Pregnancy after Bariatric Surgery

From a physical aspect, it is quite possible to have a healthy pregnancy after weight loss surgery. Recent studies suggests that having a baby after Bariatric surgery may actually be safer than a pregnancy complicated by issues stemming from obesity. Some of these issues include Gestational Diabetes, Preeclampsia and  Hypertension, all of which can affect both mother and baby. Bariatric surgery has also led to a reduced number of Cesarean births among expectant mothers who are obese.

pregnant bariatric surgery

Having a Baby after Weight Loss Surgery

The most important issue surrounding your choice to have a baby after weight loss surgery is the timing. You should wait until you have met your weight loss goal before deciding to have a baby. When your weight is stable, your body is ready to offer the nutrients your baby will need. becoming pregnant while still undergoing a rapid or consistent weight loss could lead to a low birth weight for your baby.

Most doctors and nutritionists agree that 18 to 24 months is an ideal length of time for Bariatric patients to conceive after any weight loss surgery. If you chose the lap band for your weight loss surgery, some doctors feel that twelve months is an appropriate length of time to wait before having a baby, but you may need to have your band readjusted in order to meet the needs of your body during pregnancy.

It is important to remember that your weight loss after Bariatric surgery will be quite significant in the first year, and gradual in the second year. By the third year, most Bariatric patients will have met their weight loss goals and have learned to maintain their ideal weight. Once the weight has become stable, a healthy pregnancy is not only possible but probable.

 

Consult Your Physician

Once you have decided to have a baby after weight loss surgery, consult your physician. You will need preconception planning and your doctor may want to consider nutritional supplements. Some of the more popular vitamin and mineral supplements for those trying to conceive after rapid weight loss include Calcium, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Iron and Vitamin D.

It may be a good idea to begin Prenatal Vitamins before conception as well as during the length of the pregnancy. Other professionals can be of great help for those who become pregnant after Bariatric surgery include registered dietitians and nutritionists, offering help in the areas of weight gain and nutrition.

The final decision to have a baby after weight loss surgery should be yours, under the advice of your trusted medical doctor. Because every person’s situation is different, your doctor will best advise you according to your personal health history. This will help you determine whether a healthy pregnancy is possible, and if it is the right choice for you, after any Bariatric surgery procedure.

 

Setting Goals with Weight Loss Surgery

Setting Weight Loss Goals

Weight loss surgery is a life changing step and an advancement toward a newer and healthier you. Undergoing weight loss surgery is a huge step that means that you have decided to make a lifelong commitment to your health and happiness. To achieve success in your weight loss journey,many lifestyle changes are inevitable.

Some of these changes will depend largely upon the type of weight loss surgery that you choose, while others will be part of your conscious decision to improve your lifestyle and your health.

 

Changes Necessary for Weight Loss

Not sure how to make the necessary changes in your life? Don’t worry. This is a question every Bariatric patient must ask him or her self at some point. One way to set these changes in motion is through the process of setting goals and striving to reach them. It is difficult to remain focused without something to strive for.

Avoid falling back into those old patterns and behaviors and allowing yourself to sabotage your own efforts and hard work. Having a weight loss plan with an end goal requires visualizing the result that you desire, within a reasonable time-frame.

 

Choose Your Weight Loss Surgery  Goals

Changes to Your Diet:

While weight loss surgery does limit the amount of food that can be eaten, it is still up to you to choose the right foods. Choose only the foods which are beneficial to the body while avoiding foods that are not healthy.
Implement Physical Exercise and Activities:

Maximize your weight loss potential by creating and following an exercise routine that can be incorporated into daily activities. Choose those activities that you enjoy and keep a record to look back on as you work toward your goal.
Culling the Bad Habits: 

Now is the time to say goodbye to alcohol and cigarettes, if at all possible. It is vitally important to strive for optimum mental and physical health. If you smoke and/or drink, consider quitting now to experience better overall health. Speak to your doctor about helpful options available to those who are trying to kick the habit.

Mental changes:

Those who have suffered with obesity over long periods of time will likely struggle with negative confidence levels and low self-esteem issues. After weight loss surgery, set goals to think positively and stay motivated for emotional health. Setting goals may sound easy but it can be quite difficult to change one’s way of thinking. For optimum results, consider the list of tips given below.

