Places to Eat in Puerto Vallarta After Bariatric Surgery
If you are considering bariatric surgery in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta stands out as an exceptional choice. This stunning Pacific Coastal city offers not only top-notch medical care but also a beautiful setting for your weight loss journey. You won’t regret choosing Puerto Vallarta for your surgery, thanks to its unique blend of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and medical excellence.
Puerto Vallarta is a paradise for visitors, renowned as one of the most popular vacation destinations in Mexico. The city boasts incredible weather, pristine beaches, lush jungles, and a vibrant cultural history. With breathtaking sunsets and a variety of tours from the jungle to the sea and the mountains, Puerto Vallarta offers a relaxing yet adventurous experience for the whole family. From visiting the Magical Village of San Sebastián to taking a boat tour to Los Arcos or exploring the jungle where the movie “Predator” was filmed, there’s something for everyone.
In addition to its natural beauty, Puerto Vallarta is home to Hidalgo Bariatrics, where Dr. Hidalgo leads one of the foremost bariatric surgical teams in Mexico. A key concern for many patients is finding places to eat after their bariatric surgery, and in Puerto Vallarta, there are plenty of excellent options to explore.
The Importance of Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery is a significant decision, requiring careful consideration of the type of surgery and location. The pressures from family and friends can add to the stress, but once the decision is made, patients can look forward to improvements in obesity-related health conditions and self-esteem. It’s essential to remember that weight loss surgeries are tools for success. Achieving and maintaining weight loss depends on adhering to the dietary, exercise, and lifestyle changes recommended by your surgeon.
The post-operative diet provided by your bariatric specialist is crucial for adjusting to lifelong dietary changes, ensuring adequate nutrition, and supporting long-term weight loss success.
Long-Term Success and Commitment
For long-term success, patients must commit to changing their lifestyle. This includes adopting a physical activity routine, maintaining a healthy diet, and following post-surgery instructions. Weight loss surgery is a powerful tool, but it’s not a magical solution. It requires dedication to new habits and a positive attitude toward the weight loss journey.
Dr. Hidalgo’s Recommended Post-Op Diet
At Hidalgo Bariatrics in Puerto Vallarta, Dr. Hidalgo recommends the following post-op diet:
Daily: Consume 3 protein shakes.
Stage 1: Clear Liquid Diet (Day 1-3)
Stage 2: Full Liquid Diet (Day 3 – Day 17): Low-fat, high-protein, sugar-free.
Stage 3: Pureed Diet (Day 17 – Day 30): Low-fat, high-protein, sugar-free.
Stage 4: Soft/Regular Diet (4 weeks post-operative)
After completing the post-op diet stages, aim to consume 90 grams of protein, 30 grams or less of carbs, and 10 grams or less of sugar daily. It’s important to avoid the mistake of eating anything you like once you’re allowed solid foods after day 30.
Foods to Avoid After Weight Loss Surgery
Due to the limited space in your new stomach, it’s crucial to prioritize nutrient-rich foods:
Focus on Protein: Make 60-70% of your plate a protein source, with the remainder being healthy carbohydrates like green vegetables or salad. Avoid empty-calorie foods such as sweets, chips, rice cakes, and pastries, which can lead to “Dumping Syndrome” — a condition causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Avoid Hard-to-Digest Vegetables: Steer clear of celery, corn, cabbage, and asparagus immediately post-surgery. Instead, choose soft vegetables without skins or cook them until tender.
Limit Alcohol and Sugary Drinks: Alcohol takes up valuable stomach space and increases absorption rates post-surgery. It also contributes to excessive calorie intake. Avoid sugary drinks, especially sodas, and refrain from consuming beverages 30 minutes before and after meals.
Steer Clear of Fatty Foods: Consuming fatty foods can lead to nausea and hinder weight loss. Focus on lean proteins like baked or minced chicken, turkey, and fish, avoiding fatty cuts of meat, pork chops, and processed meats like hot dogs and ham.
Dining in Puerto Vallarta After Surgery
Depending on your diet stage, there are many wonderful places in Puerto Vallarta to enjoy a meal:
- The Old Town Vallarta Malecon Boardwalk
- The Marina Vallarta
- La Isla Mall
- La Cruz
- Nuevo Vallarta
- Bucerias
Dining options in the Puerto Vallarta and Bahia de Banderas area range from rustic charm to fine dining, catering to weight loss patients and their families. With an understanding of what you can and cannot eat, you can enjoy the culinary delights this paradise has to offer.
Recommended Dining Spots
Fiesta Inn Hotel: This hotel offers a weight loss menu specifically designed for surgery patients. Simply ask for it upon arrival.
La Garrafa Gelato: Located inside La Isla shopping center, this store offers sugar-free, water-based gelato.
Vaca Argentina: Situated across the street from the plaza, it features “Jugo de Carne,” a steak broth perfect for post-surgery recovery.
Campomar: Next to Vaca Argentina, Campomar offers a delicious shrimp broth. Be sure to order it without shrimp and toppings to enjoy just the broth.
Puerto Vallarta offers numerous other dining options, many within walking distance of the Fiesta Inn hotel, where many weight loss surgery patients stay during their recovery. Stay Active and Enjoy Wellness in Puerto Vallarta As one of Mexico’s premier beach destinations, Puerto Vallarta provides a wide array of options to maintain your fitness routine and healthy diet after surgery.
You’ll find it easy to stick to the guidelines provided by your personal trainer and dietitian. In addition to fitness, Puerto Vallarta offers numerous spas where you can indulge in healing and beauty treatments.
Be sure to check out our directory of spas and wellness centers in the area to schedule a day dedicated to pampering your body and mind. If you enjoy spending time outdoors and connecting with nature, Puerto Vallarta is the perfect place to get active.
You can explore hiking trails leading into the mountains, breathe in the fresh air of tropical forests, and discover creeks and waterfalls. Biking along charming streets or on the beach provides a high-impact workout while practicing yoga by the ocean or at a local studio offers a chance to perfect your asanas and meditate.
Many studios offer various classes such as Vinyasa, Hatha, Morning Yoga, meditation, and even yoga teacher training.
See if you Qualify for Bariatric Surgery
Ready to transform your life in paradise? Contact Hidalgo Bariatrics today for a free consultation and begin your journey to a healthier, happier you!