Anyone who opts for bariatric surgery knows it’s not the “easy way” to lose weight. It involves an intensive process before, during and after surgery to ensure that you get the results you’re looking for. Whatever path you take to losing weight, the goal once you lose it is to keep it off while staying healthy. Your health after bariatric surgery depends on having a post-op strategy that helps you reach your goals.
The Role of a Post-Op Strategy
A solid post-op strategy is your ticket to long-term weight loss success. This means following all guidelines and recommendations provided by your doctor, as well as keeping up with the goals you set for yourself. Make a plan, and stick to it.
Components of a Post-Op Strategy
When creating your post-op plan, consider the following recommendations from your doctor and goals that you have in mind:
Why You Need a Cohesive Post-Op Strategy
In the weeks following bariatric surgery, your sole focus should be rest and recovery. Once you’re ready to get back to your regular activities, work on getting back on track. This will ultimately lead to improved weight loss outcomes, reduced risk of complications and a better chance of long-term adherence to lifestyle changes. It’s hard to change your life, and it gets even harder when you fall out of it and need to get back on track.
Many patients experience immediate relief from health problems after bariatric surgery, which makes it the perfect time to pursue your health and weight loss goals in full force.
How to Overcome Post-Op Challenges
After weight loss surgery, some patients don’t realize they need to work a little harder to get back on track. For example, bariatric surgery can limit the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients, which can lead to deficiencies. This means patients need to follow a strict dietary plan. Some face psychological barriers like body image issues and anxiety that need to be addressed head-on. By making a cohesive post-op plan and sticking to it, you can overcome these challenges and move on to your new, better, healthier life!
By the time you’re on the other side of bariatric surgery, you’ve already been working hard to reach your goals. The best thing you can do for yourself is look back on how far you’ve come and chart out the road ahead. There’s still work to be done, but you’ve done so much already! Keep up the great work, and you’ll be sure to reach your goals.
