How to Lose Weight after Bariatric Surgery

It’s safe to assume that you will lose weight after bariatric surgery -- but how much, and for how long, will ultimately be up to you and your efforts. For long term weight loss success, bariatric surgery patients must commit to on-going lifestyle changes. After surgery, it’s crucial to carefully follow the guidelines set by your doctor. With the right tools, you can easily design a bariatric diet and fitness plan to match your prescribed regimen. Learning how to lose weight after gastric bypass, Lap-Band or other weight loss surgery is arguably as important as the bariatric procedure itself.

Your challenge will be following through. Realistically, even with gastric bypass and Lap-Band surgery, there are no tricks, only tools and information to help you meet and then maintain your weight loss target. Initial weight loss may be rapid -- but permanent weight loss is a marathon not a sprint. Take it one phase at a time. Determine what you need to do each day to get you closer to your goal. Figure out when and where you can make calorie cut backs and add physical activity.

10 Tips to Lose Weight after Surgery

Follow these 10 helpful tips to learn how to lose weight after gastric bypass, Lap-Band or other bariatric surgery and to help you sustain long-term weight loss.

  1. 1. Establish dietary goals. Use a calorie calculator system to determine your daily calorie intake. As you begin to lose weight after surgery, create and follow a plan with calories per day that will lead to the rate of weight loss that meets your doctor’s instructions. Set daily targets for nutrients, including protein, fiber and major vitamins and minerals, to help prevent nutritional deficiencies common after weight loss surgery. Note: The Bariatric Skinny calorie counter can calculate all of your calorie, macronutrient and nutrient targets, specifically customized for your BMR and weight loss goals.
  2. 2. Track everything you eat and drink. Utilize an online diet tracker to record all of the foods and beverages that you consume. Watch your diet score card as you submit meals to stay within your targets for calories and vital nutrients. See exactly how many calories you have left, and what nutrients you still need, at any time throughout your day.
  3. 3. Know what to eat and how much. The alterations made to the stomach and digestive process during surgery will adjust how, when, and what you should eat. It’s always a good idea to know the nutritional information of the foods you eat before you eat them. Search an expansive food database for store-bought and restaurant-prepared foods to make sure they meet your diet plan’s criteria.
  4. 4. Prepare small, healthy meals. By the time patients reach diet phase 4 after surgery, doctors generally recommend consuming no more than 400 calories per meal. Practice portion control by eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout your day. Be mindful of how you’re preparing foods by using a recipe creator tool to calculate the nutritional information for your home-cooked meals.
  5. 5. Get active. For optimal results, life after surgery requires regular exercise. Try out different activities to find the ones that you enjoy most and do them routinely. Burn extra calories by gradually increasing the number of minutes you spend working out, walking, and doing ordinary chores and activities each day. Log your exercises in an exercise tracker to chart your progress.
  6. 6. Know your calories burned. It’s important to know how your exercises impact your overall weight loss program. Know what it takes to burn the number of calories needed to meet your daily goal. For a highly effective workout, incorporate a variety of strength and cardio exercises into your routine.
  7. 7. Keep a blog or journal. Start a blog to document how you’re feeling as you adjust to life after bariatric surgery. Keep notes on your foods and workouts. Highlight your highs, as well as your lows, and make adjustments to your program as needed.
  8. 8. Don’t go it alone. Find a bariatric support group for people who have had bariatric surgery. Within that safe environment, share stories, ask questions, and trade advice with other members. Participate in message board discussions with people going through the same physical and emotional challenges. Let your friends and family in on your experience and goals. Loved ones are a great source of support.
  9. 9. Get in the know. Maximize your efforts by exploring the latest in bariatric studies. Read articles and check out videos for comprehensive information. Filled with expert tips and advice, these guides will ensure that you’re on track to achieving your permanent weight loss goals.
  10. 10. Seeing is motivating. Keep visual tabs on your progress. Graphically chart your weight and measurements by submitting regular weigh-ins. As you see the numbers drop, you’ll feel emotionally boosted and more motivated to keep up the hard work.

Practicing the above tips for how to lose weight after gastric bypass, Lap-Band and other bariatric surgery will pay dividends when you step on that scale and will help you make your weight loss permanent.

Good Luck!

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