Losing weight after an operation may seem much more difficult than at any other time in your life, and most people will agree losing weight is difficult enough already. In addition to the normal issues associated with losing weight, you may also have added complications, such as post-operative pain and depression, as well as restrictions on your physical activities. Fortunately, many of the steps you need to take for healthy weight loss are also essential to helping your body recover after a surgical procedure.
Step 1
Ask your physician about physical activity. Find out what types of activities you should avoid to prevent injury that could delay your recovery. Start slowly with short walks and pay attention to warning signs that you could be overdoing it, such as pain or muscle spasms, suggests SpineUniverse. Aquatic activity can offer your body extra support during exercise, but you need approval from your surgeon before submerging your incision site in water. Ask your surgeon how long you should wait before getting your incision wet.
Step 2
Discuss your weight loss goals with your doctor and work out a dietary plan that will help you lose weight. Depending on the type of operation you have had, you may have special dietary restrictions, so it is important to get approval from your surgeon before starting a new diet. Increase your intake of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, if your physician approves these foods for your situation.
Step 3
Replace processed carbohydrates such as white bread and pastas with whole-grain alternatives; processed carbohydrates are quickly broken down into sugar by your body, leading to weight gain, notes the Harvard School of Public Health. Replace fatty and red meats with lean poultry, fish, beans and nuts; this greatly reduces your intake of unhealthy fats, cholesterol and calories while maintaining your intake of essential proteins and minerals.
Step 4
Eat a healthy breakfast every morning after your physician lifts post-surgical dietary restrictions. According to MayoClinic.com, the fasting that occurs while you sleep triggers your body's insulin response, which in turn tells it to store fat. Eating breakfast gives your body the nutrients it needs to provide you with energy to heal and stay physically active, particularly important if you're recovering from an operation. Do not skip this important meal to cut calories.
Tips and Warnings
- Ask your physician about restricted-calorie diets if you need to lose a lot of weight after surgery. Your doctor can suggest low-calorie foods that offer the nutrients you need for healing, as well as the medical supervision you need to make a restricted-calorie diet safe.
- Do not rely on restrictive fad diets to lose weight. This can be particularly dangerous to someone healing after an operation because they can deprive your body of essential nutrients. Always discuss diet and exercise goals with your surgeon to avoid serious complications.
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