Diet and life after weight loss surgery
Lifestyle and diet changes must be made after bariatric surgery to ensure successful weight loss and prevent nutrient deficiency. It's vital for you to monitor your calorie intake and drink a healthy amount of fluids to post surgery, and we help provide the tools you need to do this.
What to expect after bariatric surgery
After weight loss surgery, it is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions to see lasting results.
To help you do that, St. David's HealthCare equips you with the knowledge and resources you need. We'll do everything we can to ensure you successfully lose weight after your bariatric procedure in Austin, Texas, and keep it off in the months and years to come.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free medical information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Free medical information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
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Weight-loss surgery recovery process
As with any major surgery, there will be a recovery period after your bariatric procedure. This will depend on the type of surgery you have. However, most individuals typically return to work one week after a sleeve gastrectomy and two weeks after a gastric bypass.
Post-surgery instructions
Take the time to read and follow your surgeon's instructions. Be sure to use this time to practice healthy habits, such as diet and exercise. However, it's important not to rush the healing process — your health is worth the time it takes to fully recover.
Following weight loss surgery, you are expected to commit to healthy new habits. Many individuals report they enjoy a burst of energy and motivation during the first 12 to 18 months following surgery.
During this time, you will be learning to:
- Eat smaller portions
- Exercise regularly
- Take daily multivitamins and calcium supplements
Diet guidelines after surgery
The modification made to your gastrointestinal tract will require permanent changes in your eating habits that you must follow for successful weight loss. Dietary guidelines include:
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid carbonated drinks, high-calorie drinks, milkshakes and high-fat and high-sugar foods
- Chew solid food thoroughly
- Do not drink fluids while eating
- Do not snack between meals unless advised by your dietitian
Common questions after bariatric surgery
After your surgery, our team is here as a resource to answer any questions you may have. Common questions include:
How long do I have to stay in the hospital?
It varies from person to person. Generally, the hospital stay is one day for a sleeve gastrectomy and two days for a laparoscopic gastric bypass.
What pain or discomfort can I expect after surgery?
With advances in pain management and nausea control, recovery is much faster and easier. General soreness is to be expected, and the most common discomfort is related to trapped gas in the abdomen. This typically resolves over the first 24-48 hours, especially if you are able to resume a level of some activity post-surgery.
When can I return to normal activity?
You can typically expect to return to normal activity within 10 days to two weeks.
Can I get pregnant after weight loss surgery?
It is recommended that women wait at least 18 months after the surgery before a pregnancy. Please consult your surgeon as you plan for pregnancy.
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