The Importance of Diet and Exercise for Bariatric Patients

The Key to long term success with weight loss surgery and the ability to lose weight and KEEP the weight off is Lifestyle Modification in the form of Diet & Exercise

Diet:

After Bariatric Surgery you will need to follow a High Protein, Low Carbohydrate, Low Fat Diet. Avoid refined sugars and liquid calories.  Avoid alcohol in excess as well as caffeine, NSAIDs/Aspirin, tobacco and smoking of any kind.

Bariatric Multivitamins are required for life after Bariatric surgery with regular interval vitamin checks.

Failure to follow the recommended diet can result in Dumping Syndrome. Dumping syndrome is the result of food arriving in your small intestine more quickly than normal. Symptoms include abdominal cramping, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, or lightheadedness.

Exercise:

Exercise and lifestyle change are key parts of your long-term success.  Start with what you know and build over time.  Immediately after surgery you can walk and climb stairs. At 2 weeks you can do unrestricted Cardiovascular activity.  At 4 weeks you can engage your core and lift >20lb.  Consider different avenues including at-home workouts using apps and online programs, walking, biking or swimming, private boutique gyms or commercial gyms, personal trainers, Zumba or cycling clubs, or even dance classes. Anything that starts your body moving.   Stay focused and committed. Consistency is the most important factor.  After 2 weeks, your goal should be 30-45min daily 5x/week.

Resistance training after 4 weeks with bands or weights can help to reduce excess skin.