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Weight-loss surgery includes procedures that help you lose weight by surgically altering your digestive system. These interventions are also commonly referred to as bariatric surgery, with "bariatric" denoting its association with excessive weight treatment.
Bariatric surgery involves resizing your stomach and restricting your food and beverage intake, thus inducing an earlier feeling of fullness. Certain types of weight-loss surgeries involve alterations to the small intestine, which is responsible for absorbing carbohydrates and nutrients from what you consume. This modification reduces the body's capacity to absorb calories. The most common types of weight loss surgery include Gastric Bypass Surgery, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Mini Gastric Bypass, and Single Incision Sleeve Surgery. This blog will explore four simple ways to supercharge weight loss after gastric bypass surgery.
4 Ways to Sustain Long-term Weight Loss After Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass, also called Roux Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is the most commonly performed type of weight-loss surgery. During the procedure, surgeons reduce the stomach size and re-route the intestines so that food bypasses a portion of the small intestine. Gastric bypass surgery is the most effective and long-lasting method of weight loss for those who are severely obese and carry the risk of developing diabetes, BP, heart disease, PCOS, and certain cancers.
Let us go through the 4 simple ways on which your weight loss journey relies post gastric bypass surgery.
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Diet After Weight Loss Surgery
The importance of a balanced and nutrient-rich diet cannot be overstated. Post-weight loss surgery, your dietary regimen will be carefully structured to aid in your recovery. The specifics can vary among individuals, but a typical plan generally includes:
- The initial days - Focusing on water and fluids, such as thin soups.
- The first 4 weeks - Transitioning to puréed foods like yoghurt.
- Weeks 4 to 6 - Incorporating soft foods, such as mashed potatoes.
- Week 6 and beyond - Gradually reintroducing a healthy, well-balanced diet.
In addition to these dietary phases, you'll receive guidance to:
- Eat your food slowly and chew thoroughly, adhering to small portions, especially in the early stages of recovery.
- Exercise caution with foods that may obstruct your stomach, like soft white bread.
- Add essential vitamins and minerals to your diet for optimal nutritional balance.
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Regular Physical Activity
While it's widely acknowledged that your diet is the cornerstone of your weight loss journey, the significance of regular exercise can't be ruled out either.
Post-surgery, the doctors typically furnish patients with a comprehensive exercise plan. Once you fully recover, you must intensify your physical activities. Engaging in regular exercises that elevate your heart rate is key, stimulating the body to achieve optimal results. This approach ensures that you are not merely shedding pounds but also actively working to enhance your overall health. This might involve activities like
- Brisk walking
- Cycling
- Tending to your garden
- Performing housework
- Swimming
The key is to select activities you genuinely enjoy, enhancing your commitment and consistency in maintaining an active lifestyle.
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Track Your Daily Calorie Consumption
Once you know what to eat and how to keep yourself physically active, the third major step involves being aware of your calorie intake.
A typical weight loss method is based on this fundamental principle: expending more energy than you consume. This is accomplished by adopting a well-balanced diet with fewer calories and boosting your physical activity. When your calorie intake exceeds the energy you spend, your body stores the surplus as body fat, potentially leading to weight gain if this pattern persists. Recognising the calorie content of the food and beverages you consume and diligently tracking your daily intake can significantly assist in managing your weight.
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Regular Medical Follow-ups
Continuing care and follow-up appointments post-weight loss surgery are an indispensable part of optimising the long-term benefits and ensuring your overall well-being.
Initially, you'll typically have these follow-up appointments at a specialised weight loss surgery clinic, a practice that continues for at least the first two years. As your recovery progresses, you might eventually transition to annual check-ups with your physician.
These crucial follow-up sessions encompass various aspects to support your health journey effectively. They include periodic blood tests to monitor your vitamin and mineral levels, comprehensive physical health evaluations, and invaluable guidance on sustaining a balanced diet and regular exercise. Moreover, these appointments offer emotional and psychological support, reinforcing your commitment to a healthier and more fulfilling life after surgery. If you are planning to opt for bariatric surgery or looking for a second opinion, we recommend consulting one of the best surgeon for bariatric surgery in Millers Road, Bangalore.
Gastric bypass surgery and other bariatric procedures have transformed the lives of countless individuals, providing an effective means to combat obesity and its associated health issues. While obesity surgery is the first step towards the weight loss journey, the need for some basic lifestyle changes, including a nutrient-rich diet, regular physical activity, mindful eating habits, and ongoing medical support, ensure you stay healthy for a lifetime.
For further explanation regarding bariatric surgery in Bangalore or to seek consultation with a specialist, visit our best bariatric surgeon for weight loss surgery in Millers Road, Bangalore, at Manipal Hospitals.
FAQ's
Avoid pregnancy in the first 12-18 months after weight loss surgery. It’s because your vitamin and mineral levels are lowest during this recovery period.
Most patients tend to lose half of their extra body weight or more after surgery for weight loss. Bariatric surgery has overall proven to be successful and needs patients to make some basic lifestyle changes to avoid any weight gain in the future.
Weight loss surgery can make it harder for your gut to absorb vitamins and minerals from food, so you will need to take a multivitamin supplement for life.
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