When someone decides to go forth with a Bariatric procedure they will understand that the surgery alone will not be the only contributing factor to losing weight. Healthcare professionals will assist in the process of transforming the patient’s life which includes diet and exercise. This is great for having accurate information to succeed along with having support to achieve the final weight-loss goal and keep a healthy lifestyle in the future.

Who wants to go through a surgery and the healing process and see little results? This may happen for those who continue to eat junk. Keeping old eating habits even if the stomach is smaller is not good for anyone’s health. Yes, a greasy hamburger from a popular food chain can be considered tastier and more convenient than cooking at home, but what good is it doing to your body? There are a lot of people who grow up eating the typical junk foods and stray away from healthier options such as vegetables and fruits. For people who have Bariatric surgery, changing their eating habits can be quite a challenge since it could be years that they have eaten unhealthy. A good Bariatric program will have a dietitian assist the patient. They will provide information on which foods are good to eat, as well as other diet support.Exercise is another lifestyle change that needs to happen. For many overweight individuals they do not have the strength and energy to exercise, but once the surgery is done they have to add it to their daily routine to insure weight-loss and a healthy lifestyle. This does not mean the patient has to become a triathlete. Most Bariatric programs will include fitness experts who will provide the patient an individual plan to keep shedding the pounds away.

Exercise may be difficult soon after surgery, but any kind of movement is beneficial. Eventually the most common exercise that individuals add to their lifestyle is 30 minute walks. Not only is it healthy for losing and maintaining a healthy weight, but it is good for getting out of the house and enjoying Mother Nature.   

Fortunately, many patients have tried other weight-loss options and take Bariatric surgery very seriously. Not only will professionals help to succeed, but also support groups. This allows the individual to talk with others who are going through the same journey and get new ideas to succeed. All of these factors come together as a positive motivation tool. Changing diet and exercise will make the person’s weight-loss goals become a reality and will transform their overall health for the better.      

Focus 28 Team

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When a person makes the life-changing decision to have a Bariatric surgery they will be informed of the entire process. This includes pre-surgery, the actual procedure, and post-op. Some people may think that once the surgery is done, the weight will diminish on its own. The surgeon along with other specialists will emphasize the importance of committing to more than just the surgery. The surgery alone is not what leads to successful weight-loss. It is an important tool that needs to be assisted with changes in diet and exercise to fully work.  After surgery the patient’s diet dramatically changes. No more slices of pizza or favorite candy bars. Patients are regularly assisted in their journey with a Bariatric program that will provide information on what to eat after surgery. There are different stages of foods the patient can intake. One to two days following surgery, the patient is monitored on how well he or she intakes low-sugar beverages such as Gatorade, water, broth, or tea. It is advised to drink with a cup rather than through a straw or bottle because these can lead to swallowing too much air which results in gas.  

If the patient can handle the beverages, the surgeon will most likely go forth with the next diet step which can last up to a month post-op. This diet consists of three meals a day of purred foods, unless the individual is not hungry enough at that point. Since the stomach is smaller, there will be fewer portions. Protein and nutrients are crucial since they assist in the healing process. Many patients choose lean meats, dairy, eggs, and beans to get their daily amounts. It is more of a challenge to reach the recommended daily nutrient amount because the individual has a smaller stomach but needs the same amount of nutrients as a person who has a regular size stomach. Multivitamins and calcium supplements are usually taken. Once the month of pureed foods has past, the surgeon may recommend the patient to start a solid diet which is the final step of the post-op diet. This may be the most challenging step of the new diet because eating healthier is critical to seeing optimal results. Protein is still very important to get on a daily basis. Typical healthy foods that can be eaten for life include fish, pasta, whole-grain items, chicken, and cheese. 

Diet changes following Bariatric surgery are extremely important. Not only does it determine how successful your outcome will be, it assists in changing your overall health for the better.   

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When an individual decides to go through a Bariatric surgery they are well-informed about the entire process. This includes how their diet will have to change. They will not be able to eat the same foods as before. This can be the worse part of the surgery because eating habits can be hard to tame. Often, the patient will meet with a dietitian who will help guide them through the right path, but if they do not follow the advice they can suffer the consequences. Bariatric surgery alone will not lose all of the weight. The person cannot continue to snack or eat unhealthy. Following the dietitian’s rules will help to achieve optimal weight-loss. 

Malabsorption can be associated with Bariatric surgeries. This can raise the risks of protein and calorie malnutrition or mineral and vitamin deficiencies. The risk can be lowered by taking the appropriate supplements.  

Dumping syndrome is another issue that can occur. The typical symptoms include sweating, lightheadedness, cramps, diarrhea, and palpitations. The reason this occurs is if the person eats too much sugar. Even though they are aware that they should not be eating sweets, many are tempted into cheating and may eat their favorite dessert such as ice cream. Since people become very sick when dumping syndrome occurs, they are more likely to avoid sweets to be free of the uncomfortable symptoms. 

Even for people who watch their diet, they can be affected with unpleasant issues. It is important for the individual to eat each piece of food slowly. If they rush through their meal which can lead to the food not being chewed well enough, or if the overeat, they can experience vomiting and or plugging. Plugging is the sensation that the food has become stuck.  

