Gout is a type of arthritis that causes pain in your joints, often in the big toe. This condition is triggered by high levels of uric acid in your blood.

Some bariatric patients with gout may experience a flare after surgery.  Changes in diet, hydration, medications, stress levels and surgery itself can all contribute to a flare. It is important to know your triggers.

Hydration
When you are dehydrated, your body doesn’t have enough water and your kidneys cannot get rid of excess uric acid as well as they normally do. Sugary drinks may cause flare ups. Beverages not recommended after surgery are: soda, sugary flavored drinks, orange juice, energy drinks, fruit juice  (fresh or from concentrate) sweetened lemonade, and sweetened ice tea.

Alcohol not only has calories, it may not be tolerated after surgery, and it can increase your risk of gout and worsen symptoms.

Food
Foods that are high in purine can set off gout symptoms. The main ones to avoid are organ and grandular meats and some seafood such as cod, scallops, shellfish, sardines, anchovies, mussels, salmon, trout, haddock and organ meats.