Despite their many differences, all weight loss surgery options require some general dietary and lifestyle changes for the procedures to be successful.
Dietary Changes
After your weight loss surgery, your doctor will place you on a post-bariatric diet, which will most likely include reduced portions and restrictions on certain foods that are high in fat and calories. This new diet will not only help you to lose weight, but it will also help you reduce the possibility of nausea or vomiting due to a sensitive stomach after surgery.
By taking small bites and thoroughly chewing each piece of food, you will be able to be able to better judge your stomach's fullness and you will be able to help your stomach to process the food. In most cases, you should not have liquids during your meals.
After bariatric surgery, you also should not snack between meals. By only eating during meals, you can better monitor your intake of high protein foods and food low in fat and sugar. To ensure you are getting the needed nutrients, your doctor will also have you take a multivitamin and other supplements.
Increased Activity and Exercise
It is important to incorporate exercise into your life after your weight loss surgery. You will not be expected to radically change your exercise regimen all at once, but as you heal, your surgeon will have you increase your physical activity and incorporate additional exercises into your routine.
Plastic Surgery Considerations
As you begin to lose a lot of weight, you will begin to notice the loose skin that tends to accompany massive weight loss. This loose skin may hinder you from seeing the actual results of your weight loss, burying a toned body under excess skin. Once you reach your goal weight, you may want to consider a body contouring procedure including a tummy tuck, arm lift, or full body lift. Your bariatric surgeon may have a working relationship with a plastic surgeon that specializes in weight loss patients. If you want to remove the loose skin after your weight loss, speak with your bariatric surgeon.