 

Set specific goals.

Write your goals down.

Focus on only one goal at a time.

Set realistic goals. 

Decide on a reasonable time-frame.

When deciding on the changes needed for weight loss, it is important to set realistic goals. Avoid being too hard on yourself because weight loss is a journey that takes time. Don’t expect instant gratification after weight loss surgery. Remembering this bit of advice will help you achieve the ultimate success.

Weight Loss Surgery for Better Sleep

Bariatric Diet Leads to Better Sleep

After weight loss surgery, it is important to take care of every aspect of your health and follow a well-balanced diet. Many daily habits, such as sleep habits, can have a large impact on your weight loss journey. In addition, your dinner choices may be affecting how long and comfortably you sleep at night.

Lose more weight with Sleep

Researchers from Brazil recently conducted a sleep lab and the results suggested a diet high in fats may be as unhealthy for your resting habits as it is for your waist. Further studies suggest that the higher your intake of fat during the day, the more likely you are to do the following:

  • Toss and turn all night
  • Wake up frequently
  • Exhibit abnormal breathing patterns while sleeping
  • Spend less time in REM, the deep sleep state when dreaming occurs.

Additionally, the rapid eye movement that occurs in deep sleep, also referred to simply as REM, is vitally important. This is the time when your body tries to heal, regenerate, and restore itself from the outside stresses of the day.

Research is also showing the last meal of the day to be the most important one when considering the issue of sleep. How well you sleep can also have an impact on weight loss. Scientists studied the fat content of each meal eaten throughout the day and found that a high fat dinner in the evening was far more likely to cause sleep issues and disruptions than any other.

A good night’s sleep with adequate REM time is vital for physical and mental health while a lack of REM sleep can often to blamed when feeling fatigued the next day. This can create a setback and spur other minor complications including a general lack of motivation, an increased appetite and possible weight gain.

A Good Night’s Sleep can Affect Weight Loss

A good night of sleep – at least seven hours – is an essential aspect of good health. Sleeping well means you will be better prepared for a productive and energized day. After weight loss surgery, good sleep habits can be an important goal on your journey to good health. It is important to eliminate any negative habits that could be harmful to your health.

Your Bariatric diet is already low in fat and sugar, consisting mainly of fresh produce, lean protein and dietary fiber due to the stomach’s limited capacity. If you do decide to indulgent, be sure to limit your overall intake and consume these foods several hours before deciding to go to sleep. You do not want to sabotage yourself while on your weight loss journey.

Water Consumption and Weight Loss Surgery

Weight Loss Results Improve with Water Consumption

Once you have undergone weight loss surgery, it is vitally important to remain hydrated. This can

Drink more water for weight loss
Drink more water for weight loss

only be done by consuming plenty of water. Delicious, nutritious H2O may be the most important thing you can provide to your body, but many people don’t drink the amount of water needed to remain fully hydrated and healthy.

Because the human body is approximately sixty percent water, it does not function correctly when hydration levels are less than ideal. Dehydration, or lack of water in the body, can lead to such issues as fatigue, headaches, reduced concentration levels, and slight memory loss.

 

Even Slight Dehydration Can Harm Bodily Functions

 

Though dehydration may only be noticeable when you are sweating vigorously, such as during exercise, this condition can affect bodily functions even while resting. Therefore, hydration is an important issue to consider as the weight comes off. Because the body loses water through many of its daily functions, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding hydration requirements after weight loss surgery. However, the standard guideline is sixty-four ounces per day.

Your body has its own built in alarm when hydration is low. The best indication that you need an increased water intake is thirst. Additionally, both the color and quantity of your urine can be a good indicator as well. The clearer your urine is, the more properly hydrated you are. Additionally, normal hydration levels should result in urinating at least once every two hours or so.

Water is the Bariatric Patient’s Best Friend

When you need hydration, water is your friend – especially if you on a doctor recommended low calorie diet after weight loss surgery. The process of hydration is crucial for a healthy body, especially after undergoing weight loss surgery. Not all of the body’s hydration comes from water, however. Here are a lot of other great sources from which the body derives fluids to stay hydrated and healthy.

 

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables.

