Lifestyle Changes After Weight Loss

Patients who receive weight loss surgery lose a dramatic amount of weight. Their weight loss is usually between 50%-80% of their excess body weight. Most patients find that their most drastic lifestyle changes are associated to the weight loss itself. They feel happier, healthier, more active, and they enjoy life.

While many patients experience dramatic weight loss, weight loss surgery is not an easy fix. Those who opt for surgeries will still have to make healthy diet and exercise choices throughout their life. It’s important that patients maintain healthy lifestyle choices rather than sit back and let the procedures work for them. Weight loss surgeries provide the body with a physical aid towards weight loss. They allow the body to feel fuller or to not absorb as many calories. This does not mean that patients cannot sabotage their weight loss surgery by overeating or eating high calorie foods. It’s important that working with the weight loss procedure is a part of the patient’s life.

Weight loss procedures will effect the way patient’s consume food. Unlike before, it’s important that the stomach be given time between bites to digest food. Patients are advised to wait around two minutes between bites before taking another mouth full. This will help prevent stretching of the stomach, slipping of gastric bands, and dumping syndrome.

Patients are also advised to not drink at the same time as eating. Filling the stomach with both food and liquid can result in bloating, discomfort, and nausea. It is also important that patients avoid foods with more than three to five grams of sugar.

It is important that female patients avoid pregnancy after weight loss surgery. A pregnancy could be damaging to both the mother and child. Patients are advised to use birth control for one to two years after weight loss surgery.

Yearly check-ups will be required to ensure that patients are maintaining their health. Blood will be drawn during these examinations to check for anaemia, iron deficiencies, and B12 vitamin deficiencies.

Support groups will also be a part of the patient’s life after weight loss surgery. These groups will help answer questions that the patient’s may have. They will also provide a safe environment to talk about their experiences with weight loss surgery. Many patients find these support groups to be a valuable tool which aids them in successful weight loss.