Bariatric surgery is an excellent way to promote long-term weight loss. Having a procedure done, however, isn’t enough to ensure permanent losses. While it’s likely a smart routine will be followed during the recovery period, some patients fall back into poor routines in the years following surgery. This can result in the weight that was lost coming back while undoing the health benefits weight loss surgery can provide.
Here are a few tips that can help those in the post-surgical stage keep the weight off that they’ve lost:
• Get support – Weight loss surgery can be a grueling ordeal, especially as the body adjusts to its new self. To promote healthy choices in the weeks, months and years after surgery, enlist support. Whether it’s from support groups or family and friends, having a little help along the way can make a big difference.
• Put together a team – Work not only with a bariatric surgeon to promote weight loss, but also other medical professionals that can assist. Nutritionists, for example, can help with proper diet while family doctors might offer assistance with launching a healthy exercise routine.
• Rethink food –Work to develop healthier ideas about food and focus on breaking any dependencies that may be present.
• Create smart habits – Try working to break bad eating habits by substituting healthier choices into the mix. Before long, munching on fresh fruit instead of candy will become a habit when the sweet tooth strikes.
• Exercise – Getting physical once medical clearance is given is an excellent way to keep pounds away. Work with your physician for advice in establishing and sticking to a routine.
Bariatric surgery is only the first step on a journey to lose weight and keep it off. In order to ensure the pounds shed don’t return, it’s important to develop a post-surgical plan and stick with it.
Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery 