No, Bariatric Surgery hasn’t Failed You!

Occasionally, you may hear someone say that Bariatric surgery did not work for them. This is simply not true and not possible. Your weight loss surgery didn’t fail… you simply aren’t using this tool correctly.

Yes, Bariatric surgery is simply that, a tool intended to help you find the road to good health. It is not designed to do the work for you. Without significant lifestyle, behavior and diet changes, you will not see the results you were hoping for.

gain weight after bariatric surgery

Reach your potential with Weight Loss Surgery

Giving up? This is common among those who do not achieve the weight loss levels they had hoped for after Bariatric surgery. However, when it comes to your health and happiness, defeat should never be an option.

Regardless of the type of weight loss surgery you chose initially, and no matter how long ago since your procedure was performed, you absolutely CAN get back on track. Don’t give up on the results you were initially hoping for.

How? Well, first you need to set some new weekly weight loss goals. Write them down and get them into your spirit. You are going to do this!

 

Do you have those goals written down yet? Keep them clear, simple and most of all… doable. When you meet one goal, move to the next on the list. This is how you get back to basics of Bariatric surgery, and how you get back on track. Learn more here on keeping a weight loss journal.

If you mess up, don’t be too hard on yourself. Suck it up and start over. Negative habits from an unhealthy lifestyle won’t disappear overnight.

 

Now that you can see your goals, fight to meet them and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Family, friends and support groups are some of the best help when you need strength and focus, and may even help you with accountability.

Taking care of YOU has to become your number one goal. Remember this when setting your goals and making a choice for change.

 

Not sure which goals you should be focused on? These are just a few of the many great ideas for Bariatric patients who want to see their weight loss goals realized. Decide which ones will help get you back on track!

#1 – Water, Water, Water

You need 64 ounces of water per day. Period. This is non-negotiable. If you aren’t hitting this number, water is your first goal.

#2 – No Drinks: Before, During, After Meals

Avoid temptation to drink before or during meals. Instead, wait up to two hours after a meal to have a drink. This will keep you from becoming hungry too soon.

#3 – Take Your Vitamins

This is not rocket science; nor is it negotiable. Your body needs help absorbing the vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health and nutrition now. This will also increase your energy, allowing you to become more active and burn fat at a faster rate!

#4 – Up Your Protein Consumption

You need a minimum of 65 grams of protein per day, whether it comes from food or protein drinks and shakes. Remember, during meals you should consume your protein servings first, before you can fill up on carbs.

#5 – Moderate Meals at Appropriate Times

Say no to snacking and grazing. Instead, enjoy three meals and a small nutrition snack, taking your time to chew each bite well. Give up trying to eat fast food entirely.

#6 – Push Yourself to Get Up and Exercise

Set an exercise goal, starting with twice or three times each week for 20 to 30 minutes per day. Slowly increase this amount until you are exercising thirty minutes daily.

Starting Over with Weight Loss Surgery

It may seem crazy, but if you need to start over, go back to the very beginning and put yourself on the post-op diet of liquids only. Slowly, progress to step two, which was pureed foods. Next, work your way up to soft foods. This will allow your pouch or sleeve to return to its post-op state – a great place to start again.

If you have tried this and you feel like there may be something wrong with the original surgery,  you may qualify for a bariatric surgery revision.  Chat with our online coordinator to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons experienced in Bariatric Surgery Revisions.

After Bariatric Surgery: Your After-Care Plan

After Bariatric Surgery

Your weight loss surgery is behind you and that’s great! However, the next phase of the Bariatric surgery process is equally as important. Your after-care is required so the doctor can monitor your progress and help you maintain your health while losing a substantial amount of weight. This is a pivotal time when Bariatric patients must follow a strict diet and work toward a healthier lifestyle.

Keeping close contact with your after-care doctor ensures that your surgery will be successful. Each time you visit the doctor’s office and discuss the details surrounding your decision to have weight loss surgery, or stand on the scale where your pre-op weight was recorded, you are reminded of your goals and how far you have already come. Speaking with your favorite nurse or another patient in the waiting room are all forms of support that will help you on your weight loss journey.

 

The After-Care Phase of Weight Loss Surgery

Typically, the after-care phase includes a dieting outline that must be followed after Bariatric surgery. This is the absolute most important part of post-surgery monitoring and your doctor must be there to provide support and help you make the right choices. These diet choices can speed up the weight loss process, whereas incorrect choices will further impede the weight loss you so desire.

