Keeping weight off after Bariatric Surgery

Most people that have bariatric surgery are obese and their bodies have retained high volumes of fat because there is an imbalance between the calories that they take in and what they expend through their daily routine. As a first point of call an individual should always try to lose weight through natural means such as eating healthily and having a regular exercise routine.

Surgery only takes a matter of hours and will kick start your weight loss but you will be required to have a change of lifestyle if you want to keep the weight off after Bariatric Surgery – there is no permanent short cut.

Bariatric surgery forces you to reduce your portions because you feel fuller after eating less. Keeping weight off after Bariatric Surgery and being healthy means sticking to reduced and appropriate portions, having a healthy diet and a regular exercise regime.

Keeping weight off after Bariatric Surgery through exercise

As part of the programme in keeping weight off after bariatric surgery the doctor will give you advice on what sort of exercise you should be completing. The exercise programme will involve a light introduction soon after surgery and during your gastric surgery recovery period but it is recommend you start some form of activity as soon as possible, even if it is gently walking.

Once your body has repaired following gastric surgery, keeping weight off after bariatric surgery will involve a steady increase in the duration and intensity of you exercises. Many people find that a key to keeping weight off after Bariatric Surgery involves goal setting and a routine. These are important so that you get in the habit of exercising, push yourself to achieve tough goals and feel motivated after reaching them.

A well stuck to and formulated plan is important and will help you stretch yourself and improve your performance and endurance as you lose weight and become fitter as part of the process of keeping weight off after Bariatric Surgery.

Keeping weight off after Bariatric Surgery through a healthy and balanced diet

Keeping weight off after Bariatric Surgery through exercise will inevitably involve changing your diet. In terms of food and liquid intake the doctor will also prescribe a diet which changes as your body heals.

Immediately after bariatric surgery you will be restricted to just drinking some fluids such as milk, juice and water. After several days you will be moved on to pureed foods. It is important to allow your body to adjust to the changes and to allow the parts of your body that have had surgery enough time to heal.

As you start to lose weight in order to keep weight off after Bariatric surgery the next stage will involve going on to soft foods that are easy to digest such as well cooked vegetables, canned fruits and scrambled eggs. You can expect this stage to last approximately two months before you can start on normal meals. Even these normal meals may be different to what you are use to in terms of quantity and the types of food you were eating.

In keeping weight off after Bariatric Surgery it is important that you are psychologically in the right place as well as eating and exercising. This is why many doctors suggest some patients are given assistance to reach their goal of keeping weight off after Bariatric Surgery. Patients are also encouraged to join a weight loss group – you have a higher change of success if you are supported and motivated by other bariatric surgery patients that are facing the same challenges as you.

How do I get more information on bariatric surgery?

For more information on weight loss methods and the steps involved in keeping weight off after Bariatric Surgery please complete one of our enquiry forms and you will be put in touch with a qualified clinic.