Long Term Habits of Successful Gastric Bypass Patients

I have took my first 12 months very serious, (I had a lot of weight to loose) and here are a few tips that I have pretty much adhered to.. <b>I like searching different websites and thought you might like this information.. </b> <p> Long Term Habits of Successful Gastric Bypass Patients <p> edited by Albert Wetter, M.D. http://www.surgery-for-obesity.com/successful_habits.htm <p> The first postoperative year is a critical time that must be dedicated to changing old behavior and forming new, lifelong habits. <p> The success of weight loss surgical procedures is most commonly defined by the total weight loss during the initial weight loss phase. However, foremost in the minds of patients undergoing surgery for morbid obesity are the questions "Will this be a long-term permanent solution?" and "What can I do to insure my lifelong success?" In other words, how can I maintain at least 74% of your initial weight loss after your successful gastric bypass? The following are findings from a survey of patients habits following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. <p> Eating: Successful patients ate three well-balanced meals and snacks maximum twice daily. Daily servings for each of the food groups included three servings of protein, three servings of vegetables, one serving of fruit, two servings of bread/starches, and two servings of sweets. <p> Drinking: Successful patients drank water and did not drink carbonated beverages. On the average, patients drank 40-64 oz of water per day: 58% of patients did not drink carbonated beverages of any kind; 55% did not drink juices or sweetened beverages; 53% did not drink caffeinated beverages; and 74% did not drink alcoholic beverages. <p> Carbonated beverages may be detrimental to the long-term success of gastric bypass for the following reasons: <p> Carbonation: When the cold beverage is consumed, it warms and releases gases, distending the stomach pouch I he stretching of the stomach then creates undue stress and subsequently causes stretching of the anastomosis. <p> Caloric intake: Many carbonated beverages are high in calories, are low in nutritional value, and contain simple sugars. Not only do they add additional calories with low nutritional value, but they are absorbed quickly into the blood stream, causing a rapid rise in blood sugar, elevated insulin levels, and increased hunger. <p> Caffeine: Many carbonated beverages contain caffeine, an appetite stimulant, which is detrimental to initial weight loss and long-term weight control. <p> Vitamins and Supplements: Successful patients took daily multiple vitamins, calcium, and iron if needed; 92% of patients took a daily multiple vitamin, 68% took supplemental calcium, primarily in the form of Tums, and 40% continued to take supplemental iron, such as Trinsicon or Chromagen. <p> Exercising: Successful patients exercised regularly to maintain their weight; 77% of patients exercised. The average was four times per week for at least 40 min. Patients reported exercise as a key factor in their ability to maintain their weight. Exercise helps you to keep your weight in check and keeps you in control. <p> Sleeping: Successful patients slept 7 hours per night on the average, and 76% of patients rated their personal energy as being average or high. <p> Personal Responsibility: Successful patients took personal responsibility for staying in control. Of the patients, 70% weighed themselves at least weekly. They were found to have a general feeling that maintaining their weight was indeed their own responsibility and that the surgery was a tool that they used to reach and maintain a healthy weight. By weighing often and allowing themselves only a few kilograms of leeway, patients stayed in control. <p> Patients NOT successful lacked at least one or more of the six success habits. The most common were lack of exercise, poorly balanced meals, constant grazing and snacking, and drinking carbonated beverages. <p> Conclusion: The first postoperative year is a critical time that must be dedicated to changing old behavior and forming new, lifelong habits. <p> To be successful after a gastric bypass, you must eat three well-balanced meals and maximum of two snacks daily; drink water and avoid carbonated beverages of any kind. Remember to take your multiple vitamins, iron, and calcium regularly. You must sleep at least 7 hours per night. Regular exercise is imperative and above all, weight control is your own personal responsibility. <p> I'm an open RNY/Fobi.. My beginning weight was 367 I'm now 195 that's 172 pounds gone forever.. I'm more than 78% of excess weight now gone and I'm not a year post-op yet!! I take this WLS tool very serious.. Although I don't have that much time anymore to post as often as I would like, as I am very happily busy in my off line personal life, I will return from time to time & POST things that may be of interest to the members. Please visit my profile page for more information, Links and recipes.. Everyone have a nice weekend.

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