Weight loss surgery can help people make dramatic changes to their health and quality of life. After the operation, weight loss surgery patients need to be actively involved in making lifetime lifestyle changes that will help them maintain weight loss and keep it off long-term.
- Pre-Surgery Preparation – Most experts recommend that preparation for after-surgery lifestyle changes should occur before the upcoming bariatric surgery. In other words, patients planning on having weight loss surgery should begin learning about and implementing dietary, exercise, and lifestyle changes six months to one year prior to surgery.
- Post-Surgery Aftercare – Your weight loss surgery after-care will vary depending on the type of surgery you have had. For instance, people who have had a gastric banding procedure will need close follow up to ensure the band tightness is appropriate. On the other hand, patients who have had gastric bypass surgery will need to be diligent with their diet and supplements to ensure they are getting enough nutrients. Many surgical weight loss procedures require numerous follow-up visits during the first year after surgery, then annually after that. At each and every visit, dietary reinforcement and counseling is given by Salt Lake City, Utah weight loss specialists.
In addition to dietary changes, exercise is an essential component of post-surgery aftercare. A common trait found in patients who have had long term success with weight loss surgical procedures is compliance with the exercise regimen recommended by their weight loss medical team. In short, patients start soon after surgery with a walking routine, and gradually incorporate other forms of exercise and longer duration of exercise. Eventually post-surgery patients should work their way up to 40 to 45 minutes of exercise four days a week.