After weight loss surgery, your body will be undergoing many different changes. You will be on a new path for a new lifestyle. Developing new skills for healthy eating and physical activity will be key. Our team at WeightWise is dedicated to your long-term success and want to see you live life to the fullest for years after bariatric surgery.
Here are some helpful guidelines for success months after surgery and beyond. At WeightWise, we call these guidelines the 4 pillars: support, diet, exercise, and fluids.
Have a solid support system
Surrounding yourself with people that love and support you in your new weight loss journey will be important. Find an accountability partner that can help encourage you along the way. Build trust with that person so you can rely on them when you feel discouraged.
A good support system goes a long way when it comes to changing your lifestyle. This could even include support groups over the first weeks or months post-surgery. You can also reach out to your patient advocate for support as well.
Make changes to your overall lifestyle
This can be one of the hardest parts of going through the duodenal switch, gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or other weight loss surgery. However, we assure you that lifestyle changes can be done, and they are well worth it. When a patient first loses weight on their own, that’s when it becomes a reality.
Once your doctor clears you for exercise, start a routine that you can stick with. Even if it’s just a little bit at a time, that’s okay. Follow the diet guidelines that your nutrition expert at WeightWise discussed with you. Always keep your diet and exercise plans at the forefront of your mind so you don’t stray away from it.
Stay hydrated and eat small meals
Staying well-hydrated is important for every human being, but it’s especially important as you transition to your new lifestyle after bariatric surgery. Do not eat and drink at the same time and wait about 60 minutes after eating before you drink.
After a few months have passed, you will begin eating solid foods regularly. Eat three small meals a day with no snacking in between. Eat foods that are rich in protein and non-starchy vegetables, ensuring that you eliminate carbohydrates and concentrated sweets.
Take vitamins and minerals
Our team at WeightWise will recommend the necessary vitamin and mineral supplements to help you in your weight loss journey. Make sure to take these as necessary so you can keep your body in optimal condition. These will help give you the nutrients you need while your body becomes used to the new way of eating.
WeightWise bariatric surgeons have devised this program to give you the best possible results. It has been proven that weight loss surgery, in addition to a proper diet and exercise, will help medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
Your health care is important to us! Stay on top of your regular check-ups after surgery and ask us any questions you have along the way. We are your advocates and look forward to seeing your weight loss transformation.