Establishing Healthy Habits after Bariatric Surgery
- A balanced healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Moderation of alcohol
- Commitment to your mental health
For optimal results, we recommend that you begin establishing these habits even before undergoing surgery. You should also consider joining support groups or online forums to speak to other patients in similar situations.
Healthy, Mindful Eating
As one of the two most crucial weight loss components, you must carefully regulate your diet. Patients must adjust to different types of food and smaller portions. While bariatric surgery sets physical limitations to enforce food consumption, most patients find it much easier to adjust if they change their habits beforehand. This not only improves long-term success but makes recovery smoother, as well.
While the specifics of a patient’s diet may vary depending on their case, everyone receives similar instructions. You should be aware of three key considerations:
- Your food and beverage choices
- How much you consume
- How quickly you eat
Balancing the types and amount of food you are eating is essential.
What to Eat & How Much
The size of your meal is limited to avoid stretching out the stomach after weight loss surgery. Patients are limited to eating three small meals a day. Because space is limited, the makeup of your meal is also extremely important. To maximize energy and minimize wasted space, prioritize high-protein foods and limit carbohydrates. Avoid eating overly fatty or sugary foods since they fill more space in the stomach while offering little nutritional value. After surgery, these foods can also trigger significant physical discomfort. Also, avoid drinking carbonated beverages, as bubbles can cause problems.
Since many patients are tempted to overindulge at mealtime, smaller snacks may be recommended in between. This can dull the edge of your appetite and ensure you still get the nutrition you need without overeating.
You should be aware of three key considerations: your food and beverage choices, how much you consume, and how quickly you eat.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Most bariatric surgery patients require vitamin and mineral supplements, some specifically targeted for those who have undergone weight loss surgery to prevent nutritional deficiencies. In addition to multivitamins, which have the macronutrients you need to maintain good health, you may need to take a calcium supplement, as well as Vitamin D.
You should be aware of three key considerations: your food and beverage choices, how much you consume, and how quickly you eat.
How Fast You Eat
One of the most overlooked (but most important) habits is to change how quickly you eat. It can be tempting to wolf down food, especially when you are particularly hungry. However, when you take small bites, eat slowly and chew carefully, you'll feel more aware of how much you are eating, which prevents you from eating more calories than necessary and helps you lose weight.
Don't Forget to Stay Hydrated
In addition to eating protein first at meals, staying hydrated is also a priority. Dehydration is the primary reason for hospital readmission after bariatric surgery. Sip plenty of water between meals and at least 48 to 64 ounces of fluids daily. Staying hydrated is a lifelong commitment and critical in the weeks after your procedure to heal your digestive tract. While your diet should emphasize water, sugar-free drinks are also acceptable.
At the same time, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages following weight loss surgery. Your new digestive tract will metabolize alcoholic beverages much differently, meaning you may feel intoxicated much easier.
Consistent Exercise
Establishing and sticking to a regular exercise routine can be one of the most challenging parts of losing weight. Many patients lead sedentary lifestyles before surgery, often because of related medical conditions. Becoming more active as soon as possible is especially important in these situations.
Finding an exercise routine that works for you is instrumental to your success.
Small changes can add up. For example, simply walking for ten minutes three times a day can significantly impact your metabolism. Over time, as it becomes easier, you can transition to more intense exercises, such as cardio, strength training, and yoga. Strength training is especially important as it increases muscle mass, leading to more rapid weight loss. Your doctors can advise you on when to increase the intensity of your workouts. What kind of exercise you do matters less than the regularity, and you should aim for thirty minutes a day, several times a week..
Managing Stress
While dieting and exercise have the most significant impact on weight loss, patients must also consider several other aspects of their health. Stress after bariatric recovery can often exacerbate other issues, including:
- Drug dependency
- Alcohol dependency
- Eating disorders
- Mental illnesses
If patients fall back on old habits to cope with this stress, it can undermine losing weight and their overall health. For these reasons, it is essential that you begin to address any problems before surgery. That way, you will already have coping methods and options available if hurdles arise. Support groups are also helpful for managing stress and mental health issues.
- Drug dependency
- Alcohol dependency
- Eating disorders
- Mental illnesses
If patients fall back on old habits to cope with this stress, it can undermine not only their weight loss but their overall health, as well. For these reasons, it is important that you begin to address any problems before surgery. That way, you will already have coping methods and options available to you if hurdles do arise.
Specialized Weight Loss Care
"This place was amazing. The care was first-rate. The coordinators were so kind. I changed my mind a ton of times and they were so patient with me. I'm so happy I had my procedure and I'm so happy I used Tijuana Bariatric Center."
"My experience at Tijuana Bariatric was good from beginning to end. I would recommend their services if you are considering Bariatric surgery. A standout for me was Medical Coordinator Lanelle DeCaire. It was a pleasure to work with her."
- Jana Thomas
*Disclaimer: results are not guaranteed, may not be permanent, and can vary per individual.
Refine Your Habits and Healthy Diet Today
Long-term success after weight loss surgery requires the right tools and the best support available. Reach out today to begin your new life and utilize the information and support provided through the Tijuana Bariatric Center by contacting us at 1-800-970-0577 or filling out our convenient online form.
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Tijuana Bariatric Center is a facilitator company providing scheduling and marketing services. It is not a medical facility or healthcare provider. Tijuana Bariatric Center℠shall not be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in reliance on this information. This information does not constitute medical advice, results are not guaranteed, may not be permanent, and can vary per individual and does not establish any physician-patient relationship. The correct venue for claims regarding the actual medical services provided either by the medical facilities or surgeons or medical staff will be Mexico. Any claims against Tijuana Bariatric Center℠ must be asserted within 90 days of the event.
