Life After Weight Loss Surgery

Choosing to undergo a weight loss surgery such as gastric sleeve is not a decision made lightly. Chances are, if you are about to have surgery or are recovering from a weight loss surgery, you put a lot of thought and research into this decision. Weight loss surgery is effective because it will help you lose drastic amounts of weight quickly, improving your quality of life.

But life after surgery will not be the same as it was before.

You need to be prepared that your physical body will not be the only thing changing. Weight loss surgery comes with lifestyle changes that affect your physical and emotional states, as well as your relationships and habits.

Dietary Restrictions

The first and most significant change will be to your diet and nutritional needs. After surgery, you will need to follow a strict diet as your body adjusts.

• Protein-rich liquids such as soups, broths, yogurt, cottage cheese, and skim milk are recommended for the first two weeks.
• Pureed foods such as baby food, or softened vegetables such as mashed potatoes, can be incorporated next.
• About six weeks following surgery, you should be able to include solid foods again. However, you will need to try very small portion sizes, eating six small meals rather than three large ones.
• It is important to avoid carbonated beverages, alcohol, and foods high in sugar or fat for the rest of your life. If you indulge in these, you will likely make yourself sick, or you may run the risk of damaging your stomach, as well as gaining back the weight.

As you adjust to these dietary restrictions, some new habits will be necessary as well.

• Meals will take longer because you must chew your food and swallow slowly.
• Some foods you enjoyed before may be unpalatable or distasteful now. You may re-acquire your taste for these foods, or you may not.
• Some patients have reported aversions to beef, coffee, and sugar-rich treats such as milkshakes or ice cream. Pay attention to your body’s reactions and avoid foods that make you feel sick.
• Take your nutritional supplements. These are vital to your well-being since your diet restrictions may lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Emotional Expectations

You might expect that losing weight is going to improve your self-image and your emotional well-being. While this is very likely, you should still be prepared for the possibility of sad feelings or even depression after your surgery. This is normal, and as you adjust to your new body, these feelings should go away. If, however, you continue to experience feelings of depression, you should talk with your doctor.

This is an emotional time because:

• Your friends and family may treat you differently. This may be good, and you may be able to strengthen or repair relationships. However, feelings of jealousy may result from those who are also overweight and resent your weight loss.
• Some people may not understand why you felt you had to take such a drastic measure to lose weight. Remember, this is a decision you made because it was right for you.
• You may miss the ritual of eating out with friends or gathering with your family for dinners. You can still do this, but it will require you to be diligent about your own dietary needs. As a result, it may not be the carefree activity to which you were accustomed.

Physical Changes

Your body is undergoing a major shift following surgery. While the weight may come off quickly, it may take awhile to get used to this new you. You may experience some side effects that are normal and can hopefully be corrected as you adjust to your new body.

• Hair thinning is common since you might experience a protein deficiency early on. Take your supplements and adjust your diet accordingly.
• As the weight drops, your skin may become saggy. Follow your exercise routine to increase muscle tone, and talk with your doctor if you would like to pursue a cosmetic adjustment. Furthermore, check out our previous blog for 5 tips on shedding that excess skin.
• Dry skin is also frequently mentioned by weight loss patients. Be sure to drink plenty of water and use soaps that won’t irritate your skin.

No surgical procedure should be undergone without a full understanding of its benefits and possibilities. Weight loss surgery is a safe, effective treatment that may improve and extend life for many morbidly obese patients. However, you should be prepared for life after surgery.

Because weight loss surgery can change your life for the better.