Life After Extreme Weight Loss

It is no secret that life after weight loss in Dallas comes with many changes, but it is important that you realize you will have to alter every part of your life if you want your surgery to be a success.

Eating Habits

The biggest adjustment you will have to make is with your meals. For the first few weeks after your surgery, you will only be able to eat small amounts of clear liquid. At this stage, your stomach should not be able to hold more than a teaspoon’s worth of food. After your follow-up with your surgeon, you should be able to eat slightly larger quantities of soft food. Eventually, you will work your way back up to normal foods, but you will have to take time to chew each bite completely and take a break between bites. This will help you realize when you are full and limit Dumping Syndrome, which is caused by ingesting more food than your stomach can hold. Dumping Syndrome causes extreme abdominal discomfort and makes it difficult for you to digest what you have in your stomach.

Another eating aspect you will need to change is how often you eat throughout the day and the size of your meals. Instead of three regular meals most people have, patient who undergo weight loss surgery will need to get accustomed to six small meals. These meals should be comprised of foods high in protein and nutrients. You will need to eliminate anything with empty calories (i.e. foods with lots of fat and sugar) and cut out carbonated drinks and alcohol. You will also need to drink lots of water throughout the day, but avoid drinking anything an hour before and after you eat as this could cause Dumping Syndrome.

Physical Changes

Depending on the type of surgery you had, you can expect to need anywhere from one to six weeks recovery before you start physical activity. Patients who have laparoscopic surgery are normally down for one to three weeks while patients who have open surgeries usually require about six weeks. During this time, it would be helpful for you to have someone stay with you to assist with errands and meals.

Women will also need to take birth control for at least the first 18 months after surgery. Until your body has lost most of your excess weight, it is not safe for you to become pregnant because you could damage the fetus so check with your doctor before going off birth control.

Day-to-Day Changes

You should get used to taking daily vitamins and supplements because your body will not be able to hold all of the nutrients you need. The most common supplements patients take post-surgery are vitamin B12, iron and folate. You will also need to have regular blood count checks to make sure you do not develop anemia.

For more information on weight loss surgery, schedule a consultation with a weight loss doctor in Dallas.