How to Achieve the “Perfect” Weight After Bariatric Surgery

After weight loss surgery, it can be exciting to achieve your goal weight. However, it can also be challenging – especially if you’re unsure of what your “perfect” weight should be or your loved ones are making comments about your weight loss.

At ProCare Health, we understand how challenging it can be to adjust to life after weight loss surgery, which is why we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you achieve a happy, healthy weight.

How Do You Achieve a “Perfect” Weight?

First and foremost, you need to know that there is no such thing as the “perfect” weight. While you may have a goal weight in mind, the number on the scale is only a small part of your weight loss journey. Different weight loss surgeries will have different results. For example, gastric bypass surgery typically results in more significant weight loss than sleeve gastrectomy and gastric banding. For guidance and to set realistic expectations, talk to your doctor and dietitian about your goal weight, which should take into account your height, bone structure, and build.

And the number on the scale can be deceiving. Look at the side-by-side comparison of women in the photo who all weigh 154 pounds (photo from www.marieclaire.com.au). That number looks different depending on body type and height. Also, keep in mind that muscle weighs more than fat, and not everyone who weighs in at 125 pounds is healthy.

Overall, it’s essential to find a weight that makes you feel happy and healthy. Even if your weight fluctuates, focus on making healthy lifestyle changes. Your goals can always shift as you adjust to your new body and eating habits.

By doing this, you can prevent future feelings of disappointment or failure, and focus on living a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle for years to come.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Weight After Weight Loss Surgery

If you’re ready to commit to a healthy lifestyle, there are specific tips you should incorporate into your everyday routine. With these tips, you can achieve and maintain a weight that’s perfect for you.

Avoid Liquid Calories

In the weeks following weight loss surgery, your caloric intake is limited to 600 calories a day or less. After you transition to your new lifestyle, you should aim for 1,000-1,500 calories a day, depending on your lifestyle. Keep in mind that your calorie needs can change if you become highly active and build muscle or start Pilates and yoga for a more streamlined muscle tone.

To avoid wasting calories, you should only eat healthy, whole foods that provide nutritional value. Liquid calories, such as soda or sports drinks – provide little to no nutrition and slow your weight loss. Smoothies and protein-rich drinks are the exceptions to this rule.

Consume Less Sugar

Sugar provides minimal nutrients, increases blood sugar levels, and results in hunger. For bariatric patients, it can also result in dumping syndrome, a medical condition in which your stomach empties its contents into the first part of your small intestine faster than usual. Dumping syndrome is extremely uncomfortable and can cause you to get sick or need quick access to a bathroom.

If possible, you should always try to avoid sugar and foods that list sugar in the first three ingredients.

Avoid Carbonated Drinks

Bubbly in nature, carbonated beverages such as soft drinks can cause gas pain and increase pressure in your stomach, which can harm staples and sutures in the early stages after surgery. In the long-term, these drinks can still cause discomfort, and some believe the pressure can slowly expand your pouch, leading to overeating. Try to avoid soda at all costs. You should also avoid diet soda since it can increase sugar cravings.

Drink Liquids Between Meals

You should never drink fluids immediately before, during, or after a meal. Drinking too many fluids at or around mealtime can leave you feeling overly full and prevent you from eating high-quality, nutrient-rich food.

Drinking before and during your meal will fill your stomach with fluid, instead of food. It can also flush the food from your stomach into your intestines too quickly, leading to intestinal discomfort or overeating. Try to drink in between meals and avoid drinking 30 minutes before and after eating.

Stop Unintentional Snacking

Snacking or grazing is a habit that can slow your progress and keep you achieving your weight loss goals. Instead, you should stick with three meals with high-quality foods and avoid highly processed foods.

Eat Protein

If you do not consume high-quality protein, your body will likely suffer. When protein intake is inadequate, the body will break down lean body mass to compensate for reduced nutritional intake.

Therefore, you should always strive to eat high-protein meals. Protein helps you preserve muscle mass while losing fat. It can also help you feel fuller for longer after you eat.

Skip Alcohol

Alcohol consumption is not recommended after bariatric surgery. It provides no nutritional value and is full of empty calories. It can also lead to blood clots, stomach ulcers, and other risks.

The “Perfect” Weight: What to Do When Other People Weigh In

After weight loss surgery, you’ll look and feel a lot different than before. Unfortunately, there may be family members and friends who think you’re “too skinny” or “not eating enough food.”

While these people may mean well, their comments can still hurt. They can also distract you from achieving your weight loss goals because you are scared of disappointing or offending your loved ones.

When people make these negative comments, you need to remember that your weight loss journey is your journey. At the end of the day, your happiness and health will always outweigh what they say or think.