More than 72 million people in the United States are obese, according to Dr. Neil Hutcher of Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery. More people who suffer from obesity are turning to weight-loss surgery. It can help those with life-threatening diseases such as diabetes, along with a body mass index, or BMI, of 40 or greater, to lose excess pounds and get healthy.This surgery, however, is not a miracle cure, and once complete, patients must make permanent lifestyle changes to maintain their newfound health and weight loss.
Step 1
Adjust to new eating habits. Weight-loss surgery not only reduces the size of the stomach, it also alters the functioning of the stomach. For this reason, modifications both immediately following the surgery and for the remainder of a patient's life are necessary.
In the first few weeks following the surgery, patients are placed on a diet that begins with liquids and slowly progresses up to solids. This typically takes place over a period of about 12 weeks. The purpose is to allow the new, smaller stomach time to adjust to food and the process of digestion. There are typically four phases during this time: liquids, pureed food, soft and solids. Once each phase is tolerated well, the patient moves on to the next.
The goal is to incorporate a large amount of protein, as this aids in the rebuilding of cells and muscle. Eating small meals frequently through the day is also recommended, which helps prevent diarrhea and nausea. These goals remain the same even after the four phases are complete.
Step 2
Make exercise a vital part of your daily routine. The first two to three weeks after surgery should be focused on rest and recovery, although light walking can begin as soon as the following day. To successfully keep the weight off, patients need to follow the surgery with an aerobic exercise routine.
Low-impact aerobic exercises after healing are the best way to proceed. The Bariatric and Metabolic Institute of the Cleveland Clinic states that exercise will not only help weight loss patients feel energized, but increase their sense of wellness also. The clinic recommends speaking to your surgeon when determining the best form of exercise for you, however make sure it is something you enjoy; this ensures you will stick with it and continue to lose weight and reach your health goals.
Step 3
Consider some form of stress management, especially if the obesity could be attributed to comfort eating. While the surgery helps patients lose weight, it does not cure the psychological reasons behind the weight gain. Many stress management options exist that do not require medications or drugs. Some examples include massage therapy, deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga and acupuncture. Support groups are another good idea, especially one specifically for those who have undergone weight-loss surgery.
Step 4
Address any emotional problems that may be behind the obesity. Some bariatric surgeons recommend that prior to undergoing weight-loss surgery, patients attend psychotherapy to help them cope with the changes the surgery will bring. Psychotherapy helps prepare patients mentally and emotionally for the permanent changes expected of them once the surgery is complete, increasing their chances of success.
Psychotherapy is helpful after the surgery as well. Bad habits acquired over a lifetime are not easily broken, especially when emotions drive them. To ensure success, continue meeting with a psychotherapist until you have the emotional strength to carry you through.
Step 5
Keep all appointments with the bariatric surgeon. Follow-up appointments are essential for long-term success after weight-loss surgery. Not only does the surgeon need to check for any nutritional deficiencies and ensure the optimal health of his patient, but depending on the type of surgery completed, adjustments may need to be done to either increase or decrease the amount of weight a patient is losing.
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