How Best to Fit Greek Yogurt in Your WLS Diet *Video*

If you are preparing to have a weight loss surgery or you are a postop Bypass, Sleeve or Band patient, you’ve probably heard all the commotion about Greek Yogurt. This food has a ton of great uses, but when is it helping your weight loss and when is it getting in the way?

Greek Yogurt certainly has it’s place in the weight-loss journey, but check out this video to make sure it’s fitting correctly into YOUR weight loss journey.

Video Transcript:

How to Use Greek Yogurt in the Bariatric Diet

Hi, I’m Steph Wagner, Bariatric Dietitian on FoodCoach.Me. Whether you are a preop or postop bariatric surgery patient, you’ve probably tried Greek yogurt by now. That is, unless you hate yogurt…but why would you be watching this video if you did?? For the rest of you, let’s talk about how best to use Greek yogurt in your pre or postop diet.

It’s true Greek yogurt is higher in protein than traditional yogurt which also makes it a thicker texture, great after surgery. You may have noticed that not all Greek yogurts are created equal and some of these little guys still pack in a good amount of sugar.

My first tip for Greek yogurts is to make sure the protein and the carbs are equally matched and even better if the protein is higher. These are Yoplaits Greek 100 cups. They have 13 grams of protein and 11 grams of total carbohydrates. Perfect.

If you are a PREop patient, you can use greek yogurt as a breakfast or a snack. Mid morning, afternoon or evening time the right Greek yogurt is a great option for you.

If you are a postop sleeve or bypass patient, Greek yogurt may or may not be a good option for you. The big question is how long does it stay with you?? The texture is thicker than a light yogurt so it will stay with you longer than traditional yogurt BUT this is still a pretty soft textured food. This is where the personal approach needs to come in. For some, having a greek yogurt for breakfast is just fine and takes them through to lunch with no problem. They have no issues with hunger in between meals. For others, this may not be the case. You may find yourself pretty hungry an hour before lunch or feel hungrier throughout the day in general compared to when you have eggs and turkey sausage for breakfast. For you, Greek yogurt may not be a good choice. In general most Gastric Band patients need to avoid Greek yogurts as they are more of a slider food and don’t stay in the band pouch very long leaving you without the restriction you need.

Although!! There is one other great use for Greek yogurt and that’s if you’re craving sweets. Especially as we move into summer months, we all tend to think of cold treats and sweet eats. If having a 100 calorie Greek yogurt in the evening keeps your from naughtier choices, than by all means…keep them in the house :)

My favorite flavors have been Boston Creme Pie and Coconut. How about you?

Thanks for watching. I’m Steph Wagner and remember to make every bite worth it!