Approximately twenty percent of your daily fluids come from foods digested by the body. Some good examples include tomatoes, oranges, and many other fresh garden items which are packed with hydrating fluids.
Drink skim milk.

When consumed in moderation, skim milk can help provide the hydration your body needs, as well as some other key nutrients that are also beneficial for other processes in the body.

 

Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Though these are normally purchased in liquid form, the stimulating effect of caffeine and alcohol can actually leave the body dehydrated. While drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, it is important to also drink plenty of water with them. It is also important to note that these beverages and drinks are normally high in calories.

Getting Active after Weight Loss Surgery

Sedimentary Lifestyle Change after Weight Loss Surgery

If you are trying to lose weight, a sedentary lifestyle will not achieve the results you desire – even if you have had weight loss surgery. Most Americans sit still for far too many hours each day which is very unhealthy. Many Americans are stuck working at a desk job for approximately forty hours per week. We move from bed to car to work to car and then from car to couch to bed. Very rarely does the average person get any real exercise from a normal day’s activities. Yet we complain of exhaustion… from all that sitting.

After having weight loss surgery, it will most likely be necessary to make some changes regarding the amount of time you spend sitting still. While it is not likely that you will be able to trade your desk job for one that is more physically demanding, there are some ways to move around while working that will help your body burn calories and feel better. As you begin building new energy levels, even just five minutes twice daily can make a difference.

Screen Shot 2014-06-23 at 10.21.10 AM

Finding Opportunities

Incidental activity is simply movement that can be done without veering from your regular routine. You can create incidental activity while sitting at your desk by fidgeting in your seat. While it is not the same level of exercise as going to the gym, many Bariatric patients have spent an increased number of calories while adjusting to their new lifestyle, thanks to this physical activity.

Weight loss surgery patients can build up their incidental activity levels each day by taking the stairs rather than an elevator or walking over to a co-worker’s cubicle rather than sending an instant message. Other, less strenuous options include tapping your foot to music or fidgeting in your chair as you type. By altering your routine with incidental activity, you burn more calories and build a slightly healthier lifestyle.

 

Fidgeting is Easy: Here’s How!

  • Listen to music and dance a little in your chair or at your desk.
  • Tap your foot to enjoy the beat of your favorite song as you type, bounce or kick your legs.
  • Stand up to stretch your arms at least once each hour while sitting. Make this a routine.
  • With each changing hour, stand up, stretch, drink some water, and move around to remain hydrated and moving.
  • Stand up and move around while talking on the phone. If you can’t stand while on the phone, move your fingers or swing your feet while seated in your chair.

After weight loss surgery, going to the gym may not be an option yet. However, as your body recovers, time to adjust becomes needed. Fidgeting is not meant to replace a moderate exercise routine, but it can help you burn calories during those moments when otherwise, you would be stuck sitting still.

 

Recording Your Weight Loss Journey

Motivate Yourself with a Weight Loss Journal

There are numerous ways to find support after weight loss surgery. If you live in a more populated area, there are support groups you can visit weekly, if not daily. Rural dwellers have a more limited access to support groups but several active online weight loss groups can be found that really helps you chase away that feeling of being alone in your journey.

One of the best ways you can motivate yourself is with the help of a weight loss journal. Keeping track of your weight loss and other milestones, including what you eat, can really helpyou on your weight loss surgery. It is best to start keeping a record of your journey from the moment you decide to have weight loss surgery, but it is never too late to start recording your progress.

Additionally, the journaling process could be helpful long after you have reached your desired weight to help keep old habits at bay and remain focused. If you make a commitment to the record keeping process, journaling is also a great way to maintain your ideal weight and prevent any risk of weight gain after Bariatric surgery.

Interested in Sharing your Bariatric Journey with National Bariatric Link?

We would love to post your story to motivate our weight loss surgery community!  

We are always looking for guest bloggers, want to blog your weight loss journey with National Bariatric Link, please contact us!!

Journaling your Weight Loss Journey

Keeping a record of your weight loss journey can be done in several ways. Choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and will motivate you the most. If keeping a written record such as a joJournaling WLSurnal or a blog, don’t shy away from cameras. Snap those before and afters with pride because you are dedicated to your journey.

