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: 

Your digestive system’s job is to absorb nutrients and get rid of waste. But if your system isn’t working properly, you could experience abdominal pain, gas, bloating, cramps, and even diarrhea or constipation. Some simple fixes to your diet can help you get back on track, according to Lake Health naturopathic provider Jacob Wolf, ND, LAc, Dipl OM:

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:

Constipation is common throughout childhood. Dr. Simone Majetich, a family physician with Lake Health Physician Group SOM Center Primary Care, explains why it happens and how to solve this common issue: 

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: 

Blood pressure is considered normal or healthy when it’s below 120/80, according to the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Both organizations now define high blood pressure as anything over 130/80, down from 140/90.

Why is it important to keep track of your blood pressure? Neelima Rao, MD, explains: 

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

It might be time to upgrade your game-day offerings and go beyond potato chips and fruit chews. So if you're next on snack duty for your child's sports team, don't sweat it!  Melinda Wivell, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian at Lake Health, shares her short list for healthier, shareable snacks that can fuel your young athlete: