5 Steps to Ensure Gastric Bypass Surgery is Effective for You

Published on December 22 , 2017 | 4 Minutes to Read

Share :

Gastric bypass surgery not only results in weight loss, it also helps keep check on a number of comorbid conditions. The procedure increases mobility, improves self image, and helps patients lead a better life. Patients, however, need to overcome a number of challenges in order to get optimum results from the procedure, no matter whether they go for Roux-en-y gastric bypass or SIPS bariatric surgery. The challenges include adapting lifestyle changes, controlling erratic eating habits and including exercise in their daily routines. To help ensure you get the best out of gastric bypass surgery, we give you five simple yet effective steps.

1. Develop Healthy Eating Habits

Your weight loss journey begins well before you decide to go under the knife, and the very first step is following a healthy diet. From avoiding starchy, sugary foods to eating protein and fiber-rich foods, you need to take care of a number of aspects of your diet. Binge Eating Disorder or BED is a major obstacle to a successful gastric bypass surgery. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Your doctor may ask you to follow a liquid diet before and after surgery, so be prepared.

2. Stay Off Alcohol and Tobacco

Quitting smoking will allow the incisions to heal quicker and mitigate the risk of a gastric leak — a breakdown along an anastomosis that causes the fluids to leak. Post op smoking leads to anastomotic ulcers and bleeding which can often be problematic and the anastomosis needs to be redone. ‘No smoking’ also prevents the formation of a fistula, which requires reoperation. Avoid alcohol, as it may impede the healing process, which means a longer recovery time. Alcohol is high in calories, due to which it acts against your weight loss goal. It also counteracts the hormonal pathway by which you lose weight and hence resulting in failure or suboptimal weight loss.

3. Join a Support Group

Mental support is of paramount importance for weight loss patients, and joining a ‘support group’ can always help. When you see that there are many others like you, all fighting a common problem, the feeling can be liberating. It can boost your self-esteem and encourage you towards your weight loss goal. Studies show that weight loss surgery patients active in support groups often report 10 percent lower BMI than those who are not part of such groups.

4. Periodically Consult a Nutritionist

Your doctor will provide you with a diet plan, however, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consult a nutritionist. Regularly following up with a nutritionist will let you find out where you’ve reached in your weight loss journey, and if you need to alter your diet plan. Remember, deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals post-surgery is common with weight loss patients, which makes them vulnerable to various diseases. Therefore, you need to consult a nutritionist to ensure that your body is receiving sufficient amounts of nutrients for its functioning.

5. Workout

Last, but not least, exercise regularly. Although obesity limits body movements, doctors recommend patients to develop the habit of exercising in advance. Thirty minutes of exercise would suffice, as the goal is to get your body and mind in the groove. Even small changes can help. So, if you sit for long hours, stand frequently. If your routine involves standing for long hours, walk short distances. Use stair cases instead of elevators, and walk your dog to the park. Such regular movements will help increase your lung capacity and mitigate the risk of respiratory complications.

Parting Tips

A recent study reveals that morbidly obese patients (BMI of 35 to 49.9) are 15 percent more likely to maintain their weight 10 years post weight loss surgery, in comparison to super obese patients (BMI of more than 50). That said, a successful weight loss surgery depends not just on the steps that you take after, but also before it. If you have the determination, you can move mountains, whether it’s fighting obesity or any other disease. Take the first step in the battle against obesity by consulting one of our gastric bypass surgeons in Perth at 0865581901. You can also fill out our contact form and we will contact you, shortly.