Maintain Healthy Weight After Bariatric Surgery: Your body went through some major changes with the weight loss surgery. You’re one step closer to a healthier version of yourself. But, there is a long road ahead of you. Luckily, with a little bit of help from your doctors and of course, some trusted websites, you’ll be halfway through in no time.
Recovery from weight loss surgery can take up to several weeks. In this time, you’ll need to learn how your body reacts to different foods and supplements. It is recommended to take post-bariatric supplements, such as Barimelts, made to deliver all the vitamins and nutrients you need to maintain optimal health and body function. These supplements don’t irritate the stomach and are well resorbed for easier digestion and an optimal result which is extremely important after such surgery.
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How to recover from bariatric surgery
Like we’ve said, recovery can take some time. During this period, you need to go easy on yourself, but still, take care of your body. You’ll need to get all the rest you can possibly get because your stomach needs it. Usually, your doctor will give you all the advice and info you need to get after a weight loss surgery, but if you have any questions you shouldn’t hesitate to give him a call. He will gladly explain everything to you.
Taking vitamins and supplements, as well as solid foods isn’t recommended till after a couple of weeks. In this short period, your wound will heal and any swelling or inflammation of your stomach will go away. Your doctor will take a quick look before proceeding to tell you that you can start making dietary changes.
Once he sees that everything’s ok, he’ll give you the green light. The transition from liquid and mushy food, to solids, can hit you hard. Your body already got used to not working that hard, and all of a sudden you’re giving it something new. But changes are normal, and you might feel a little bit weird. It should pass with no major problems.
Starting off small
Make sure that your first meal is not too hot, cold, or too spicy. It should be mild in taste and just the right temperature so that it doesn’t cause any unnecessary stress to your stomach. It may not be the most delicious dish you’ve ever tasted, but be patient, you’ll soon be able to taste a variety of foods.
It’s also good if you combine textures. For example, give your body a small amount of solid food for starters and finish it off with mushy or liquidy food. That way, the transition will go smoother and not so radical.
Maintain a healthy weight
Once you get to solids, you’re basically coming back to normal, just like you were before the surgery. This is the time where most people fall off track and go back to junk food again. Remember, you didn’t put yourself through all this effort for nothing! Small falls are okay, as long as you pick yourself up quickly!
Eat healthy foods
Healthy foods are your go-to from now on. Having a cheat meal here and there is no big deal and it’s actually encouraged. The benefit of having a cheat meal is that you’ll silence your cravings and desires for the unhealthy. That way, you won’t feel like you’re restricting yourself from anything.
You have to remember that being healthy doesn’t mean eating the same tasteless food every day! There are tons of recipes online where you can find interesting food combinations that you can try out at home. If you don’t have enough time for cooking, there’s always a meal prep that takes up one hour and you’re left with food that’s enough for a whole week. If that still doesn’t work out for you, there are different restaurants that deliver healthy meals to your address.
Taking vitamins and supplements
Vitamins and supplements will become your two best friends. After surgery, you’ll probably use up all of your vitamin supplies in the body. You need to refill them as soon as possible. By eating healthily you will have enough vitamins to put you through the day, but sometimes you need more. To prevent any deficiencies from happening, you need to invest in some high-quality vitamins and take them daily. Depending on the vitamin, you’ll be taking them either in the morning or by lunch.
The difference between normal vitamins and postbariatric ones is in two main things. Firstly, the resorption. Post-bariatric vitamins are easily resorbable and better for patients than ordinary ones. Second and just as much important- post-bariatric vitamins don’t cause irritation to the stomach lining. After a major surgery like this one, that’s the last thing you’d probably want.
Summary
After taking the much-needed rest post-surgery, now it is time to get back on track. Remember to always consult with your doctor and dietitian and to read a lot about the journey ahead of you. If you can, share your experience with other weight loss patients, it will help you out a lot.