If you are considering gastric bypass to manage your weight, you should know what to expect before you make a final decision. Gastric bypass is a major surgery and will require significant lifestyle changes. To best prepare and properly recover, the following information should be taken into consideration:
How Should You Prepare for Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Preparing for gastric bypass begins months prior to the actual surgery. Your doctor will place you on a certain diet to help you prepare for eating after the surgery. You may lose some weight before the surgery date. This is normal and encouraged as a lower weight will help you recover faster and with fewer complications. During this time, you should begin practicing the habits you will need to be successful after your surgery. This includes drinking more water, chewing your food more slowly, and preparing yourself mentally for this major change.
Closer to your surgery date, you need to have the supplies you will need for after the procedure. You will be on a liquid diet at first, so be sure you have some foods you can eat. You may want to invest in a good blender or food processor to help liquefy your food. You also need to have someone to care for you right after surgery and consider childcare if necessary.
What Happens After Surgery?
You are encouraged to rest as much as possible for the first few days after your surgery. You do not want to do anything physical, especially lifting anything. You will work your way back to eating a more solid diet within the first few weeks once you can show you are able to tolerate a liquid diet. Everyone recovers differently and at different rates, but make sure you are able to take enough time off work to heal. Ideally, you should be able to resume your normal activities within a month. Your doctor will advise when you can return to your normal life.
How Much Weight Can You Lose?
This will vary based on a variety of factors. Your ultimate weight loss depends highly on your dietary choices and your willingness to follow your nutrition plan. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a good diet and adequate exercise will have a positive impact on your weight loss. Also keep in mind that your weight loss is going to take some time. The process of losing weight with gastric bypass can take up to a few years before you reach your goal weight, depending on your start weight and your final goal weight. You then have to learn how to maintain your weight loss. A dietician will follow your case and help you learn ways to best eat to have a good outcome.
Keep these tips in mind when looking for a gastric bypass surgery clinic near you.
