The journey to an effective weight loss after bariatric surgery is a long one. Sometimes, patients make the mistake of leaving out certain post-op guidelines.
It is worth noting that different factors can contribute to a dramatic change in the body mass after passing through the knife. Despite these varied perceptions, the onus lies with the patient. The ability to adapt and follow the necessary changes is an individualistic approach and must be in line with the given guidelines.
Before the surgery, the major worry is how to get out of the excess kilos of flesh. However, after the procedure, the next strategy is sustaining the weight loss. At this point, patients are literally in between “the devil and the deep blue sea”. They are seemingly at a loss on how to sustain the tempo; bearing in mind that the inability to do so might result in drastic effects on the body. Hence, while giving thoughts to the chances of scaling the surgery, it is pertinent to give the same thought to what life has in stock after the procedure.
With bariatric surgery, weight loss is faster than with other known methodologies (regular exercises and healthy diet). In addition, the level of bodily changes varies by individuals. If you are considering weight loss surgery, prepare to sustain the life changes that come with it.
You may not Lose Weight
As absurd as it sounds, you might end up not losing any weight at all. Bariatric surgery is in direct contact with the possible chances of weight loss. However, when the going gets tough, patients tend to maintain their previous Body Mass Index (BMI). In some cases, there is the likelihood that many diseases can take the center stage.
There are many reasons why you might not lose weight. Mastering these will help you weigh the chances before passing through the knife. There is the need to make a mental calculation of what you expect. In addition, determine if you can keep up with the post-operation guidelines. To this end, it is pertinent to find out some of the reasons why weight loss might not be in the offing even after bariatric surgery. Here they are:
- Weight Loss Surgery is only a Tool: Unknown to patients, bariatric surgery is just the major step to losing weight. Unlike conventional perceptive (such as healthy dieting), the procedure is faster but might not guarantee the exact weight loss a patient expects. The reason is not far from the inability of a patient to stick to the post-op guidelines.
- Body Mass Index: Depending on the current BMI before the procedure, it might be hard to lose weight faster. Often times, the expectation is to lose as many kilos of flesh as possible a few weeks after the procedure. While this is not a vain wish, the tendency to achieve it depends on the patients’ commitment. Despite the value of the BMI before bariatric surgery, there is the possibility of losing much weight. However, do not expect it to be as fast as that of a patient with a lower Body Mass Index (BMI).
- Lack of Commitment: The surgery’s duty is to conduct the procedure. That of the patient is to sustain the tempo. The lack of commitment of the patient (especially in keeping up with the post-operation guidelines and follow-up services) can mar the process. The patient is at the center stage of his recovery and the inability to keep up with this can reduce the chances of losing weight faster.
How much Weight will I Lose?
Without a doubt, this question is on the lips of every patient that underwent weight loss surgery. While the focus is on the chances of losing weight faster, it is also pertinent to find out how much weight a patient can lose.
The first point to note here is that weight loss is individualistic. Some can keep it off fair enough than others. Therefore, do not expect the same percentage drop in the weight of Patient A in that of Patient B. Each is on his lane and makes conscious efforts to lose weight faster.
In addition, there is an estimate of how much weight a patient loses after weight loss surgery. Different reports suggest that the average weight loss is 60%. However, it is worth noting that this is only an estimate. In addition, the duration to achieve this is in the first six months after passing through the knife.
As the months pass by and the patient makes adequate changes to his lifestyle, the figures continue to increase. Hence, there is the tendency of losing 60% of the extra kilos of flesh within the first six months. The figure clocks 77% after a year. By the end of a five-year streak, the patient has the tendency of maintaining 50% of the excess kilos of flesh.
The Procedure Perceptive
While focusing on the challenges that might hinder the effectiveness of weight loss and the chances of making it, it is also important to understand the role of the procedure. There are many bariatric surgeries and each of these seemingly has a lot to contribute to the success of the surgery. From gastric sleeve, gastric bypass to the mini gastric bypass procedures, the difference is always there in their weight loss options.
Six months after gastric bypass surgery, there is the possibility of losing 70% of the excess kilos of flesh. On its part, patients have the tendency of losing 30-40% of their excess weight within the same period (six months). A year after the surgery, a sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve) patient might achieve a 63% weight loss and about 70% after two years. On its part, gastric bypass offers the patient the opportunity of getting close to the actual weight loss goal after a year.
The highlight of these is that the success of weight loss depends on the surgery. Some can be fast than others. However, to sustain the tempo and shed off extra kilos of flesh faster, always make the necessary lifestyle changes.
