This article provides guidelines for recovering from weight loss surgery and tips for successful weight loss.
Make every calorie count by focusing on protein, fruits, and vegetables.
Avoid sugar and any foods that list sugar in the first three ingredients whenever possible.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
Watch Fluid Intake When Eating
Dont drink fluids immediately before, during, or after your meal.
Separate food and fluid by at least a half hour whenever you’ve got the option to.
Also, appointments are a good motivator for staying on track with your goals.
Keep Taking Medications
Dont stop taking any medications without your surgeons approval.
Talk to your healthcare provider before stopping any medications.
If you are hungry, have a meal, but it’s important to not snack between meals.
Eat Protein
Protein should be your primary focus when sitting down for a meal.
Skip Alcohol
Alcohol is full of empty calories that provide no nutritional value.
It can also contribute to stomach ulcers, which you are already at risk for because of your surgery.
Avoid Pregnancy
Avoid pregnancy for the first 24 months after surgery.
Your body will be in high weight-loss mode for at least a year after your surgery.
Pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen increase the likelihood that you will develop an ulcer.
The rule of thumb is that white foods are usually simple carbs.
Simple carbohydrates are low in nutrients and also elevate blood glucose levels, triggering hunger pangs and cravings.
Regular walking immediately after surgery also helps prevent serious complications, such as pulmonary embolus and blood clots.
Stay Hydrated
Drink lots of water apart from meals.
Staying hydrated will help you feel more energetic, and it will prevent you from mistaking hunger for thirst.
Caffeine alters your mood, increases your heart rate and is a diuretic.
Go easy on dairy products until you know how your body will handle them.
Consider low-fat dairy products to increase the protein you get without too much fat.
Plan on taking food home or ordering a childs portion.
Stop Using Straws
When drinking, dont use a straw.
Straws allow you to drink too quickly, so you may end up with an uncomfortably full stomach.
They also increase air in the stomach, which can cause serious discomfort.
If your healthcare provider recommends an over-the-counter or prescription supplement, be sure to follow their instructions.
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