If you have recently undergone bariatric surgery, you are highly likely to be able to lose weight quickly. You must’ve noticed that post surgery, you are able to eat only small meals and your tummy feels full most of the time. Some patients tend to start gaining weight 12 to 18 months post the surgery. Weight gain after a bariatric surgery can occur due to a number of reasons and one of the most common ones is not following the post-bariatric surgery guidelines from your surgeon. You can easily connect with seasoned surgeons when you visit weight loss centers in Dallas, Texas. In this blog, we are going to discuss some expert tips to help maintain your weight loss after undergoing bariatric surgery.
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See your surgeon regularly
This one is an often ignored piece of advice. No matter how good you feel or how much weight you’ve lost after undergoing the weight-loss surgery, it’s highly recommended to visit your bariatric surgeon regularly for at least a year. The follow-up sessions with your surgeon usually become less frequent after a year, but remaining in touch is crucial to maintain your weight loss in the long run. Never stop taking your medicines abruptly without your doctor’s advice. Also, always consult one of the reputable weight loss centers in Dallas, Texas if you are considering trying any other medical weight loss procedures.
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Eat 3 meals per day
Do not skip your meals and make sure to eat three meals every day. You should aim to consume at least 60 grams of protein every day. You will have to plan your diet smartly to acquire enough protein, keeping in mind that your food intake will decrease significantly post surgery. Aim to incorporate a good source of protein in your diet or even a protein supplement.
The following food items can be included in your diet:
- Eggs
- Lean meats
- Poultry
- Fish
- Beans or
- Low-fat and fat-free dairy foods
Snacking should be avoided at all costs as too many empty calories can undo your weight loss progress leading to weight gain.
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Avoid certain foods
Bariatric surgery triggers dietary changes in the lives of the patients. In the initial period, it is difficult to swallow food naturally and you will need to chew slowly to make sure that the food doesn’t get stuck. After bariatric surgery, it is best you try avoiding certain food items such as:
- White membranes and seeds in oranges and grapefruit.
- Skins of fruits like apples, pears, and potatoes.
- Coconuts
You can eat the following foods with modifications:
- Tough meat: Try using a marinade or a tenderizer to soften tough meat. To keep the meat moist while cooking, let it simmer in a slow cooker or roast it with a tinfoil canopy.
- Fresh bread: High starch content in fresh breads makes swallowing harder, you can opt for toast slices instead.
- Stringy vegetables: Remove the stringy part of vegetables or puree the vegetables and filter out the fiber.
- Regular milk: Use soy milk or lactose-free milk instead of regular milk.
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Mind your liquid intake
After you have undergone bariatric surgery, you must regulate your liquid intake. Do not consume liquids while eating as well as thirty minutes before and after your meal. Make sure to drink plenty of calorie-free liquids, like water, between meals. Each day, consume at least 6 to 8 cups (48 to 64 ounces) of water.
Following the liquid intake guidelines will assist in:
- Preventing the stomach from becoming too full.
- Preventing food from being flushed out of the body too quickly.
- Making you feel fuller for a longer duration.
Remember to sip liquids slowly as too much liquid intake in a short period of time may increase the chances of nausea and vomiting. The following types of liquids should be avoided:
- Soda
- Coffee beverages (mocha, cappuccino, latte, or other specialty drinks)
- Smoothies
- Beverages with added sugar
- More than 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of diluted fruit juice in a day
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Engage in regular exercise
Exercise expends energy and burns calories, allowing you to not only lose weight but also to keep it off. A combination of aerobic activity, strength exercises, and stretching is crucial to maintain a healthy body weight, avoid injury and promote muscle growth. Choose a routine or consult a trained professional for help crafting the best exercise regimen for your body. You should, however, avoid exercising immediately after the bariatric procedure. Always consult your doctor before restarting or starting your exercise journey.
Final word
Most patients are too strict with their food and exercise habits in the first year after surgery but then tend to slowly lose focus and slide back to old habits. They gradually stop exercising and even start eating more, which slows their weight loss and results in weight regain. To prevent this, check yourself to avoid snacking on junk food out of boredom and minimize the intake of sugary soft drinks. Developing a habit of reading labels on food and drink packages before buying them is also helpful to avoid empty calories. And most importantly, try to include exercise or some form of similar activity in your daily routine. Browse the web for leading weight loss centers in Dallas, Texas and get in touch to discuss your requirements. Simply Google ‘Obesity And Weight Loss Specialist near me’ and you will get a list of Dallas medical specialists.