Analysis of dietary and nutritional recommendations of adapted graphic instruments for bariatric and metabolic surgery

Abstract

Background: The educational elements used in nutritional care after bariatric surgery contribute to patient understanding and can be used in both individual and group treatments. The graphic tools that are applicable to individuals undergoing bariatric and metabolic surgery based on dietary guidelines stand out. Aims: Analyze the dietary characteristics of graphic representations adapted to bariatric surgery available in the literature. Method: The database used was Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), via PubMed, from 2000. Inclusion criteria were original articles containing graphic instruments for nutritional education for individuals undergoing bariatric surgery. The variables analyzed for each graphic record were: design, food groups, qualitative or quantitative recommendations and specific non-food recommendations in relation to healthy habits such as physical activity, hydration, consumption of sweets and alcohol. Results: Five graphic instruments developed for bariatric surgery were found. The published studies originated from Argentina, Brazil, the United States and Mexico, from 2010 to 2020, with several images, from food pyramids and model dishes to image icons, presenting 3 to 6 food groups, based on bariatric surgery guidelines. Conclusion: There are several publications on nutritional recommendations in bariatric surgery, however, the literature is scarce on nutritional education instruments adapted to these individuals. These graphic representations assist in the process of choosing foods with better nutritional quality.