25 things to keep in mind after weight loss surgery

Welcome to the new life. Yes, you heard it right. After weight loss surgery you are
entering the whole new world with different lifestyle. Let us dive right in, 25 things you
should keep in mind post-surgery.

No sugar

Sugar doesn’t provide nutrients but it makes blood sugar level go up and can cause hunger pangs, and,
for patients of certain types of gastric bypass, may result in dumping syndrome. It’s recommended to
avoid sugar and any foods that lists sugar in the ingredient whenever possible.

Do not encourage Calories

Your caloric admission will be exceptionally restricted after a medical procedure, which should assist you
with shedding pounds following a medical procedure. Try not to neutralize your medical procedure by
taking in fluid calories, similar to pop, that give no genuine sustenance and moderate your weight
reduction. Make the most of each calorie by zeroing in on protein, organic products, and vegetables. In
the initial not many days after medical procedure, you might be urged to drink smoothies and other
protein-rich beverages, which is a special case for the fluid calories rule.

Avoid Carbonated Drinks

The bubbly nature of carbonated drinks such as soda can cause gas pain and increase the pressure in
your stomach, which can be harmful to staples and sutures, especially in the months immediately after
surgery. Avoid soda—even diet sodas, which can increase sugar cravings—after surgery.

Watch Fluid Intake When Eating

Don’t drink fluids immediately before, during, or after your meal. It is essential that you reserve
the small amount of space you have in your stomach for high-quality, nutrient-rich food.
Drinking before and during your meal will fill your stomach with fluid, instead of food, and
drinking immediately after your surgery can “wash” food out of your stomach, making you feel
hungry sooner. Separate food and fluid by at least a half an hour whenever you can.

Keep Your Follow-Up Visits

After surgery, your progress will be closely monitored. Skipping appointments may mean that a
nutritional deficiency, surgical complication or other issues may not be discovered in a timely manner.
Also, appointments are a good motivator for staying on track with your goals.

Keep Taking Medications

Don’t stop taking any medications without your surgeon’s approval. Many diseases can improve with
surgery and weight loss, but that doesn’t mean you should stop taking your medication. Talk to your
physician prior to stopping any medications. By the same token, don’t start medications without your
surgeon’s approval, especially in the weeks following surgery.

Don’t Snack

Snacking is a habit that can slow your progress and hurt your long-term success. Stick to high quality
meals and avoid highly processed foods. If you are hungry, have a meal, but it’s
important to not snack between meals.

Eat Protein

Protein should be your primary focus when sitting down for a meal. Not only will it help you
maintain your muscle mass while losing fat, but it will also help you feel full longer after your
meals. If you are feeling full quickly and unable to finish your meals, start with your protein to
make sure you are taking in enough.

No Alcohol

Alcohol is full of empty calories that provide no nutritional value. It can also contribute to stomach
ulcers, which you are already at risk for because of your surgery. Weight-loss surgery also makes you
more sensitive to alcohol than you were before, so a little goes a long way.

Chew Your Food

Chew…and then chew some more. Chewing your food thoroughly is essential to preventing nausea and
vomiting during and after your meal. Large chunks of food can have trouble passing through the
digestive tract after surgery, and if it gets stuck along the way, it can cause pain.

Avoid Pregnancy

Avoid pregnancy for the first 24 months after surgery. Your body will be in high weight -loss mode for at
least a year after your surgery. During that time, supporting yourself and a baby would be unhealthy for you and could be disastrous for a developing fetus. If you are sexually active, use a reliable method of
birth control, and consult your surgeon before attempting to become pregnant.

Find a Support Group

There are more than 140,000 people having weight-loss surgery each year, so it’s not terribly hard to
find people who have walked in your shoes. Not only do support groups offer emotional support, but
they can also provide advice on the wide range of changes you are facing as you lose weight. Support
groups are available in most areas that have a bariatric surgeon and are available as an online resource,
too.

Don’t Take OTC Drugs Without Approval

Over-the-counter drugs can pose risks after surgery that were not a concern prior to surgery. Pain
relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen increase the likelihood that you will develop an ulcer.
Remedies for constipation shouldn’t be taken without physician approval, as constipation can be a sign
of complications or a need for a change in diet.

Listen to Your Body

Try to eat only when you’re hungry. Learn to listen to your smaller stomach and only eat when
your body is giving you true hunger cues.

Avoid Simple Carbs

Simple carbohydrates are highly processed foods such as white bread, pasta, sugar, and white
rice. The rule of thumb is that generally speaking, simple carbs are white foods. Instead, seek
out more wholesome alternatives such as brown rice that contain fiber and additional nutrients
that may be stripped from white rice. Simple carbohydrates can also elevate blood glucose
levels, triggering hunger pangs and cravings.

Workout

From the moment you are able to exercise after surgery, try to fit it into your regular routine.1 Even if
you can’t walk far or for very long, get started. Your recovery will be faster, and you will be encouraged
by how quickly your stamina improves as the pounds shed. Regular walking immediately after surgery
also helps prevent serious complications, such as pulmonary embolus and blood clots.

Eat Mindfully

Aim to really focus on your meal while you’re eating and stop the moment you feel full. Giving
food your full attention (say, by sitting at a table instead of in front of the TV) will help you learn
the art of mindful eating and develop new healthy habits.

Stay Hydrated

Drink lots of water—away from meals. Staying hydrated will help you feel more energetic, and it will
prevent you from mistaking hunger for thirst. Many adults confuse the two sensations, so if you are
well-hydrated, you won’t have to wonder if you are truly hungry.

Say No to Caffeine

Caffeine is the most-used drug in the world, and it is a drug. Caffeine alters your mood, increases your
heart rate and is a diuretic. If you drink caffeine, you will be working against your efforts to stay well hydrated
and increase your risk of a stomach ulcer.

Find Healthful Coping Skills

Finding healthy coping mechanisms are an important tool to have in your toolbox. Gentle exercise,
reading, meditation, and quality time with friends are excellent ways to check in and make time for
yourself when you’re stressed or anxious.

Watch Out for Lactose Intolerance

Be aware that many weight-loss surgery patients develop lactose intolerance after surgery, even if they
didn’t have it before. Go easy on the dairy products until you know how your body will tolerate lactose.
Also consider low-fat dairy products to increase the protein you get without too much fat.

Plan for Portion Control When Eating Out

Restaurant portions are going to be massive in comparison to your needs after surgery. Plan on
taking food home or ordering a child’s portion. If you aren’t sure, you can resist joining the
clean plate club, divide an acceptable portion away from the meal and have the server pack up
the rest before temptation sets in.

Stop Using Straws

When drinking, don’t use a straw. Straws allow you to drink too quickly, so you may end up
with an uncomfortably full stomach, and they also increase air in the stomach that can cause
serious discomfort.

Focus on Whole Foods

Add minimally processed foods, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, and protein to your diet as
much as possible. Avoid processed foods such as packaged and boxed items when a fresh
alternative is available.

Take Supplements If Recommended

Many weight loss surgery patients become low in essential nutrients such as iron, potassium,
and calcium. If your doctor recommends an over-the-counter or prescription supplement, be
sure to follow instructions.

Conclusion

Write down your health goals and keep them front-and-center: Being mindful of your long-term
lifestyle changes will help you make small steps to achieving them every day.

You can also contact us to meet Dr. G Moinoddin. Click here to book an appointment.