Having weight loss surgery is the first major step to losing excess weight if overweight, however, it is not the last. The surgery’s complete effectiveness becomes evident only when the patient adheres to the recommendations provided by the surgeons and actively takes measures post-surgery to guarantee weight loss.
Streamline Surgical has put together a simple list to help patients know what to do and what not to do after having weight loss surgery:
Do
Go to follow-up appointments
Attending these appointments after having weight loss surgery is important, as they will ensure that the patient is healthy, on target for their weight loss goals and give them the support they need in their weight loss journey.
Follow dietary requirements & recommendations
Undergoing weight loss surgery restricts the quantity of food a patient can intake. By adhering to the guidance of specialized dieticians, individuals can maintain their health while shedding weight. It is advisable for patients to follow a diet plan that includes small, well-balanced meal portions with ample vitamins and protein, promoting healing and weight loss and preventing malnutrition. They should avoid processed, sugary foods, as these are high in calories and provide little to no nutritional value.
Get your vitamins
Following weight loss surgery that reduces the stomach size, patients not only consume smaller portions but also experience reduced vitamin absorption. It is advisable for them to take multi-vitamins to complement their well-balanced meals, ensuring they receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals. The dietetic team can provide guidance not only on the necessity of multi-vitamins but also on selecting the ones suitable for weight loss patients.
Don’ts
Don’t skip meals or forget them
Skipping meals to assist with weight loss may be tempting for some, while others may forget to eat due to a lack of hunger. However, both scenarios can be detrimental. Skipping meals leaves patients feeling hungrier and deprives them of essential vitamins and protein crucial for post-surgery recovery.
Don’t rush the food stages
After weight loss surgery, patients will meet with their dietician who will talk them about the stages of food consistency they should work through, allowing the stomach to heal but ensuring all meals are nutritious and filling, until such time as the stomach can process foods with normal consistency. At this stage the patient can reintroduce healthy foods, they may not have eaten during the puree stages. Nevertheless, this process should be approached with caution. When reintroducing foods, it is advisable to do so gradually and in modest quantities, allowing the stomach to acclimate to them. Too much too fast may cause discomfort.
Don’t indulge in carbonated drinks
It is important for the patient to keep well hydrated, however, carbonated drinks should be kept to a minimum. This is because the carbonate in the drinks may upset the stomach and will leave the patient feeling full, preventing them from eating the food they need and getting the necessary nutrients.
It is always important to follow the advice of the bariatric surgeon and dietician treating you as they are highly experienced and trained in these procedures and their implications on the body. Should you have any questions, they will be more than happy to answer any queries you have regarding your diet.
To enquire with Streamline about the weight loss procedures we offer, please call 0333 016 3030 or fill in the online enquiry form below.