Any major surgery is bound to put your body under a lot of mental and physical stress, but even more so when it comes to bariatric surgery. This type of surgery is completely life-changing, so the recovery process is bound to be a bit more daunting. However, there’s nothing to fear. This blog will provide the best tips for adapting to life after bariatric surgery.
For those who have not heard of this term before, bariatric surgery refers to any surgical operation that makes changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight. This includes procedures like Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding, and sleeve gastrectomy. These procedures reduce the size of your stomach. If your doctor has suggested you are a possible candidate for this type of procedure, or you are already scheduled for surgery, following this advice will help you to adjust to your new life.
Be Strict with Your Recovery Diet
The first tip for adapting to life after bariatric surgery is to be strict with your diet. If you’ve gone through all the trouble of undergoing bariatric surgery, you may as well follow through with all the requirements. In other words, don’t sabotage yourself. Make sure you remain as hydrated as possible and that you take your time whilst eating. Help your digestive system by chewing slowly and taking smaller bites.
Similarly, it’s important to stay away from the following foods:
- Processed oily foods and fried foods
- Foods devoid of nutrients (pastries, sweets, chips, pretzels, popcorn, etc.)
- Starchy carbs (bread, rice, and pasta made with white flour)
- Tough meats
Load Up on Plenty of Vitamins and Protein
Given that these procedures reduce your stomach to the size of an egg, you need to get nutrient-dense foods and find alternative sources of vitamins and proteins. You can do so by purchasing protein powder, but what is the best protein powder for bariatric patients? We recommend a meal replacement formulation that is high in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Be Mindful of Your Emotions
If you’re feeling a whirlwind of emotions after your surgery, it’s to be expected. After all,
you’re embarking on a drastically different lifestyle and your body is going to feel different. So, an important tip for adapting to life after bariatric surgery is to be mindful of your emotions and address them. Some days will be harder to adjust to than others. Since you’re making healthy changes to your diet, body, and level of physical activity on such a significant level, it’s only normal to have a few mood swings here and there. If you feel like you need some added support, make sure to reach out for help.
Keep Away from Caffeine, Carbonated Drinks, and Alcohol
In the first 30 days after your operation, it’s essential that you refrain from caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. Caffeinated drinks make it more difficult for your body to absorb nutrients, which is already more challenging for your body after surgery. Similarly, carbonated drinks can upset your digestive system by releasing carbon dioxide and expanding the stomach.
Alcohol negatively affects the digestive system. It can affect stomach acid production, reduce the stomach’s ability to destroy bacteria, and damage mucous cells in the stomach lining and digestive enzymes. Alcohol can induce inflammation and delay stomach emptying, which can degrade the food you eat and cause abdominal discomfort.
At the end of the day, it’s important that you remain patient. You won’t be feeling like yourself for a few weeks. You may feel discomfort and uneasiness as you begin your recovery journey. Nevertheless, you should focus on your desired results. Following the above tips for adapting to life after bariatric surgery, your procedure will allow you to live a much healthier longer life and enjoy the physique that you desire.
To a Fitter Healthier You,
The Fitness Wellness Mentor
