Life after Bariatric Surgery

Healing time and long-term success after bariatric surgery depend largely on your diet and exercise habits. After bariatric surgery, following your surgeon's fitness and nutrition guidelines will decrease the risk of complications and increase the chance that you will be satisfied with the outcome. Physicians recommend that you also join a weight loss surgery support group to connect with peers who have undergone a bariatric procedure.

Diet after Bariatric Surgery

You should expect to make drastic changes to your diet after undergoing bariatric surgery. The stomach will be reduced to a much smaller size and, as a result, the amount of food you can eat is very limited. In order to ensure good nutrition and health, you must also pay very close attention to the types of food you eat. Foods that were well tolerated prior to surgery for obesity may cause discomfort afterwards. Discussing your diet with a nutritionist both before and after bariatric surgery can prepare you to make educated and healthy food choices.

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Exercise after Bariatric Surgery

Exercise plays a crucial role after bariatric surgery. Patients take in far fewer calories directly following surgery, sometimes causing the body to react as if it were starving. In its search for more energy, the body can begin to burn muscle instead of fat. To prevent this, it is imperative to begin exercising regularly as soon as possible. This alters the metabolism so that the body begins to burn fat instead of muscle. Exercising also helps patients lose weight more rapidly.

Post Bariatric Plastic Surgery

After bariatric patients lose significant amounts of weight, they often have an excess of loose skin on the arms, thighs, buttocks, and midsection. Post bariatric plastic surgery is designed to tighten areas of loose skin so you feel more confident about your appearance.

Ongoing Support

Joining a support group is one of the best things a patient can do after bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery requires many lifestyle and behavioral changes, and patients usually need the support of family, friends, and healthcare professionals to help get through any rough spots.