The most common choices for keeping a weight loss record include the following: keeping a written journal much like a diary, writing a blog, creating a dedicated social media fanpage such as Facebook, vlogging (which is video blogging), or picture blogging on Instagram. It doesn’t really matter which method you choose so long as you are comfortable and consistent.

When you begin the journal, be sure to log in, write or make your videos as much as possible. Set a minimum requirement for yourself as well. This is a habit which must be properly formed and your schedule may not always be regular.  You can easily balance the journaling process with your lifestyle once keeping a record has become a habit.

Sharing Your Weight Loss Journey

The weight loss journal is a record of your weight loss journey, so share the details that will motivate and build your confidence.  If you aren’t comfortable sharing certain information, then don’t! Using your own personal preferences and making your own rules regarding details will help to create a journal that keeps you focused and hopeful. Below are some of the most commonly shared details in a weight loss journal:

Your Diet: food choices, vatamin and supplement information, nutrient and calorie intake, protein sources

When You Eat: describe portion sizes, hunger times, cravings, giving in to temptation, getting back on track

Your Exercise Plan: what works and what doesn’t, trips to the gym, stamina increases, favorite exercise products

Personal Weight Loss Goals: goals, plans, hopes and dreams, weight before and afters, personal measurements

Your New Life: new sleeping habits, relationship changes, family life, activities you were unable to do before

 

Whether you decide to write or record long emotion-filled journal entries or jot down a quick list of updates, the weight loss record will help keep you focused after weight loss surgery. Search the internet for other recorded weight loss journeys for inspiration and ideas. Be sure to visit YouTube where you will find an entire weight loss community devoted to journaling their results to help not only themselves, but others as well.

Interested in Sharing your Bariatric Journey with National Bariatric Link?

We would love to post your story to motivate our weight loss surgery community!  

We are always looking for guest bloggers, want to blog your weight loss journey with National Bariatric Link, please contact us!!

Lap Band Surgery – Post-Op Phase

Lap Band Surgery – About the Post-Op Phase

 

Your Lap Band Surgery is behind you and you are excited to begin what is sure to become your new, healthier life. The level of success you will experience depends on your resolve to follow the doctor’s post-op instructions and seek much needed support from your Bariatric team.

 

Your Doctor Appointments

After you are released from the hospital, your surgeon or physician assistant and dietitian will want to see you following the schedule below:

Two Weeks – This is a follow up appointment to check your incision sites.

Eight Weeks – This is your first adjustment, which is often called a ‘fill’. You will likely return every six weeks until your Lap Band has a sufficient amount of resistance to help you maintain a steady rate of weight loss.

After the correct amount of resistance has been maintained for several appointments, you will only need to visit the Bariatric Clinic every few months or so. Please understand that every doctor is different. This is just a guideline to help you understand what will happen in the months following surgery.

 

Your Post-Op Medications

 When you leave the hospital, you will be advised to take medications and vitamins in liquid form for the first two months post-op. You may be able to crush some medications, depending on your pharmacist’s advice. Another option is to purchase chewable medications and vitamins. This will also be necessary after each adjustment or fill.

Your nutritionist or dietitian will probably advise you regarding the required vitamin and mineral supplements. You can expect to take mineral and vitamin supplements for the remainder of your life. Here are the most common daily instructions given to Bariatric Surgery patients post-op.

One Multi -Vitamin

One or Two Calcium Tablets, Depending on your Dairy Intake

Any Additional Requests by your Doctor or Nutritionist

 

After Lap Band Adjustments

After each Lap Band adjustment or fill, it is important to follow a liquid diet for one or two days. This is due to the occurrence of slight swelling around your Lap Band.

 

How Quickly can You Expect to Lose Weight?

Every Bariatric patient will have slightly different results but on average, the expected weight loss will be one to three pounds per week. Your weight loss journey can take months or years, depending on the amount you weighed when having Lap band Surgery. With a supportive doctor and staff, you will reach your goal weight.

 

Don’t Worry about Weight Plateaus

Weight plateaus often occur when Lap Band patients have lost a significant amount of weight and the weight loss is now at a standstill. Your nutritionist will be able to help find a more effective diet and exercise program when you reach a weight plateau.

 

About Weight Gain

For Lap Band Surgery to be successful, you must change your eating and exercise habits. If you do not eat in moderation and incorporate activity into your days, it is possible to gain your weight back.

