Bariatric Surgery: The First Year

Congratulations! You have taken the first step on your journey to weight loss and a healthier lifestyle by considering bariatric surgery by Dr. Velarde at Advanced Surgical and Weight Loss Institute.

After hours of research, consultations, and thoughtful discussion you have taken the much needed step to turn your life around. The next step is the surgery itself.

Beforehand there are things you can do to prepare yourself for what lies ahead. Take a look at your current eating patterns. Are there triggers in your life that cause you to overeat? If so, now is the time to start addressing them. Before surgery, make sure you have any home medial help you will need to assist you on the road to recovery. You may be required to adjust some of your current lifestyle choices.

There will be blood work and other possible screenings and tests in preparation for surgery. Don’t forget about your mental health. Bariatric surgery is a huge decision and the lifestyle changes afterwards can be complex. There is no shame in seeking help regarding your mental state both before and after surgery.

Now that the surgery is over, your life is going to be different in so many ways. While the adjustments take time, remember your stance before surgery. You were ready to make the necessary modifications. You are more than capable of doing this. Bariatric surgery changes your entire lifestyle. However, the biggest changes tend to come within the first year.

Are you prepared to work with the surgery to ensure the results you want come to pass? It may seem daunting, all the dietary, lifestyle, and mental changes that accompany the surgery but know that you are strong. You can do this! You made the choice long before surgery to make a change and Advanced Surgical and Weight Loss is here to help you succeed. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that weight loss surgery is not a quick fix. It requires a lifetime commitment.

A 2013 study published in the December 11, 2013 issue of The Journal of American Medical Association, in which over 2,000 participants were followed for 3 years, found that significant weight loss had occurred at the 3 year mark with the largest amount of weight was lost during the first year. That is exciting news.

So what can you expect within your first year post-surgery regarding weight-loss? According to WebMd, the first few weeks after your operation will require a liquid diet. This will take some getting used to. At the one month mark or perhaps the three-month mark, you will start experimenting with solid foods finding out what you can tolerate and in what amounts.

The sixth month mark can be a milestone for many patients. By this time you will probably have lost quite a bit of weight and are becoming used to smaller portions and, hopefully, exercise of some sort. By nine months you will continue to adjust to your new lifestyle and are hopefully continuing to shed pounds. Experts interviewed by WebMd say that by the 12-18 month mark you may be at your goal weight depending on your given surgery. If not, you may need to evaluate your diet and make the necessary changes.

Be sure to maintain an open line of communication with your physician and surgeon. They can advise you on potential issues that can arise after surgery. By following their orders and making conscious choices you are more likely to experience success.

Certain tests may be necessary to ensure that you are getting all the nutrients you need after your surgery. Advanced Surgical and Weight Loss is here to assist you. We want you to experience the best possible outcome and can guide you on your weight-loss journey. Please contact us with any questions or concerns. We offer seminars on bariatric surgery and would love the opportunity to assist you.