Other ways your doctor can help is by assisting you with the right exercise routine, one that begins easy and slow. Gradually, under your doctor’s after-care, you will be able to participate in more physically demanding exercise and activities. Vitamins and supplements are also a way of life for the Bariatric patient. These will help you maintain a nutritious diet and keep you energized rather than run down or tired. Regular examinations by your doctor can prevent any vitamin or mineral deficits from occurring that might affect your health adversely.

 

Why Cant’ I Manage My Own Progress?

Bariatric patients who are in the after-care phase may think the hardest part is over.  Many are surprised to learn that, after Bariatric surgery,more difficult phases will follow. After Bariatric surgery,  the work is not over but rather, just beginning. Successful Bariatric patients will still require numerous follow-up appointments and progress reports, which might seem unnecessary at the time.

Patients should never try to conduct their own after-care treatment, as research has shown that those who are actively engaged with their doctor will achieve the greatest results. The statistics show that Bariatric patients who continued with their after-care plan were able to lose as much as 35% more weight than those who did not. In addition, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery reports that those after-care patients were far m0re successful in keeping the weight off for good.

 

You have made it this far; why not see your Bariatric journey through?

Five Cool Facts about Bariatric Surgery

Are you considering Bariatric Surgery as a weight loss option? You will find a lot of information about weight loss surgery which can take some time to research and read. However, there are some really cool facts for you here, extracted from years of research to help you understand the history of Bariatric surgery and how popular it has become today as a valid and safe weight loss option.

Five Bariatric Surgery Facts

#1 – The youngest known weight loss surgery patient to date was only twelve years old.  In a small number of cases, a child could potentially require assistance with weight loss in order to treat other serious health conditions.  Bariatric surgery is the last option for children who are dealing with comorbidities, and are at greater risk due to obesity. Weight loss surgery in children does not interfere with the body’s normal growing and developing processes, but it does reduce the chances that the child will become an obese adult. Only a doctor can decide if weight loss surgery is the right choice for a child.

#2 – The most obese country in all of the world is NOT the United States of America.  You’ve probably heard this exaggeration for years but it simply is not true. While the U.S. does struggle with weight issues with more than 30 percent of Americans carrying around a BMI of 30 or better, the most obese country is actually an island in the South Pacific called Nauru. On this small island, more than 94 percent of the population is obese. Other obese countries include the United Kingdom and Mexico.

#3 – Japan and South Korea are the two countries with the least number of obese people.  This is due to cultural differences and differences in what is considered attractive by a society as a whole. While the U.S. holds at number three in the list of obese countries, the average weight across America for men and women combined is about 180 pounds or 81.928 kilograms. This is approximately 20 kilograms higher than the average weight in 1970, nearly five decades ago.

#4 – In the U.S. and Canada, twenty-five weight loss surgeries are performed every hour, on average!  This number is a bit larger than Europe, which averages 7.6 per hour, and Asia with only 1.5 per hour. Of these Bariatric surgeries reported in the study, nearly 90 percent were performed using a minimally invasive surgery technique called laparoscopy. This popular method is used for two types of weight loss surgeries: Gastric Banding and Gastric Bypass. The least common Bariatric surgery was the Biliopancreatic Diversion with duodenal switch, according to these numbers.

#5 – The very first recorded weight loss surgery was performed in ancient Greece.  The patient was a man named Dionysius, who was believed to have lived a very extravagant life. These early records suggest he was quite a tyrant …and quite obese due to his lifestyle. You would not want to trade places with Dionysius though, because today’s easy in-and-out laparoscopic method is amazingly painless when compared to the method he endured, which called for the insertion of long needles through the belly and hips. Bariatric surgery became a valid choice for Americans starting in 1954, changing the way people viewed obesity treatments.

These are just five of the many interesting facts about Bariatric surgery, which is just the beginning of all the cool and interesting details that surround obesity and weight loss surgery. Put those fabrications and false facts about Bariatric surgery to rest when you learn the real facts.

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Excellent New Habits after Bariatric Surgery

After Bariatric Surgery, you will begin to look around your kitchen with new eyes, and as you make your weekly grocery list, there will be so many things you will no longer want to buy. Don’t worry – it will get easier as the days go by and soon, you will have some healthy new habits to add years to your life, but how can you speed those new habits along, helping make sure you see and enjoy the results of weight loss surgery long term?

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New Habits after Bariatric Surgery

Here are some quick kitchen tips for those of you who want to make your kitchen weight loss friendly after Bariatric surgery and help speed those new habits along. Don’t be discouraged if you make a mistake. It took a lifetime to learn all of these unhealthy eating habits, so don’t be too hard on yourself! Every day is a clean slate and a fresh start on your road toward a healthy weight and proper nutritional habits.

