You’ve had the gastric bypass surgery, a proactive step toward a better, healthier life. This is a critical stage and you must be thoughtful of the things you do post bariatric surgery. 

There are certain details you will want to attend to that will make your life after your procedure more pleasant. Throughout the healing process there are specific steps you need to take. You will have to attend to your bariatric diet, your level of physical activity and your habits.

Post Bariatric Surgery Eating Checklist 

1. Vegetables: As you have anticipated, the things you eat are going to change. Gone are the days of snacking on high fat, high sugar foods. You will replace these types of foods with healthier alternatives. What does eating post bariatric surgery consist of? You will be bulking up on vegetables, specifically ones of the green leafy varieties.

2. Protein:  You want to make sure that you are also getting good quality protein from a number of sources. Your daily intake for protein should be the lion’s share of your calories, so mixing up the routine will be essential. You can add protein easily by eating lean meats, yogurt, eggs, and soy. Milk and cheese should be avoided due to their excessive mucus-producing effects.

3. Beverages/Drinks:  Beverages should consist of water and herbal teas. You may drink fruit juices if they are naturally sweetened. Soft drinks are now on the unacceptable list and should be avoided completely. Coffee and similar caffeinated beverages should be avoided for the first few months as they inhibit the healing process.

4. Physical activity should become part of your daily routine, though you will want to take it slow for the first several weeks. Walking should be the first exercise you attempt post bariatric surgery. You will want to build up your endurance slowly. The activity will help alleviate stress and promote endorphin production which will aid in your recovery process.

Your other habits must change as well. You can no longer treat your body with disregard. Drugs, alcohol and smoking are out. To maintain your success with post bariatric surgery you must commit to living a new life based on health and fitness. Bariatric vitamins and supplements must be a part of your daily routine. You will be happier, healthier, and thinner than you’ve ever been.

Bariatric surgery is an enormous help for many people but sometimes problems may occur. Please let us know if you have experienced any by answering the poll question below.

Bariatric surgery is a life changing experience. Your loss of weight may go quickly but your emotions just might be in turmoil with all the physical and mental changes. Your previous life may have included low self-esteem and low self-confidence.

Body Image Issues

You may have a rather negative image of your body. The good news is that with your life after bariatric surgery this is something that you can overcome. Body image is psychological in nature and may have been influenced by your peers and family. Changing how you’ve thought of yourself for years can be done and your loss of weight is a great incentive.

Take the time to do something nice for yourself. Your body is changing and deserves some pampering. Try some of these ideas to show yourself some love.

1. Schedule monthly massages for yourself.
2. Get a manicure and/or pedicure.
3. Buy some new lotions with a soothing aroma. Use them frequently to feel and smell good.
4. Give yourself a facial. There are some great items you probably have in your kitchen to use. Egg whites smoothed on your face and rinsed when dry is a great one.
5. Take a long hot bath by candlelight.
6. Get a new haircut. Go out on a limb and try something totally different.
7. Give someone a hug or tell someone you need a hug.
8. Make a top ten list of what is great about you.
9. Do something by yourself like going to a movie or out to lunch. You may surprise yourself about how much fun you can have.
10. Celebrate your journey. While you are losing weight and still not at your goal weight always remember that your journey is now and needs to be treasured.

If you notice yourself having thoughts of negativity about yourself pinpoint those moments. Think about what situation triggered it. Sometimes it helps to hear another person’s take on the situation. You may have misinterpreted what was really meant. Your friends and family can help you see that you are a great and beautiful person.

You may be struggling with your body changes but you have a right to feel good about yourself. Your emotions will catch up with your new body. Soon you will be on track to enjoy the rest of your life feeling healthy and confident.

Weight loss surgery is a personal journey that takes you to places you may not have expected. It is not quite as simple as having surgery and life suddenly becomes perfect. There’s more to it than that. You’ll go through emotional ups and downs that your family may not know how to handle. They may want to help but are just not quite sure how.

Your Spouse Plays a Major Role in your Bariatric Diet

Your husband or wife may be ecstatic about your weight loss and new look. But they also might be a tad bit confused about how to help and show you the support you deserve.

One simple, yet often overlooked, way they can help is to not bring tempting foods into the house. Another way is to compliment you along the way. A little praise can go a long way to keep you motivated.

To help your spouse along be sure to always let them know they are your one and only and you could not do this without their support. Compliments work both ways!

Your Kids can Help with Meal Planning and Bariatric Vitamins and Supplements

What can the kids do you say? Kids are more resourceful than you might think. Have them join you in planning the bariatric meals. Children work well with charts so set up a chart showing what meals you will have. Let them pick a special meal once a week – a meal that of course, you can have on your gastric bypass diet. Soon enough they will know the safe foods.

Another chart your children can help you with is keeping track of your bariatric vitamins and when you need to take which ones. Let them color in the different types of vitamins and supplements – color coding each one. It will help you and make them feel like a big part of your new life.

Parental Support is Key

Your parents can play a major role after your weight loss surgery. They may have some re-learning to do, just like you do.

When you were a child, your parents may have shown their love for you with food. It’s a common occurrence. Letting them know that you are very serious about losing weight and that you love them no matter how much of their big family meals they serve.

They can help greatly by serving foods that fit your bariatric diet. Not only will this help you but it will be a healthier way of eating for them too. Just maybe they will join you on becoming healthier.

Cheering you on is key too. They may be used to and very comfortable with the heavier you. It can be a hard adjustment for some parents. You can let them know by actions that it is still you – just a smaller, improved version.

Share and Share Alike – Spread the Word

You may want to email this post to your family members to give them a little nudge as to how they can play a role in your weight loss. They most certainly love you but are just not quite sure how to help. A little bit of guidance can help you a great deal with your new lifestyle.