TIPS FOR SUCCESS OF WEIGHT LOSS POST-BARIATRIC SURGERY
Weight loss surgery post-Bariatric surgery is a journey, not a destination. It is important to remember that it is not a quick-fix solution for all the problems in your life. Weight loss surgery is a tool, but one needs to be disciplined to achieve and maintain your long-term health goals. Making healthy choices and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are critical to maintaining long-term weight loss. Here are tips recommended for people who are in the maintenance phase post-Bariatric surgery.
Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly.
Avoid problem foods such as tough, fibrous, or overcooked meats, skin, and seeds of fruits and vegetables, nuts, and popcorn.
Never overeat. Stop eating when you begin to feel full. Overeating may cause stomach pouch dilation in the long run and may lead to weight regain.
Drink adequate (6–8 glasses) of water daily to avoid dehydration.
When going out, never be stranded without food. Always carry healthy snacks in your bag.
When eating out, use a small plate or bowl, especially at a buffet.
Maintain a food diary to find ways to change your eating habits.
Eat small & frequent meals
Skipping meals does not help with weight loss. In fact, it slows down the basal metabolic rate in the long run.
Eat frequent small meals which include three main meals with 2–3 mini-meals in a day.
Opt for healthy snacks like sprouts, fruits, etc. in between meals. Eat only if hungry.
Post-bariatric surgery protein is the most important nutrient. It helps the body in healing, supports rapid weight loss, is better for glycemic control, and helps in building lean body mass
Try to eat it first in every meal. Take a minimum of 60–80 grams of protein in a day.
You can add recommended protein supplements to meet your daily protein needs.
Avoid consuming empty calories
Foods like canned juices, sweetened drinks or biscuits, etc., that are high in calories but low in other nutrients are referred to as empty calories. They contain energy but little in the way of essential nutrients.
Eating high amounts of foods that are high in empty calories will cause nutrient deficiency and also interfere with your weight loss process.
Avoid Sugar and food with sugar content
Avoid taking castor sugar, honey, jaggery, jams, canned juices, and squashes or sugary beverages to avoid dumping syndrome post-bariatric surgery.
You can add fresh fruits in curd, milk, and porridge instead of sugar.
When shopping for groceries, always read labels for sugar content.
Metabolic surgery/ diabetes surgery helps resolve Type Diabetes. Taking sugar may interfere with long-term response and results.
Don’t drink liquids when eating solid food. It may force foods through the stomach pouch too quickly and may cause dumping syndrome in gastric bypass patients.
Take liquids minimum of 30 minutes before and after meals.
Don’t use a straw to drink liquids as then more air is taken in and satiety occurs faster. It may also cause discomfort in the stomach.
Avoid drinking aerated drinks as they Increase thirst& hunger, cause loss of fluids (due to their diuretic effects), and can increase the risk of kidney stones.
Opt for healthy options such as coconut water, lemon water, lassi, butter milk, veg soups, and veg juices to fulfill the daily liquid requirements.
Take recommended nutritional supplements
After bariatric surgery, one needs to be very vigilant with their daily supplements.
Bariatric patients are required to take Multivitamins and doses of Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, and Vitamin B12.
This is a lifetime commitment.
Life Style changes post-bariatric surgery
Meal planning is important. Eat Healthily.
Exercise. Workout with a combination of cardio & strength training.
Don’t avoid your follow-up visits. Regular follow-up will keep you motivated and also help timely diagnosis and treatment for nutritional deficiency, surgical complications, or any health issue.
Don’t give up, stick to your goals and stay happy!!
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