 

Do You Have Any Questions Regarding Lap Band Surgery Post-Op? 

 

Interesting Obesity and Bariatric Surgery Facts

Interesting Obesity and Bariatric Surgery Facts

 

If you are like many who are considering weight loss surgery, you have spent a significant amount of time researching the topic across several sites and search engines. New information can be found daily, making the task a bit daunting.

 

Choosing Bariatric Surgery can help an individual achieve long lasting weight loss and a new outlook on life. Patients can lead happier, healthier lives if they have all the facts needed to make a step toward positive change.

 

You are fairly certain that you know all about obesity and bariatric surgery. Just in case your research skipped over some interesting facts, here is a small compilation of important information to help you decide whether weight loss surgery is right for you.

 

Obesity Facts

 

Today, approximately fifteen million Americans are battling life threatening obesity. In 1990, less than fifteen percent of Americans were overweight.

 

Obesity is commonly defined as being one hundred pounds over your ideal body weight. This is the equivalent of a BMI (body mass index) that is greater than 40.

 

As of today, the United States is the most obese nation in the entire world. Twenty-five percent of this country’s children are overweight.

 

Patients who are obese will die approximately twelve to fifteen years earlier than those who maintain a normal weight.

 

Those who suffer with life threatening obesity have many other medical conditions that will affect almost every organ and system in their bodies. Some of these conditions include: Hypertension or High Blood Pressure, Type II Diabetes, High Cholesterol, Depression, Arthritis, and Cardiac Disease.

 

Bariatric Surgery Facts

 

For most, Bariatric Surgery is a cure for the life-threatening condition of obesity.

 

Patients opt for Bariatric Surgery because they want to live longer, healthier happier lives.

 

While Bariatric Surgery is a powerful weight loss tool for the obese. However, it is not cosmetic surgery.

 

Bariatric patients are most successful when they participate in a comprehensive program, one that provides follow-up appointments, support from a dietician, support groups (in persona and online), and assistance from exercise and fitness specialists.

 

Bariatric surgery requires a conscious effort to make a major commitment to changing their diet and behaviour regarding exercise.

 

When considering the risks of life threatening obesity, the risks of bariatric surgery are minute in comparison.

 

Only five percent of patients have shown long term positive results after Bariatric Surgery from diet and exercise alone. However, Bariatric Surgery gives patients long term weight loss results.

 

Many who undergo weight loss surgery have found that as they became more fit and healthy, other medical conditions lessened, or disappeared entirely.

 

After weight loss surgery, patients enjoyed reduced costs in healthcare and became more productive at work or school.

 

With Bariatric Surgery, you write the story of your life, as you are in control. What other changes did you experience? After Weight Loss Surgery, besides weight, what will change about you most? Your comments are welcome below.

 

 

Looking for the Best Protein Shake?

Great Low Carb, Low Sugar, High Protein Shake

 

The protein shake is a bariatric patient’s best friend. With so many products on the market, it can be hard to find a protein shake that is truly healthy. Some products will advertise their high protein content but when you look at the label, the sugar content is far too high.

 

Ideally, store bought protein shakes should contain three grams of sugar or less if you are following a pre-op or post-op bariatric diet. It can be confusing and a little overwhelming as you begin your journey to a healthier you. Here are our top six choices for ready to drink protein shakes and drinks.

bariatric protien shake

MET-Rx Protein Plus

Featuring flavors such as Creamy Vanilla, Peanut Butter, Frosty Chocolate, Mocha Blast, Berry Blast, and Cookies & Cream, the Met-Rx Protein Plus ready to drink shakes are the number one choice in regards to overall health benefits. With 51 grams of protein, two grams of sugar, and Metamyosyn packed into 260 calories, this is the powerhouse of all protein shakes.

 

Nature’s Best Zero Carb Isopure

Isopure drinks are completely different than any other protein shake because this product offers 40 grams of protein and zero carbs in only 160 calories. Even better, the taste is awesome and you can choose from any of the following flavors: Coconut, Pineapple Orange Banana, Icy Orange, Grape Frost, Apple Melon, Blue Raspberry, Alpine Punch and Mango Peach.