How to Achieve Faster Weight Loss
Before proceeding with this, it is important to highlight the quest for bariatric surgery. The need came up after the inability to lose weight with traditional methods. Apart from the long-term weight loss plan that comes with exercises and dieting, patients are not at home with the stress that accompanies them. However, it is worth noting that these techniques are effective and have a place in the post-op guidelines. If you must embrace bariatric surgery as the “savior” to weight loss, it is pertinent to remain committed to the eventual use of exercises and diets to keep off weight.
To lose weight in real-time, there are certain factors to put in place. Apart from the necessity of using traditional techniques, there are many other requirements to have in mind. Besides, weight loss surgery is literally a “life contouring process”. Therefore, there should be no lag in sustaining it. The best time to prepare to prepare for these steps is before the surgery. With the ample time at your expense, you will have the chance to decide on continuing with the procedure or not. If you are keen on passing through the knife, here are the steps to faster and effective weight loss.
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Make Lifestyle Changes
The major step to making your weight loss goal a dream come to life is to effect positive adaptations to your lifestyle. These cuts across different areas and includes important aspects such as diets and exercise. Take note that the previous lifestyle is one of the factors that triggered obesity. If the current plan of weight loss must see daylight, it is expedient to cast off the previous ways of life. It can be eating mindfully, taking regular exercises, and most importantly, developing the right mindset.
Take Follow-Up Seriously
There is no denying the fact that aftercare services remain a lifesaver for bariatric patients. At this instance, the surgeon gains access into the patients’ “new world”. Through counseling, he finds out the weaknesses and strengths of the patient in keeping off the excess weight. This is the best medium of accessing the progress.
However, most times, patients would rather work with their assumptions than honour the appointment. This is quite a risk because, in the eventuality of a disease or life-threatening complication, such discovery will not be in real-time. When you stick to the scheduled visit(s), you will be opening new milestones that will help in the sustenance of the procedure.
Eat Mindfully
Monitor food intake. There are many aspects to this perceptive. First, avoid foods that can trigger obesity. A calorie is one of the foods to avoid. Eating mindfully is one the changes in a patient’s lifestyle. It is worth noting that what you consume determines the longevity of the weight loss goal or the tendency to regain weight. There are many perceptive to these, and each is as important as the other is.
- Focus when Eating: The era of “distracted eating” should be in the past after bariatric surgery. Remove your focus from the television or the screen of your smartphone when you eat. This helps you monitor the amount of food intake and realize when you are full.
- Avoid Carbohydrates: While you vary the meal options, there is the need to avoid certain carbohydrates. Processed foods (simple carbohydrates) such as white rice and bread are some of the foods to avoid.
- Maintain Protein Intake: Proteins are of the essence and constitute a major portion of the daily meal. It is important to maintain the adequate portion (as directed by the doctor). It helps in feeling full faster and in maintaining the muscle mass while losing weight.
- Chew Properly: The rule of the thumb is to break down the food into smaller particles before swallowing. Not only will this facilitate digestion, but also reduces the tendencies of the dumping syndrome.
Pay Attention to Liquid
While food is important, the liquid is of the essence. However, do not overstretch the consumption as this might result in unforeseen challenges. There are certain liquids to gulp down and others to avoid.
- Take a Walk from Alcohol: Perhaps you were a teetotaler or occasional drinker in the hay days preceding your weight gain. After bariatric surgery, it is pertinent to take a walk from alcoholic drinks. These not only constitute great harm to the body but also offer zero nutritional value. There is the risk of developing stomach ulcer on the intake of alcohol after the procedure.
- Monitor Liquid Intake: It is important to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. However, apply caution when doing so. As you strive despite all odds to meet up with the demand, be meticulous with how you handle it. Do not drink in between or immediately after meals. In addition, do not consume calories and carbonated drinks.
- Avoid Straws: Do not make use of straws when drinking. This not only increases the chances of much intake of liquid but also paves way for air into the stomach.
Stick to Exercises
Exercises should be your regular routine. Follow the doctor’s directive to this end. This typically commences a few days after the surgery. You can start with a short walk and increase the pace as the strength can carry. Do not lift heavy objects or take up strenuous tasks after the procedure. Rather, await the doctor’s nod before taking the step.
Medications are Important
You will be leading a “new life” after weight loss surgery. Medications will take the center stage, and for years to come, supplements and other prescribed medicines will be part of your daily “diet”. Make sure you stick to these because they will help you weather the “storm” that comes after the surgery.
Weight Loss Surgery is Fast
The procedure is without, the most effective and fastest of other options. Despite the challenges in the way (such as restructuring the lifestyle), the procedure remains a good option for weight loss. While surgeons cannot specify which out of the different surgeries is “fast”, patients can settle for one and lose as much weight as they want.
The tendency to lose weight faster lies in the patient’s hands. Weight Loss Riga is keen on making the weight loss journey smooth and comfortable. Join Weight Loss Riga's Facebook Patient Community to learn more from real patients.
