Lifestyle Changes after Bariatric Surgery

The decision to have bariatric surgery is a huge turning point in your battle against obesity, and it should be made with all the facts available. You need to have a realistic view of what surgery will be like, how long recovery will last and what sort of results you can expect if you follow your surgeon and your bariatric team’s guidelines. Whichever surgical procedure you choose, important lifestyle changes accompany it, and true weight-loss success occurs when those to go hand-in-hand. So, what kind of changes are we talking about?

Nutrition

Nutritional changes before and after bariatric surgery are essential. A registered dietitian will have a nutrition plan tailored specifically for your procedure and needs. These plans typically focus on protein-rich, low-carb food. Certain daily supplements are necessary following surgery also. Following these recommendations can improve your weight loss results.

Physical Activity

Physical activity after bariatric surgery is a super important part of long-term weight management. Your exercise plan needs to be specifically tailored toward your abilities, but we recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week with activities such as brisk walking, swimming, Zumba, jogging or exercise machines.

Mental Health

Relationship and work stress, self-confidence and emotions are all strong motivators behind unhealthy eating habits. Having bariatric surgery does not change those things, so it is important to address how you handle emotions and stress in your life. It can be very helpful to practice meditation or join a support group, or even to reach out to a psychologist or therapist to treat any ongoing issues that might affect your weight-loss journey.

Whatever the case, we are here to support you through this major change in your life. We want you to succeed and experience overall health and improvement in your life. Difficulties are expected, and if you need support or a follow-up visit, don’t hesitate to contact us. Congrats on taking such a huge step toward a healthier life!