The human body is a miraculous machine that undergoes much during its time on earth. If you have recently undergone weight loss surgery, you have seen what your body is capable of. Undergoing surgery can be difficult, but as you recover and begin to see weight loss results, you’ll be thrilled about your new look and newfound energy.
If you have lost a significant amount of weight after your gastric surgery, you are probably feeling confident and positive about the rest of your life. Unfortunately, rapid weight loss may result in sagging skin. As the subcutaneous fat is reduced, the outer layer of the skin may not “shrink to fit.”
As we age, the elastin fibers in our skin begin to harden, making it difficult for the top layers of skin to retain their shape. There are many medical advice diagnostics or treatments to help reduce loose skin. Laser resurfacing and other surgeries could help.
But not everyone wants to undergo another surgery to get rid of the loose skin. There are medically reviewed skincare products like firming creams with hyaluronic acid that could help with skin tightening. So, consider some alternatives like vitamins to help tighten loose skin. Here are some ideas.
Green tea
Green tea is great for the body and it’s something good to get into the habit of drinking. It is high in catechins, which are powerful antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation, stop cell damage, and help protect the skin from harmful sun rays.
Vitamin C, A, and E
Taking a combination of these vitamins is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Vitamin A assists in skin hydration, vitamin C helps protect collagen and elastin in the skin, and Vitamin E helps protect from sun damage and increases blood flow.
Folic acid
Vitamin B9, otherwise known as folic acid, assists in producing collagen. It also helps relieve uncomfortable dry skin and helps keep the skin better hydrated.
Vitamin K
Looking to reduce stretch marks and scars after surgery? Vitamin K can help with that. It helps with the healing of wounds and can improve skin elasticity. Not to mention, this vitamin works wonders to boost the immune system, which is especially important after undergoing major weight loss surgery.
If you have questions on what vitamin supplements are safe to take after weight loss surgery, our experienced team at WeightWise is glad to help! We will work with you to determine what vitamins are okay for you and provide you with recommendations on what foods are most vitamin-rich.
WeightWise believes in a holistic approach to losing excess weight. In addition to gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, duodenal switch, and other procedures, we also provide months of post-op support. We feel the surgery itself is just one part of successful long-term weight loss.
In fact, many feel the surgery itself is the easiest part! Because the vast majority of our procedures are performed laparoscopically. This means we use several small incisions instead of one large incision. This speeds up the healing process and is much less invasive.
As we said, surgery is just the first step to lose weight successfully. In so many cases, an entire lifestyle change is required to lose and keep the weight off. Every patient is assigned a personal dietitian and exercise physiologist to help reshape how you live your life.
WeightWise dietitians will give you the roadmap to success when it comes to how you eat. The purpose of many bariatric surgeries is to shrink the stomach, limiting the amount of food you can eat. Our dietitians will show you not only how much you can eat but what you can eat as well.
The first few weeks will consist of a clear liquid diet and protein supplements. You are required to drink at least 96 ounces of water every day. If you rarely drink water, this can be a tremendous challenge! But remember – your stomach is much smaller – so sip your water throughout the day. No gulping it down to “catch up.”
Eventually, softer foods and vitamins will be added to your diet, and in a few months, your diet will be filled with delicious and healthy foods. WeightWise has hundreds of wonderful recipes to give you ideas and our shop is jam-packed with healthy snacks, drinks, and meals for every taste.
Our exercise physiologist will create a personalized activity program to get your blood flowing, help your flexibility, and improve cardiovascular health. Once your target weight has been reached, weights will be introduced to increase strength and muscle mass. You’ll look great, feel great, and return to activities you may not have enjoyed for decades.
We look forward to helping you meet your weight loss goals, so you can look and feel your best. We understand it’s a big decision – most overall lifestyle changes are! Watch our free online seminar to see what sets WeightWise apart and, when you’re ready, reach out. We’ll be here for you – every step of the way.