If you’re considering bariatric surgery to achieve your weight loss goals and the “new you” of your dreams, you likely know about the lifelong lifestyle commitment that comes after your operation.
Some common questions surrounding weight loss surgery are, “How long will my results last? And, “Will I gain all the weight back?” We’re here to empower you with the tools and support you need to ensure long-term success.
We also want you to have a strategy, and we don’t want you to feel overwhelmed. We’re here to add to your post-bariatric surgery preparation by breaking down some simple keys to success into manageable steps. Also, learn just how effective weight loss surgery can be with some bariatric surgery success rates to encourage you along your way.
Bariatric Surgery Success Rates
The long-term success rate of bariatric surgery is high, running between 68% and 74%. Studies show that the beneficial effects on weight loss are maintained for up to 20 years after gastric bypass surgery. That’s an average of two decades of successful weight maintenance!
Most patients who undergo bariatric surgery maintain 50-75% excess weight loss, with an average patient losing at least 100 pounds. These numbers should give you all the encouragement you need to commit to your new lifestyle.
Weight loss surgery patients typically lose the most weight within the first 2 years after their bariatric surgery and see substantial weight improvements in obesity-related conditions, so forging new lifestyle patterns are essential following your operation — so you can pave the way to success!
Keep reading to learn the best lifestyle tips to succeed after weight loss surgery.
Practice Mindfulness
Listen to your hunger cues instead of paying attention to the clock. Watch out for the foods that trigger your cravings. Becoming more aware of real hunger as opposed to emotional eating is half the battle. The rest comes down to your dedication to living a healthier life.
Drink Plenty of Water
It’s important to stay hydrated and ensure that you avoid drinking 30 minutes before eating a meal and 30 minutes after. Aim for 64 ounces of water a day and avoid drinking liquids with calories. Try sugar free water enhancers if drinking plain water is difficult for you.
Prioritize Protein
Foods with protein are the best to meet your body’s nutritional requirements. Protein also takes longer to digest, resulting in less food eaten overall. Be mindful to stop eating before you feel full as you manage your post-bariatric surgery diet.
Be Physically Active
Keeping up with your exercise plan is a recipe for success. Along with exercising regularly, simple tricks like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther away while doing your shopping, or going for a family walk after meals all add up to more movement (and more burned calories) throughout your day.
Sleep Well
Over time, sleep deprivation can cause an imbalance in your metabolism. If your metabolism isn’t working as it should, you can develop glucose intolerance and gain weight. Being overtired also makes it less likely that you’ll get enough physical activity.
Changes in the hormones that make you feel hungry and full can happen when you’re sleep deprived. Eating more and moving less can also lead to weight gain over time.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night for adults.
Join A Bariatric Support Group
When you’ve made the life-changing step to lose weight and get healthier through bariatric surgery, there may be times when you need some extra support.
Check out our virtual AdventHealth Weight Loss Surgery Support Groups for the opportunity to connect with your health care professionals and fellow bariatric patients.
Get Solid Support Before and After Bariatric Surgery
We’re humbled by your trust in us, and we’ll do everything in our power to support and protect your whole health on your weight loss journey.
Learn more about our world-renowned bariatric care team by visiting us at AdventHealthWeightLoss.com. You deserve to feel whole.
