Bariatric, or weight loss, surgery, can come in many forms. Yet regardless of the type of surgery, the idea remains the same. The stomach or intestines are either reduced or rearranged to allow less food, a smaller appetite and more weight loss, according to the Mayo Clinic. But obtaining the surgery isn't the only thing you must think about. Diet and exercise are just as important, if not more, after the surgery has occurred.
Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is typically performed on individuals whose BMI is higher than 40, or higher than 35 if accompanied by a weight-related disease like diabetes or high blood pressure, states mayoclinic.com. The type of surgery chosen, often gastric bypass surgery, alters the form of your stomach or intestines, causing you to eat less. But a smaller appetite and the surgical procedure alone don't replace the need for regular exercise and a healthy diet. In fact, adjusting your lifestyle to include exercise and diet changes are a large part of the success of your surgery.
Preparation
Before you become a candidate for gastric bypass surgery, you must prove that you are psychologically and medically prepared for the change. The Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery recommends having a bariatric physician, surgeon, nutritionist and psychologist team together to form a thorough treatment plan for you. If you are a good candidate for surgery, you must understand the risks involved and know that there will be severe changes in your lifestyle, including your eating habits and exercise regimen.
After the Procedure
The Mayo Clinic states that most visits will last three to five days in the hospital. Following your stay, you must only drink liquids or eat ground up food for one to two days to allow your stomach to heal. Then you must immediately change your dietary habits and follow a specific plan for the next 12 weeks. For up to six months, if you eat too much or too quickly, vomiting or intense pain under your breastbone may occur. With your stomach close to the size of a walnut, you will no longer be able to tolerate old portion sizes, so eating small meals throughout the day will be ideal. The Pacific Bariatric Surgical Medical Group, or PBSMG, cites an 85 percent success rate, which they classify as achieving a weight within 50 lbs. of your goal.
Healthy Diet
The Obese Info website states that approximately six weeks after surgery, it should be relatively easy to eat three small meals a day. They recommend including high-protein foods like poultry and fish as well as fruits and vegetables. Do not drink any fluids 30 minutes before or after a meal. This could cause a sensation of pressure in your chest that causes discomfort and may make your food backup. Be sure to eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. Between meals, drink five to six glasses of water or tea. Avoid calorie-heavy liquids. Remember, extra caloric intake means slower weight loss.
Exercise
A regular exercise program is highly encouraged to improve weight loss results. For the first six weeks after surgery, do not perform strenuous exercise activities, says PBSMG. Walking is an acceptable form of exercise. Begin with several short walks per day. After six weeks, include light to moderate aerobic activity in addition to walking, like cycling or swimming. Strength training will also aid in muscle tone and increasing bone density.
Warnings
About 10 percent of patients fail to lose significant weight within two years of surgery, according to obeseinfo.com, because they continue to consume high-calorie liquids and foods like ice cream and peanut butter, which also slide through the stomach pouch and do not register as fullness. Obtaining the surgery will not cure obesity alone. You absolutely must commit to regular exercise and a healthy diet to be successful in your weight loss goals.
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