The bariatric or the gastric sleeve procedure surgically reduces the size of the stomach.
Gaining weight is one of the greatest fears of people who have undergone bariatric surgery.
The saddest truth is it is easy to regain weight after the surgery. Most people gain 5 percent of
their weight within two years while a few go beyond that. A lot of people start gaining
pounds 12 to 18 months after gastric sleeve surgery. A variety of reasons contribute to weight
gain, in most cases it is diet-related. A secret to maintaining the shape and to permanent
weight loss is lifestyle changes. This post lists some steps to prevent weight gain after
bariatric surgery.
If one is planning to undergo gastric sleeve surgery, being aware of weight maintenance is a
must. Bariatric surgery in India is comparatively less and is not the direct reciprocation of
quality.
Seek expert support for long time support
Bariatric surgery is an emotional roller coaster and having a support system becomes very
important. The support system opens a platform to discuss concerns, expectation and the
challenges that other faced. It gives the patient confidence and the spirit to work hard and
maintain shape. Counsel guides patients in the right direction and answers all their doubts.
Eat mindfully
The relationship with food becomes complicated for a lot of people who undergo weight loss
surgery. They have to rewire their brain and remember that food is fuel and not an emotional
comforter. The problem occurs when the relationship crosses the line and goes beyond
necessity. Carefully rethink the relationship and formulate new eating habits that support
bariatric surgery and don’t promote weight gain.
● Stick to 3 meals a day along with protein supplements
● Say no to snacking: consumption of snacks in between meals and throughout the day
might boost weight gain as the calories get added.
● Start eating proteins: one should include at least 60 grams of protein in their diet
each day. As one limits the amount of food intake, one will need a lot of protein to
work throughout the day. Include rich sources of proteins such as eggs, lean meats,
poultry, fish, beans, low-fat and fat-free dairy foods. Proteins maintain the muscles
during the weight loss process. One can also get suggestions from the health team and
consider taking protein supplements.
● Eat small and slow: eat small doesn’t mean one has to starve. Consult with the
healthcare team and eat what your body needs, nothing more or nothing less. For
some, less means 1 bowl while, for some, it may feel too much. Next, the take the
right amount is to eat slowly and not swallow in a hurry. When a person eats slowly,
they chew food well mixing it thoroughly with saliva making digestion easy. Also,
when ate slowly, a person eats the right amount and does not fill up.
● Introduce new foods slowly: soon after the surgery, take the diet slow and study with
few food items at a time. Taking different food may have drastic effects on the
stomach. Take food that doesn’t exert much pressure on the stomach. Talk with the
dietician before adding new foods to the diet. The ideal food items differ from person
to person.
Have a check on what and how to drink
The amount of liquids and type of liquid has significant effects on weight loss.
● Refrain from drinking liquids 30 minutes before and after the meals. This prevents
overfilling of the stomach and avoid food from flushing out.
● To prevent nausea or vomiting, sip the liquids slowly.
● Stick to calorie-free liquids such as water. Plain water works better to maintain
weight. Have 48 to 64 ounces every day for a healthy body
Take a look at foods to avoid
The following foods are the criminals that add extra pounds to your stomach and result in
weight gain after the surgery. Say strict no to the upcoming foods as it drastically affects
recovery and boosts weight gain.
● Empty calorie food: consuming food with no nutrients doesn’t help recovery. Refrain
from foods such as pastries, sweets, chips, pretzels, and popcorn. Besides weight gain,
empty-calorie foods may also cause dumping syndrome.
● Alcohol: Alcohol is high in calories and, it takes up a lot of space in your stomach not
leaving it for nutrients. Alcohol consumption post-surgery may also result in severe
intoxication.
● Bread, rice, and pasta: these starchy foods make digestion difficult post-surgery. It
may block the stoma in the abdomen and prevent waste release.
● Fibrous fruits and vegetables: though fibrous fruits and vegetables are highly
nutritious, it is hard to digest and strains the stomach.
● Also, avoid Sugary or highly caffeinated beverages, Fatty foods, and Tough meats
that may contribute to fat deposition.
Focus on fitness
The human body is made to move and, the more it does the best it works. Physical fitness is
another major step that prevents weight gain and keeps weight under check. One can consult
their doctor and build a regular exercise regime. Consider cardiovascular and resistance
exercises to protect muscles and strengthen muscles. Walking is a great exercise post-surgery.
Start with walking and then add to the list every week. When it comes to walking, set small
and attainable goals and then increase the goal by 10 percent every week. The exercise one
does, should have 3 parts
● Aerobic exercises to enhance heart rate
● Strengthening exercise to improve muscle strength
● And finally stretching exercise to prevent strain or any damage
Bottom line
It is easy for someone to easily slip back to the old ways of eating but remember; it might
hurt your health and result in weight gain. Seek help throughout the recovery process until
one establishes consistency.
