Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment approach to help you win your battle against obesity and the chronic health complications that go along with it. However, weight loss surgery is just part of the battle. To maintain long-term weight loss and win the war, you need to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and follow suggested lifestyle changes.
At Michael Sutker, MD, PA, in Dallas and McKinney, Texas, bariatric surgeon Dr. Michael Sutker offers minimally invasive bariatric surgeries — like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy — to those who are good candidates for these life-changing procedures.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for people to regain some or most of the weight they lose a year or two after the surgery. That’s why, along with weight loss surgery, Dr. Sutker and our expert team help you develop a healthy lifestyle routine that supports your long-term weight maintenance efforts. Here’s what that might entail.
After bariatric surgery, you’ll need to get the most nutrients from your smaller meals. Sugary foods contain few or no nutrients and can also create issues for your blood sugar levels. Eating three healthy, nutritious meals is the ideal way to maintain your weight loss. Eating snacks or grazing throughout the day can also readily lead to excess calories and weight gain.
While getting enough fluids is important for staying hydrated, you must be careful about when you consume your beverages. Drinking just before or during meals can fill you up, leaving little room for nutritious meals. Always drink 30 minutes before your meal to ensure there’s plenty of room for food.
When it comes to eating healthy and maintaining your weight, protein is your friend. Focusing on protein at every meal helps you retain muscle mass and feel fuller for longer. Simple carbs, on the other hand, are the enemy. Foods like bread, pasta, cakes, and cookies can raise blood glucose levels, leaving you hungry and craving more unhealthy foods.
Losing weight and keeping it off is difficult without bariatric surgery. While weight loss surgery may make it easier to lose weight in the near term, it also comes with unique complications and maintenance struggles. A weight loss support group can offer the support and advice you need to be successful in your life after surgery.
Exercising at least 300 minutes (five hours) a week helps you lose and maintain weight and also improves your sleep and mood, which can contribute to motivation to stick to a healthy eating plan and lifestyle. Walking, biking, swimming, dancing, and gardening are all good ways to stay physically active.
For more information on lifestyle adjustments and weight loss maintenance tips after bariatric surgery, call or click online to schedule an appointment at your nearest Michael Sutker, MD, PA, office in Dallas or McKinney, Texas, today.
