Although weight loss surgery isn’t a magical solution, it can get you on the path to good health when other efforts have failed. Weight loss surgery allows you to view life in a totally different way, but as with anything new, there are unexpected emotions, moments and milestones you will face. Here, we answer some common questions you may have about life after bariatric weight loss surgery.
Will my life change drastically?
Not really; you will just need to make a few adjustments. The biggest thing you’ll have to do is to monitor your eating habits. If you’re accustomed to eating anything you want, bariatric surgery will change that. Your stomach will be reduced in size, so you’ll only be able to eat small amounts of food at a time and the amount of nutrients you can absorb will be reduced.
Don’t eat too much in one sitting, gulp your food down instead of chewing every bite thoroughly or eat food that’s too rich, sugary or fatty, as you may become nauseated and feel pain. You’ll start with liquid protein drinks, move to puréed foods and then relearn how to eat soft foods like poached eggs as you recover. Eventually, you’ll be able to eat regularly again, with a focus on high-quality, high-protein foods.
What can I look forward to?
Thankfully, there’s a lot more good than bad about weight loss surgery. One key thing is that you’ll live longer. Severe obesity contributes to or causes life-threatening diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery states that qualified patients who undergo bariatric surgery will reduce their risk of premature death by 30 to 40 percent. If you’re extremely obese, you may reduce your risk by as much as 89 percent.
How will I manage my weight?
Bariatric surgery can make weight management much easier. Once your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or greater, it becomes much more difficult to lose weight on your own. If you’re struggling with obesity, ordinary “dieting” is almost completely ineffective. It’s not because of a lack of willpower, but because hunger hormones go into overdrive at that point.
Fortunately, hunger hormones go down after weight loss surgery. In most cases, patients maintain a weight loss of 50 percent or greater after five years — unlike regular dieting, which sees most dieters regain all the weight they’ve lost and then some over the same time period. You still have to exercise and watch your food intake if you have a gastric sleeve or underwent another type of weight loss surgery, but it’ll be easier to stay on the wagon and maintain better long-term eating habits.
How will my life improve?
Bariatric surgery improves your quality of life physically because you’ll become more mobile. It will help you regain your independence, improve your breathing, increase your energy and stamina, and diminish joint pain caused by excess weight. Additional benefits may include improved physical appearance and a better state of well-being, which can elevate self-esteem and improve social interaction. Nonclinical depression may also ease.
How will the surgery affect my family and friends?
Guess what? Your family and friends will also benefit from your bariatric surgery. Your improved mood, elevated energy levels and increased mobility will allow you to spend more quality time bonding with the people in your life. If they need to lose weight, they might accomplish this just by being around you. Your healthy dietary and lifestyle changes will likely rub off on them – and that’s a win for all.
Ready to take the next step to a healthier, happier you? Bariatric surgery may be able to help. Contact BMI of Texas today to learn more about surgery options and nutrition services or to schedule an appointment.