How to Survive Weight Loss Surgery!

  surgical weight loss

While weight loss surgery can be a solution to obesity, it is not the easy way out. You have to work hard at it to be successful. One of the most important times is right after surgery. Surviving the first week or two after surgical weight loss can be difficult if you are not careful.

Difficulty: Moderate Instructions

1. Step 1

   Shop for your first week home after surgery before going to the hospital. Your tastes may change so have several flavors of protein drinks on hand as well as clear soups. Be sure that you have a heating pad. It can help with pain from the gas used during the surgical weight loss procedure.

2. Step 2

   Listen to the instructions when you are discharged from the hospital. Have your escort listen as well since you will probably be taking pain medication. Be sure to bring home the written instructions and refer to them. Also refer to the literature given to you before your weight loss surgery by your physician.

3. Step 3

   Keep hydrated. Take tiny little sips all day or suck on ice chips. Do whatever you need to do to get your water down. You will be fine without eating but you must drink from the first day home. Dehydration is the most common cause for a trip back to the hospital after weight loss surgery.

4. Step 4

   After your surgical weight loss procedure get up and move. Blood clots are a common complication after surgery and moving and walking can help prevent them. You may not feel like it but you must walk every hour during the day unless you are asleep. It will also help you recover more quickly and feel better.

5. Step 5

   Follow your doctor's diet guidelines for after weight loss surgery. Do not stray! Remember you will only get down a sip or two or a bite or two and feel stuffed. It may seem very strange but don't panic. You may feel some hunger at first but your body will adjust quickly to your small tummy.

6. Step 6

   Relax and enjoy your journey. You will feel better every day as you get to know your new tummy. By the end of the first week you will wonder what all the fuss was about and enjoy the results of your surgical weight loss.