ACSM Summit – Las Vegas 2013
Gastric Bypass Athlete: An Emerging Clientele
Nancy Clark MS RD CSSD
http://www.nancyclarkrd.com
Sports Nutrition Services, Boston, MAI. Goals of session
A. Increase awareness of the growing population of gastric bypass athletes who
- Aspire to be marathoners, triathletes, and century bike riders
- Become compulsive exercisers (walkers, “gym rats”)
B. Address sports nutrition concerns of the gastric bypass athlete
- Help these novice athletes reach their athletic goals
- Keep these athletes safe and out of the medical tents!
II. Background: About 6% of GB patients become “highly active”
III. Standard nutrition advice for GB patients:
A. Target 1,200-1,600 kcal/day in many small meals and snacks
B. Eat slowly (30 minutes per meal)
C. Do not drink when eating or for 30-60 minutes after eating
D. Avoid concentrated sweets (to avoid dumping syndrome)
E. Sip 8-12 oz. fluid each waking hour (~12 cups/day)
F. Target 60 to 80 grams of protein per day
G. Take vitamin and mineral supplements
IV. GB athletes confront many challenges:
A. Standard challenges of a very low calorie diet:
- Fatigue, feel cold, mood changes, dry skin, hair loss
B. Additional challenges for bypass athletes:
a. Intolerance to certain foods (sugar/refined carbs)
- Dehydration
- Hypoglycemia
- Vitamin and mineral deficiency (iron, calcium)
- Biggest challenge: Dumping syndrome
V. GB athletes want to know:
A. What should I weigh?
- Hard to determine an appropriate weight
a. Distorted body image