It’s no surprise that the issue of obesity in the United States is growing every year. Bariatric surgery is one of the most common methods patients with high levels of body fat use to shed excess weight. But losing weight through surgery is only half the battle toward a healthy body weight. For many, keeping the weight off after bariatric surgery can be the most daunting task on their road to a healthier lifestyle.
The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery reports that approximately 50% of patients gain back as much as 5% of their original body weight within 2 years after bariatric surgery. Sometimes patients gain even more weight back. If bariatric surgery is only one hurdle toward weight loss, what is the next step?
Popular expert opinion is that permanent lifestyle changes make it easier to keep losing weight after bariatric surgery. There are several key things to remember after your procedure to make sure you maintain your desired weight:
Cut Out Snacking
Snack foods are common culprits contributing to weight gain and preventing healthy body weight. For people considering bariatric surgery, snacking is a lifestyle choice they must rein in. Snacks aren’t filling and lead to extra calories that can be put to better use elsewhere.
Leverage Your Bariatric Team
Keeping weight off post-surgery doesn’t need to be a solo endeavor. Remember to use the expertise of your bariatric surgeon. If you suddenly start to regain weight that you’ve lost after bariatric surgery, consider reaching out to your surgical team to get clarification as to why you aren’t getting where you want to be weight-wise.
Stick to The Plan
Patients usually receive a nutrition plan after bariatric surgery from their bariatric team. It is essential to stick to this plan post-surgery. Not only will sticking to a nutrition plan help you lose weight, it will give you insight into what lifestyle changes are effective at keeping the weight off. Visit West Texas Bariatric to learn more about ways to keep body fat off after bariatric surgery.
Keeping weight off after bariatric surgery isn’t easy. But there are many resources available to help you stay on track. Remember that everyone in your position has experienced slip-ups. Stay in touch with your bariatric team and stick to a nutrition plan, and you’ll have no issues reaching your ideal body weight.