 

Buy Bottled Water after Weight Loss Surgery

While you may have wonderfully tasting well or tap water that runs into your glass for free, you are probably willing to admit that you aren’t drinking the required number of glasses per day. After Bariatric surgery, it is highly recommended that you purchase bottled water and store it in the refrigerator or another cool location.

You will find that using purchasing bottled water will motivate you, and help you keep track of your daily water intake goals. You may be able to get your family involved with a little competitive cross referencing with the other water drinkers in your home. Do not mistake distilled water for healthy bottled water, which is not nearly as healthy and beneficial for your body.

 

Boiled Eggs after Bariatric Surgery

After weight loss surgery, you will have to follow a very specific diet until your stomach has healed and you are no longer on a liquid, puree or soft food regimen. Once you have been approved for regular food, you will be looking for high protein recipes that meet the needs of your new lifestyle. Breakfast can be especially difficult since you no longer need to eat toast, biscuits, sugary sweet cereal or greasy pork bacon and sausage.

However, what you can have are protein rich eggs. Most nutritionists will tell you that eating at least one hard boiled egg each morning for breakfast will increase your energy levels by 70 percent. This is because protein is fuel for the body and eggs are a fast, affordable and easy source. Make a new habit of keep a small container of hard boiled eggs in the refrigerator. You will find that this is a fast and convenient breakfast that you will learn to appreciate. Sprinkle some paprika on them for a bit of flavor if you do not like them plain, as this spice is a great source of vitamin E.

 

Individual Sweeteners Packets for Bariatric Patients

After Bariatric surgery, you will no longer be able to enjoy sugary sweet drinks and treats. You can, however, have artificial sugar. If one of your old habits included drinking sweet iced tea, Kool-aid or coffee with sugar, you should consider purchasing artificial sweeteners in individual packets. While drinks won’t taste nearly as sweet, you will find that over time, you can train your taste buds to enjoy less.

Another great benefit of pre-measured packets is you can see exactly how many calories you are drinking and how much progress you’ve made. Also, these pre-measured packets can be carried in a purse or pocket, making it easy to maintain your new habit wherever you go.

Zipper Seal Bags for Weight Loss Surgery Patients

After you have undergone Bariatric surgery, portion control becomes an important issue and plastic zipper seal bags can be a huge help in the storing and cooking process. While you can save significantly by buying in bulk, you should re-package all meat and food items into zipper seal bags that contain only enough for the number and size of the meals you will need.

Not only will you avoid over-eating and later raiding the fridge for leftovers, you will also find that packages used to make one dinner meal might stretch much further now. It won’t take long before you are hooked on buying and using these household helpers.

 

What are some other items to help build new habits after Bariatric surgery?

 

 

 

Foods to Avoid after Weight Loss Surgery

Once you have undergone weight loss surgery, there will be a list of foods that you can no longer enjoy. This is not just a personal choice, as some of these foods will be difficult to swallow or digest. There will be foods that will cause dumping syndrome, nausea or other unpleasant symptoms. By following a specific diet, as instructed by your doctor or nutritionist, you will see positive weight loss results while meeting the nutritional needs of your body.

Five  Foods to Avoid after Bariatric Surgery

 

Bariatric surgery is not an instant solution to losing weight, as you will still have to make the right food choices. Once your doctor tells you it is okay to eat solid foods, you will not be able to eat anything you like. There are several foods and drinks that you should never consume again. Here are the top four foods to avoid after weight loss surgery.

five foods to avoid after bariatric surgery

Breads, Pasta, Potatoes and Rice

 

Heavy starches such as bread, potatoes, rice, and pasta are no longer comfort foods after weight loss surgery. In fact, attempting to eat from this food group can be quite uncomfortable. These foods can form a paste in the throat, making it difficult to swallow. If this happens, there is a fair amount of discomfort and the food may be rejected.

In a few Bariatric cases, breads, potatoes, rice and pasta have blocked the stoma, which is the entrance to the stomach pouch. It is best to give these high-starch foods up entirely, as avoidance will accelerate your weight loss. If you choose to consume one of these foods, do so rarely and in extremely small portions. Take small bites and eat very slowly, remembering not to drink anything thirty minutes before or after your meal.

 

Dry or Tough Meats

 

No matter what type of food you eat, it is important to chew well, taking your time with each small bite. This ensures that you can easily swallow and digest your meals correctly, which is especially important after Bariatric surgery. Because you will not be drinking beverages or water with your meals, it can become even more difficult to swallow some meats.