 

CytoSport Monster Milk

Monster Milk is sugar free but contains 45 grams of premium proteins and five grams of soluble dietary fiber, allowing this delicious shake to make number three on the list. Choose from Banana Creme, Chocolate, Chocolate Mint, Cookies & Crème, and Vanilla Crème, and enjoy the taste of an ultra-rich milkshake with only 130 calories.

 

Muscle Milk Pro

A favorite of many bariatric patients due to easy accessibility (even in convenience stores and gas stations), the Muscle Milk Pro Series has an amazing 40 grams of lean protein and is lactose and gluten free. Available in Intense Vanilla, Knock-Out Chocolate and Mint Chocolate Overload, these delicious shakes have only two grams of sugar.

 

Shakeology

Shakeology offers a nice selection of flavors including Chocolate, Vegan Chocolate, Vanilla, Greenberry, Strawberry and Tropical Strawberry Vegan. These yummy 160 calorie shakes have 17 grams in protein but are a little higher in sugar with six grams. However, Shakeology has more than seventy vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients as well as prebiotics, probiotics, fiber, and digestive enzymes.

 

Pure Protein Shakes

Depending on the size and flavor you purchase, Pure Protein Shakes contain 23 to 35 grams of protein, three grams of fiber and one gram of sugar. At only 120 calories, this is a great shake and a great value. Available in Vanilla Cream and Frosty Chocolate, you won’t find any aspartame or added sugars – just lots of great calcium and other great benefits.

 

Hopefully, this list will help you find your personal favorite protein shakes and take some of the guesswork out of reading labels. There are plenty of other great brands suitable as meal replacement shakes for weight loss surgery patients. Please let us know which brand is your personal favorite.

 

Recovery after Lap Band Surgery

What to Expect Immediately after Lap Band Surgery

While the Lap Band is considered a minimally invasive procedure compared to other weight loss surgery, there are some important facts that will help speed your recovery process. There are a few websites that will tell you that Lap Band surgery placement does not require an overnight stay at the hospital, most doctors will require at least one night.

 

While the laparoscopic surgery is much less dangerous than an open surgery, there is still a lot of soreness and pain immediately following the procedure. This should not cause you to worry as the doctor will prescribe pain medication to be given through your IV which will keep you comfortable.

 

The Recovery Process

As soon as you feel up to the task, take regular walks around your room or down the hall and back. Doing so will help rid your body of gas pain, a common side effect of any laparoscopic surgery. Commonly, this pain is often felt in the left shoulder. If you feel a little light-headed, consult your nurse before attempting to walk.

 

After surgery, you will have four small surgical incisions and one that is a bit larger. The largest is where your port has been placed and it will take the longest to heal. During the healing process, it is extremely important to follow your doctor’s requests not to drive, lift anything that is heavy or bend over to pick things up from the floor.

 

Healing

Your body needs time to heal, at least two to ten days, if not longer. It is very important to follow your recommended diet during this time to avoid any stomach irritation. After the swelling in your stomach goes down, you will probably be ready to eat regular foods. Enjoy modest, healthy meals with plenty of protein to promote maximum weight loss.

 

Time it takes to recover after bariatric surgery
Recovery Time After Bariatric Surgery

Meals including high levels of protein, fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will provide an optimal diet for weight loss and recovery. While you are eating less, remember to supplement your diet with additional vitamins and minerals.

 

The time needed to heal completely will depend upon many factors. You should not expect to return to work for two weeks. If you are not used to sleeping on your back, the first few days may be difficult. Sleeping on your stomach will be very painful and your doctor may warn against it. Sleeping on your side may prove to be somewhat painful but propping pillows around you may ease the discomfort. By the second week, your normal sleep positions should be possible.

 

Your First Fill and Weigh In 

Most doctors do nothing with the Lap Band until five weeks have passed, giving the port site and stomach to properly heal and adjust to the changes. At this time, you will make an appointment to have your first fill. Many Lap Band patients find that they have experienced some weight loss even though their band offered no resistance.

 

Do not listen to horror stories or tales of botched weight loss surgeries but instead, speak to your doctor. Ask questions and get the facts because it is your health that is being compromised by obesity. Most who have undergone weight loss surgery have zero regrets and are now living a healthier, more active life.