Some people may find that they are not losing weight, and gaining it. The culprit might be that they are eating small snacks throughout the day which is affecting their regular meals and adding unnecessary calories. Since liquids are not limited after Bariatric surgery, some may drink beverages that are high in calories such as soda and juice which will work against losing weight.

It is important to stay motivated and focused when it comes to losing weight after surgery. When giving into unhealthy foods, the person will feel the effects and could even see the effects if they gain weight. Bariatric surgery is a life-changing opportunity which should be taken seriously no matter how difficult it can get. The end results are worth it since not only is the individual a normal weight, they are healthy and have a bright future ahead of them.         

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In most instances, individuals are successful with their diet changes following Bariatric surgery. Many studies have concluded that around 80% of patients are successful at sustaining a healthier lifestyle. They reap the benefits of not only losing weight, but also ridding themselves from weight-related issues such as sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension, and other medical problems. Usually during the first 2 years after surgery the individual’s lifestyle changes come easy since they see drastic weight-loss results. But what about after the weight is off? It can become a challenge for people to maintain their goal wait without slipping back to their old habits.  

Once the individual is at a steady weight they may begin to slack at their exercise routine, and begin snacking on foods like before their transformation. Even though the stomach is not the same size as before, going back to old habits can result in gaining weight. For people who are trying their strongest to keep a healthy lifestyle there may be the challenge of dealing with food cravings. Their once favorite dessert seems to be taunting them by calling their name to purchase it and take a bite. If the person gives in to the craving they are more likely to encounter stronger cravings for it, this can result in them eating too much of the food and feeling guilty afterwards.  

It is best to altogether avoid the food being craved. Over time the craving will lessen and not be an issue. Fortunately there are ways to prevent the craving from threatening your diet. Since most patients have a Bariatric plan, they can discuss their obstacles with the specialists. There are also support groups that consist of fellow Bariatric surgery patients, which understand and can help give advice on coping with such an issue.  

There are some simple ways to win over the cravings. Distracting yourself is a good way to forget about the craving. This can be done in various ways such as going for a walk, doing a hobby, or reading a book. Another way to avoid succumbing to cravings is by not even purchasing the food. This may be difficult if other people in the household are not following the same diet. Finding healthier alternatives that are low in sugar, fat, and calories is a better solution. Changing activities that make you want to snack will lessen cravings. Watching a movie on the weekend may make a person crave for a bowl of buttery popcorn. Instead of watching the movie on the weekend, perhaps watching it during the day with a healthier snack will ease the urge to get a bag of popcorn popping.  

Everyone knows that dieting is a challenge. Luckily there is a lot of support for people who have Bariatric surgery. Taking advantage of the resources will help keep the patient on the right track and win over cravings.    

Focus 28 Team

www.focus28.com

I am sure that everyone is feeling the “pinch” these days with the difficult economic times. I know we have felt it here. I cut back on things in my household and one thing I cut back on was my own well being by not keeping up with taking my Focus28 vitamins and protein products.  I thought I could save some money by using some less expensive “store bought” products. Boy was that a BIG mistake!

Within a week of going off my Focus28 chewable multi vitamin and not eating or drinking my Focus28 protein products, I felt lethargic and my hair started falling out. Not just a little hair, handfuls of hair! I had to take a nap every day too.  I could feel the difference, and I realized, I cannot put a price tag on good health. Focus28 products keep me healthy; they are specifically designed for people like me who have had weight loss surgery. Other brands just cannot compare!

No more skimping on myself! I need to stay focused and healthy.  Focus28 products are well worth the money spent.  There is nothing more important than your health.

Focus 28 Customer
Jennifer Savage

ccjjcwlr@gmail.com

After bariatric surgery your eating habits change, your activity level changes, face it, everything changes.  You will have a new outlook on life however; you will still have the challenges of making the necessary behavioral changes that are required with a bariatric surgery.  Probably the biggest challenge for any patient is becoming accustomed to their new diet.

After bariatric surgery you will be well verse by your medical care staff on what you can eat, how much you can eat and when you can eat.  You will almost have to get a military discipline mindset when it comes to your diet; it is just that important.  Your stomach size has been reduced to the size of a walnut or a small egg.  With that being said, it only goes to figure that it will not require much intake to fill it. 

For the first few days after your bariatric surgery, you will not be allowed to eat anything then gradually food will be introduced again.  It will be done in progression from a strictly liquid diet for a couple days (about 6 small liquid meals a day), then a puree diet for up to four days (4 small meals a day), maybe longer depending on healing process, and then on to soft foods.  You will be on a strict soft food diet for 8 weeks, and possibly longer depending on how well you have healed or if you have had any complications along the way.  You will be then restricted to the normal three meals a day routine.  Throughout the entire dietary progression, you will be allowed minute sips of liquid throughout the day not just at meal times.  A dietitian will instruct you on what food you can eat and exact amounts.  You will also have to start taking vitamin supplements. 

The first 8 weeks it is vital that you follow the dietary instructions very closely, not only will they help you heal faster but also start training you in a new healthier dietary routine that you will need to follow for the remainder of your life.  That may sound extreme however by committing to a lifelong change in your dietary and eating habits will be the catapult to a healthier you and a longer life. 

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