August 22, 2008, Newsletter Issue #58: Behavior Modifications Needed After Bariatric Surgery

Tip of the Week

Surgery is only a tool to assist you in becoming healthier; the rest is up to you. Think of surgery as a new beginning which, like it or not, will require a lot of work. Don’t approach surgery with the attitude of “After surgery I’m going to take it easy and watch the weight fall off." This type of attitude will lead to poor results and could potentially cause a relapse. Yes, there are those who continue to eat what they wish and stretch their stomach pouches to accommodate more food. Surgery doesn’t guarantee success.

One important consideration after surgery is learning how to deal with your emotions. This may be more difficult than you think. For some, food is a trusted friend. Bariatric patients can become depressed and may require behavioral counseling.

In addition to eating smaller portions and more frequent meals, you must also change how you eat. Liquids are not to be consumed during or up to one hour after meals. Having liquids increases the amount of food you can eat with meals. Foods are to be chewed thoroughly, about 20 to 30 times per bite. Eliminating distractions, like watching TV or eating in your car, can prevent you from overeating.

Exercise will help you maintain or lose weight, as well as create muscle tone. The inital weight loss with surgery allows you to become more physically active. The more you lose, the more active you can become. Your goal should be to work out for 45 minutes to an hour on most days of the week.

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