The Dos and Don’ts After Weight Loss Surgery

Having weight loss surgery is the first major step to losing excess weight if overweight, however, it is not the last. The full effectiveness of the surgery is only demonstrated if the patient complies with recommendations from the surgeons and if they take steps after surgery to ensure they lose the weight.

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

Having weight loss surgery limits the amount of food a patient is able to consume and by following the advice of trained specialist dieticians the patient should remain healthy whilst losing weight. Patients are advised to eat small, but well-balanced meal portions that are high in vitamins and contain protein (this aids healing and weight loss), preventing malnutrition. They should avoid processed, sugary foods, as these are high in calories and provide little to no nutritional value.

• Get Your Vitamins

With weight loss surgery which reduces the size of the stomach, patients will not only eat smaller portions but as their stomach is reduced in size will not be able to absorb as many vitamins as before it is recommended that they take multi-vitamins to support the well-balanced meals they are eating. Ensuring they are getting all the vitamins and minerals they need. The dietetic team can advise not only on whether multi-vitamins are needed but which ones are appropriate to weight loss patients.

Don’ts:

• Don’t Skip Meals Or Forget Them

For some, there may be a temptation to skip meals to aid with weight loss, others find they are not hungry and simply forget to eat, in both cases however this will be detrimental. Missing meals can leave the patient feeling hungrier and they will lose out on the vital vitamins and protein they need to help with recovery after the surgery.

• 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. However, this should be done carefully. When it comes to reintroducing foods, it is best to introduce them slowly and in small amounts whilst the stomach gets used 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.

For information on the weight loss surgery procedures that we offer at Streamline Surgical, visit our Treatment pages. To enquire, please call our team on 0333 016 3030 or fill in our enquiry form.