After bariatric surgery, it is important to avoid sugary drinks. This is because these can cause dumping problems. Moreover, they contain ‘empty’ calories, which can affect weight loss.
The infographic lists the amount of sugar in different drinks.
Is it better to drink fruit juice instead of soft drinks?
Fresh fruit contains fibre that slows the absorption of sugars. As a result, blood sugar levels rise more slowly. When we drink fruit juice, these fibres are missing. As a result, sugars are absorbed faster and can cause a faster blood sugar spike. The sugar content in fruit juice is similar to that of soft drinks.
Is fresh-squeezed fruit juice better than the ready-made fruit juice from the supermarket?
Even freshly squeezed fruit juices, with no added sugars, contain a high sugar content. These sugars come from the natural sugar in fruit. Although these are natural, they are still processed in our bodies in the same way as added sugars. This also includes smoothies.
To sum up:
Sugary drinks are best avoided as much as possible after bariatric surgery. This includes soft drinks, sugared milk drinks as well as (fresh) fruit juices. Water, of course, remains the best thirst quencher. Flavoured water (without added sugars), home-made (iced) tea without additives, etc. can be used as an alternative.
Source: Vlaams Instituut Gezond Leven
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