Dr. Gutierrez with Misty in Mexico Bariatric Surgery Center
Weight loss surgery success is a lot harder to achieve than just going in for surgery itself. It is a challenging task and takes determination as well as self-discipline to make lifestyle changes. Weight loss surgery simply initiates the process by minimizing how much you are able to eat and making you feel full from small amounts of food.
In order to make this a long-term solution for health and happiness, you need to always focus on changing your negative living habits. Keys to success after bariatric surgery is in your hand – just use the tool you acquired to take great strides. If you have difficulty staying in the course, consult with professionals to become a success story!
The following seven tips help you get to your goal weight and keep it off lifelong.
1. Drink Fluids Between Meals
Instead of drinking fluids during meals, even water, drink in between meals as well. There are two reasons why this helps you improve your success after weight loss surgery. The first reason is that it helps keep you feeling full in between meals leading to getting through the day by eating less.
Second, during every meal your stomach can only hold a certain amount of food and drink. You want to get as much nutrition from healthy food sources.
2. Choose the Healthiest Options
Speaking of healthy foods and small portion sizes, always make sure the food you are eating is the healthiest option. Remember that vitamins and nutrients are essential. With a smaller quantity of food eaten at every meal, it is important that you get as many vitamins within that allotment as possible.
Choose foods that are natural, low in fat and sugar, and will help keep you full over a longer period of time. It may take some time until you get used to eating the right foods, not just the right portion sizes.
3. Take the Recommended Supplements
Due to the changes in how your food is transferred and absorbed into your stomach, you need to provide your body with essential nutrients through supplements. Eventually, you may get used to the right kind of eating that provides all the nutrition your body needs, but taking vitamins and mineral supplements is a vital part of staying healthy. When you do so, you improve the success of your weight loss after bariatric surgery.
4. Exercise Regularly
Weight loss requires not just what you eat and how much, but how you burn calories. Start exercising regularly as soon as your doctor gives you the green light to do so.
Preferably, start working out before surgery so your body gets used to it. With any new fitness routine, you should always do so under doctor’s orders and start slow. Nobody goes from sedentary to a marathon in a week, and you shouldn’t be expected to do so.
Instead, start slow by going for walks 3-4 days a week for 10 minutes to start with, then gradually increase the frequency and length of time you walk for. Once a workout routine becomes easy, it is time to kick it up a notch and add in weights or try a different exercise entirely. Mixing up your fitness with cardio and weight lifting will have the best chance of success.
5. Keep Your Focus Away From Food
If you focus too much on eating and when your next meal will be, your body may start revolting. You start feeling hungry between meals, not feeling satisfied, and less energized. This can then affect your mental status following surgery and ruin weight loss results. Instead, keep your focus off food by finding a hobby and other ways to occupy your mind.
If you notice you have a habit of wanting sugary snacks in the afternoon, even when it isn’t time for a snack, go for a walk around the building or grab a book and head outside instead. This little distraction can be a huge help.
6. Check-in With Your Doctor
Always keep your scheduled check-ups and routine visits with your doctor and surgeon after your surgery. Be honest with how you are feeling, what you are eating, and how much exercise you are getting.
Anytime you question something going on with your body after weight loss surgery, let your doctor know right away. The sooner you inform them, the better chance you get it resolved and can continue to have great success after bariatric surgery.
7. Get Emotional Support
Lastly, don’t forget about emotional support. While eating right and exercising is good for the initial weight loss, you need emotional stability as well. Find a solid support system of friends, family and professional help to guide you through this big change in your life.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it and vent your frustrations. This is a great way to express yourself and help work out any struggles you are having after your surgery.
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