Weight loss surgery can be the best, life changing choice for your health when it comes to obesity treatment. Our Mini Sleeve procedure can help you achieve a healthier, and more sustainable lifestyle. For many patients who have already undergone bariatric surgery, the fear of weight gain can be discouraging but thankfully with practice and consistency, there are plenty of solutions. Long-term post-op studies show the majority of bariatric patients are able to maintain long-term weight loss with certain lifestyle changes including a strict diet and regular exercise after surgery. These approaches, customized to fit your life, will offer the best chance for success in preventing weight regain and return of medical problems. Here are some lifestyle changes most patients can expect:
Exercise
Move it to continue losing it. After recovering from weight loss surgery, we recommend walking frequently, even a few hours after the procedure to begin recovery faster. Exercise on average at least 30 minutes per day when your physician has cleared you for regular physical exertion. Talk to one of our lovely staff to discuss and create a workout plan customized to fit your needs.
Diet
Immediately following surgery, our bariatric surgeons will discuss certain dietary changes needed to ensure a healthy recovery. Post procedure, patients are encouraged to drink around 48-64 ounces of fluids to stay hydrated, avoid nausea, fatigue, kidney problems, and constipation. Most patients will start out on a liquid diet for the first couple of weeks, then transition to soft foods, and eventually solid foods. Protein intake is also extremely important in avoiding muscle loss and weakness, most bariatric surgeons recommend 60 to 100 grams of protein per day, depending on the patient. This means avoiding foods with excessive amounts of sugar and starch while focusing on high protein and whole foods.
Pregnancy
Female bariatric patients who had problems getting pregnant before surgery can find that they have a much easier time after surgery. Those who are wanting to become pregnant post-surgery should have a birth control plan before undergoing surgery and avoid pregnancy for 12 to 18 months after surgery in order to ensure they have adequate nutrition and reach their lowest possible weight. Talk to one of our specialists for more information on pregnancy post-surgery.
Long-term Follow Up Appointments
After surgery, patients will need to follow up with a bariatric specialist every few months for the first year, then at least once every year for life. Since obesity is a chronic disease and can continue after surgery, these are important visits and can include additional treatment such as weight loss medications, advice on lifestyle changes, and possibly more surgery depending on the patient.
The Mini Sleeve
If you are nervous about traditional bariatric surgery and don’t want any lasting scars or a long recovery, then the Mini Sleeve at McCarty Weight Loss Center is perfect for you! This minimally invasive surgical technique invented by Dr. McCarty, a pioneer in laparoscopic weight loss surgery, has been proven to have effective results in both weight loss and no visible scars. To this day, the McCarty Weight Loss Center holds a national patent on the device used for the Mini Sleeve® procedure as Dr. Leah Dill, who has since taken over the practice, is the only doctor that can perform the true Mini Sleeve procedure. With just 2-3 cosmetic incisions, this technique avoids the painful risks that can come with standard laparoscopy and uses natural entrances to the abdominal cavity for minimal to no scarring.
Have more questions on the necessary lifestyle changes you need to make after bariatric surgery? Give us a call today and set up an appointment to discuss your options and learn how our team can guide you to a more fulfilling life.
