Nutritional deficiency is a serious concern for people who have undergone gastric bypass or lap-band weight loss surgery. Most patients are instructed to supplement their low-calorie diet with vitamin and mineral supplements. In addition, patients can make informed food choices to boost their nurtrient intake while respecting the restrictions of weight loss surgery.

Two foods patients should include in their diet are bananas and walnuts. Here's why:

Bananas are rich in potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining heart function and blood pressure.

Bananas help activate the stomach lining cells protecting against ulcers and acting as an antacid.

Bananas are effective in normalizing movement through the digestive tract and ease constipation.

Bananas contain a compound that nourishes the friendly bacteria in the colon and helps the body absorb calcium

Bananas are available year round at low cost.

Nutrition per 1 medium banana: Calories: 108 Protein: 1.3 grams Carbohydrates: 27 grams Natural Sugar: 14.4 grams Fiber 3.1 grams

Daily Values: Vitamin B: 35% Vitamin C: 18% Potassium: 13%

Walnuts contain omega-3 essential fatty acids, a special type of protective fat the body cannot manufacture.

The omega-3 fats can improve car

diovascular health, promote better cognitive function and work as anti-inflammatory agents against asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema and psoriasis.

Walnuts contain an antioxidant compound called ellagic acid which supports the immune system and has several anticancer properties.

Nutrition per 1 tablespoon of dry raw walnuts: Calories: 175 Fat: 16.7 (1 gram saturated) Protein: 6.8 grams Carbohydrate: 2.8 grams Fiber 1.9 grams

Daily Values: Omega 3 fatty acids: 90.8% Manganese: 42.5% Copper: 20% Tryptophan: 15%

One way patients can get a reasonable serving of bananas and walnuts is in a WLS safe Banana-Walnut Bread.

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