Healthy Habits After Bariatric Surgery

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Achieving Healthier Habits Post-Surgery

Living a more active, healthy life takes persistence and a methodical approach. The doctors and bariatric nutritionists coordinating with Tijuana Bariatric Center can help you practice healthy habits after bariatric surgery, both while in the hospital in Tijuana and after you return home. Our medical team can offer instructions and tips that can encourage your new lifestyle and long-term weight loss success while minimizing your chance of potential side effects.

Why Surgery Alone is Not Enough

Bariatric surgery patients must understand that weight procedures on their own are not a cure for obesity. While surgery can reduce your weight dramatically, lasting success is built on a foundation of healthy habits, including:

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 also makes recovery smoother.

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

What to Eat and 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.

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.

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 more easily.

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.

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.

Why Choose Tijuana Bariatric Center?

From our outstanding, experienced bariatric experts to our cutting-edge, state-of-the-art facilities, Tijuana Bariatric Center provides an unparalleled experience of excellence from start to finish. We have performed over 10,000 procedures and hold a 98% success rate across all treatments due to our precision, personalized approach, and adherence to the most stringent safety protocols.

Our holistic treatment philosophy differs from many other weight loss programs in that we offer care that extends far beyond surgery. Both before and after bariatric procedures, we provide patients with extensive education, support, and follow-up, understanding that the emotional and social aspects of the weight loss journey need to be addressed in addition to the physical components of the process.

Lastly, Tijuana Bariatric Center is committed to making life-saving surgery available to those who need it most. In the United States, the cost of bariatric procedures often makes relief from obesity an impossibility for many. We can remove the financial hurdle, making care affordable and accessible. What’s more, we offer up to $3000 in medical tourism insurance included with every procedure, something no other doctor in North America provides. Our number one goal is to help patients reclaim their self-esteem and quality of life – today rather than tomorrow.

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 by contacting us at 1-800-970-0577 or filling out our convenient online form.