Why Fibre Matters After Bariatric Surgery

Why Fibre Matters After Bariatric Surgery

If you’ve had bariatric surgery, you probably already know how important protein, vitamins, and minerals are for your recovery and long-term health. But there’s another key player that’s often overlooked - fibre.

What is Fibre?

Fibre is the component of plant foods (such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds) that your body can’t fully digest. Instead of being broken down and absorbed like other nutrients, fibre passes through your digestive system, helping to keep things moving, feeding the good bacteria in your gut, and supporting many other essential processes.

There are two main types of fibre, and both play different roles in your health:

• Soluble fibre dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance during digestion. This slows the emptying of your stomach and the absorption of nutrients, helping to stabilise blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, keep you feeling fuller for longer, and supporting weight maintenance. 

• Insoluble fibre does not dissolve in water. Instead, it acts like a broom in your digestive system, adding bulk to stool and helping normalise bowel movements. This is especially helpful for preventing constipation after surgery.

Most people need a combination of both. Unfortunately, many people (including those who have had bariatric surgery) don’t get enough of either.

Fibre isn’t just useful for keeping your digestion regular (although that’s a key benefit). It also plays a role in supporting gut health, blood sugar control, satiety (fullness), and even long-term weight maintenance - all of which are particularly important after bariatric surgery.

Read on to explore some of the key benefits of fibre, how much you need in a day, and an easy strategy to increase your fibre intake. 

1. Keeps Your Gut Moving

Constipation is one of the most common complaints after bariatric surgery, particularly in the early stages. This can be impacted by reduced food volume, lower fibre intake, challenges with getting enough fluids, and changes in gut motility.
Insoluble fibre helps add bulk to stool, while soluble fibre absorbs water and softens it - both working together to support regular, comfortable bowel movements. 

2. Supports a Healthy Gut Microbiome

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that play a big role in your immune system, metabolism, and even mood. Fibre acts as food for these good bacteria, helping them thrive and support a healthy gut environment. 

3. Helps Stabilise Blood Sugars

By slowing the absorption of glucose (sugar) into your bloodstream, soluble fibre can help reduce spikes and crashes in blood sugars. This is particularly helpful if you’re prone to dumping syndrome or reactive hypoglycaemia after surgery. Additionally, more stable blood sugars = better energy, fewer cravings and improved focus. 

4. Keeps You Feeling Fuller for Longer

Soluble fibre absorbs water to form a gel in your digestive tract, slowing digestion and promoting satiety. This can make it easier to manage hunger between meals and avoid overeating, which can be a helpful tool for long-term weight management. 

5. May Lower Cholesterol and Support Heart Health  

Beyond digestion, regular and adequate soluble fibre intake has been shown to help improve cholesterol levels, more specifically lowering LDL cholesterol, and contributing to a lower cardiovascular disease risk. 

The Challenge: Getting Enough Fibre

Getting enough fibre can be difficult when your portion sizes are small. The general fibre recommendation for adults is 25–30g per day, but many bariatric patients fall short of this - even years after surgery.

You can boost fibre naturally with:

• Fresh or frozen fruits

• Vegetables

• Chia seeds or flaxseed

• Oats and whole grains 

But sometimes, even with careful planning, you might still not meet your target.

An Easy Addition 

To make it easy to increase your fibre intake outside of meals, Tric created a Soluble Fibre Supplement that can be added to drinks. 

Tric Soluble Fibre is specifically designed to be easy on your stomach and simple to use:

• Dissolves easily in water or add to yogurt or porridge for breakfast 

• Tasteless - can be added to smoothies, protein shakes, or even cooking

• Gentle on the gut - suitable for most people even early after surgery

• Gluten-free (made from corn) 

It’s a simple and effective way to boost soluble fibre intake without overfilling your pouch or causing discomfort. Start slowly and gradually increase as needed. 

Want to Give Your Gut Some Extra Love? 

Combine Soluble Fibre with Collagen, both working together to support gut health. On special this month at Tric.