Weight loss surgery patients are learning that including low-glycemic fruits and vegetables in their high-protein diet is an effective way to introduce nutrients and flavor to meals without the negative consequences associated with other high-carbohydrate foods. Understanding the GI (glycemic index) is the first step in adding nutrients, variety, and flavor from vegetables and fruits to the sometimes restrictive diet associated with bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass, gastric banding, and gastric sleeve.

A concern of weight loss patients is that a very small amount of high-sugar (high-glycemic) fruits or vegetables eaten without protein or fat can cause those with malabsorption problems to respond immediately to glucose, sometimes called dumping syndrome or rapid gastric emptying. Grapes are a good example of a so-called “healthy” fruit that can cause problems for patients undergoing weight loss surgery. The grapes have a GI value of 53, which classifies them as a “LOW” GI value. That means they have a low impact on glucose levels. One cup is considered a serving size. At first glance, this would make them a suitable fruit for gastric surgery patients, but frontline research tells a different story: Grapes are beautiful fruits from the gods just waiting to slip into our little pouches and transform from one to another. healthy fruit snack to a spiteful little slider meal and pour over mess.

Here’s what happens: We rightly believe that grapes are good for us and low in calories, so we don’t measure portion sizes. We enjoy each grape, one by one, which is mostly water and fructose, in unmeasured portions as a snack, so there is no buffer to slow the absorption of fructose through the esophagus or intestinal pouch walls. We can eat a lot of grapes because as quickly as we enjoy them they slip right through the stoma. Even with the surgical stomach bag when eating grapes we never reach satiety. Not realizing the dramatic glucose load this puts on our body, we continue to enjoy our healthy snack when suddenly the door slams and we’re distraught over glucose overload: dumping. This can happen with any gastric surgery patient who is on a lean protein diet and has developed a low tolerance to glucose spikes.

So the short answer, although low glycemic, grapes are a fruit to be enjoyed with caution. As a snack I suggest controlled portions, no more than one cup in a single serving. Make your grape snack a mini-meal and include a one-ounce serving of lean meat and a one-ounce serving of low-fat cheese.

Consider grapes an “ingredient” food, not just a snack. Here’s a classic southern-style chicken salad that makes wonderful use of grapes in the main course. The high protein content in the recipe will prevent a glucose overload from the grapes.

Classic Southern Chicken Salad

Dressing room:

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

3/4 cup miracle whip light

1 teaspoon sodium-free seasoning mix

Salt and pepper to taste

Salad:

2 1/2 cups cooked chicken, chopped and cooled

1 cup celery, chopped

1 cup seedless green grapes, sliced

1/2 cup sliced ​​almonds, lightly toasted

4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Bibb lettuce, leaves separated into six cups, one per serving

For the dressing: In a medium bowl, with a whisk, beat the whipped cream until fluffy. Add Miracle Whip Light, seasoning mix, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together the cooked minced chicken, chopped celery, and sliced ​​grapes. Add dressing and mix gently until combined. Chill until serving, it can be prepared for this stage a day before. When ready to serve, divide the chicken mixture evenly among the lettuce cups, garnish with sliced ​​toasted almonds and chopped fresh parsley. Serve cold.

Serves 6. Per serving: 363 Calories; 27g of protein; 24 g fat (5 g saturated); 11 g of carbohydrates; 2g of fiber; Rich in vitamin B12 and niacin.