary and lessen over the first six weeks after surgery. Farther out from surgery, you may experience abdominal pain for a number of reasons: 

Myth: I should look for foods with “protein” on the packaging because it is probably better for me.