Lean meats are ideal for your new diet because you need adequate amounts of protein. Avoid meats with fat or gristle, and meats that are tough or hard to swallow  It is recommended to take bites the size of a pencil eraser, choosing meats with a sauce or gravy rather than dry. Foods to avoid include steak, ham, pork chops, and hot dogs.

Other dry foods will also be difficult to swallow such as nuts, granola and dry cereal. Eat these foods slowly and with great caution after Bariatric surgery. As your body heals, you may find that some of these foods become easier to consume.

 

Caffeinated, Carbonated and Alcoholic Beverages

 

The first advice you will probably hear after weight loss surgery is this: Don’t Drink Your Calories! Bariatric patients must avoid drinking beverages with sugar, fructose or corn syrup such as sodas, energy drinks, and fruit juices.  These high calorie beverages will sabotage your diet and could lead to Dumping Syndrome, which is very uncomfortable.

After Bariatric surgery, you should consume at least 64 ounces of water daily and avoid beverages with carbonation, which can expand your new stomach pouch. Opt for decaffeinated drinks such as coffee or tea since caffeine can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can quickly become an issue with your new smaller stomach.

Alcohol should be avoided, since these high calorie drinks offer no benefit to your body. Focus on drinks that offer the added vitamins and minerals your body needs. It is also important to remember that, after weight loss surgery, you may become intoxicated much more quickly.

 

Fatty, Greasy and High Calorie Foods

 

Fatty, greasy and high calorie foods should be avoided after weight loss surgery, as these may lead to nausea and sabotage your weight loss. Avoid high calorie, high fat foods such as bacon and sausage, butter, bologna, and whole milk.

You should also avoid foods that offer little or no nutritional value such as candy, chips, pastries, popcorn, rice cakes and similar. Consuming the wrong foods can lead to issues such as weight gain or undernourishment. After weight loss surgery, these foods are dumped into the colon soon after they are consumed, causing symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, cold sweats and weakness.

 

After Bariatric surgery, you will want to select low-fat deli meats and cheeses. Consuming too many bad food choices can make you feel ill or experience the effects of Dumping Syndrome. Making wise choices will be key in getting the results you deserve.

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? 

 

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.

 

Family Dynamics with Weight Loss Surgery

 

Significant Weight Loss Brings Many Changes for You and Your Family

First, the decision to undergo weight loss surgery is a personal one that should be decided upon with the assistance of your doctor and nutritionist. However, the results will be life-changing for you and this will affect your family as well. Your new boost in confidence will bring out a new attitude and outlook, one that your family members may have never experienced before. While the many health benefits are great motivation, this new and improved family life may well become your most favorite result of weight loss surgery.

family weight loss issues

Most people who suffer from obesity deal with many other mental and physical issues, robbing their happiness and leaving depression in its place. Some patients feel as if they aren’t the same person anymore and report that family activities have been reduced to a minimum since obesity has stolen their ability to enjoy normal activities.

After bariatric surgery, your pounds slowly slip away and a new life emerges – one that is greatly enriching to you and your family. Friendships flourish as you have more energy and time to enjoy those around you. For your consideration, here are just a few of the many benefits that can be enjoyed after undergoing weight loss surgery by both you and your family.

 

Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

Relatives will spend less time worrying and more time making memories with you. Whether you realize this or not, your spouse and children worry about your health and the risks associated with obesity and whichever additional health complications you may suffer from. Children hope that you will be present at all future landmark events: graduations, weddings, the births of your grandchildren as well as many other special occasions. Your family loves you and wants only your happiness and health – even if that means weight loss surgery.

 

Your family will becomes more healthy and health-conscious after your weight loss surgery experience. You will become a role model regarding your family’s health. Research has proven that those who have undergone weight loss surgery noticed positive health benefits for their family members as well. Researchers believe that this happens because the patient’s new and healthier lifestyle extends to the family in regards to meals, activities and even attitudes.

 

You will spend more quality time with your spouse and children. After bariatric surgery, you can expect to feel better and have more energy to invest in relationships with those you love. You will also show an increase in mobility and stamina levels which will lead to more freedom and activities, providing the ability to do things you could have never done before such as camping, sports and amusement parks.   

 

By making your own list with pen and paper, you can probably add several more items to this list. Take your list when you visit the doctor to discuss your options regarding weight loss and if bariatric surgery is right for your situation. There are many more benefits of weight loss surgery regarding your family, depending on your individual situation. In your world, your children and your spouse are the most important people in your life. This is exactly how they feel about you as well. Weight loss surgery improves the relationships in your life as a brand new YOU emerges.