Understanding the Phases of Weight Loss Surgery AfterCare

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Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure that requires careful planning and commitment both before and after the surgery. Achieving that weight loss is of paramount importance, but keeping it for the rest of your life is where aftercare leaves its strongest impact.

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Understanding the various phases of weight loss surgery aftercare is crucial for ensuring long-term success and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This article will guide you through the different aftercare stages and provide tips on navigating each phase effectively.

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Phase 1: Immediate Post-Operative Care

The first phase of weight loss surgery aftercare begins immediately after the surgery. During this time, you will be closely monitored for any complications. Here’s what you can expect:

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• Recovery and Monitoring: The surgical team will stay in close contact, monitor your vital signs, and ensure that your body responds well to the surgery. 

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• Hydration: Staying hydrated is essential. Start by drinking small sips of water and gradually increasing your fluid intake. Choosing a low cal, high electrolyte water is even better for hydration. 

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• Medication: Some mild incisional pain and discomfort are common and short lived post-surgery. A comprehensive prescription to help with pain and nausea gets rid of 90% of this to make your recovery as smooth as possible. 80% of MyLife Bariatric patients have not even needed to use their full prescriptions or use any of their narcotics post surgery. That is the magic of effectively managing symptoms post surgery.

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• Diet Transition: Your diet will begin with clear liquids and soon progress to full liquids. At MyLife Bariatrics, we check in every day for the first week then weekly to get you to soft foods by the end of the first two weeks

Phase 2: Transition to Soft Foods

After roughly two weeks of phase one of weight loss surgery aftercare, you will gradually start transitioning to soft foods.

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• Clear to Full Liquids: For the first week, you will continue with clear liquids. Gradually, you will introduce full liquids like protein shakes, broths, and low-fat dairy products.

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• Pureed Foods: After about two weeks, you can start incorporating pureed foods, such as applesauce, mashed potatoes, and pureed vegetables.

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• Monitoring Nutrition: To support healing and maintain muscle mass, focus on high-protein, low-sugar foods. Protein supplements may be recommended.

Phase 3: Introduction of Solid Foods

Around the fourth week post-surgery, you will begin introducing solid foods into your diet. This phase is essential for learning how to eat slowly and chew thoroughly to minimise nausea and mild discomfort.

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• Soft Solids: Start with soft, easy-to-digest foods like scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, and soft fruits. Gradually, you can add more variety to your diet.

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• Small Portions: Your stomach capacity is significantly reduced, so small portions are key. Eating small, frequent meals will help you stay nourished without overloading your digestive system.

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• Mindful Eating: Pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Eating mindfully will prevent overeating and support your weight loss goals.

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Phase 4: Long-Term Maintenance

The final phase of aftercare is long-term maintenance, which is a lifelong commitment to healthy eating and regular physical activity. At MyLife Bariatrics, we work with the HOW Clinic and their comprehensive weight loss surgery aftercare program.

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• Balanced Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid high-sugar and high-fat foods that can lead to weight regain.

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• Regular Exercise: Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Activities like walking, swimming, and strength training are excellent options.

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• Follow-up appointments: Regular follow-up appointments with your bariatric team are essential. These visits will help monitor your progress, address any concerns, and provide ongoing support.

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• Support Groups: Joining a support group can provide encouragement and motivation. Sharing experiences with others who have undergone weight loss surgery can be incredibly beneficial.

Tips for Successful Aftercare

Now that you have an idea of the basic steps of weight loss surgery aftercare, here are some tips that will greatly help you on your weight loss journey:

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Stay Hydrated: Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily. Avoid drinking fluids 30 minutes before and after meals to maximize nutrient absorption.

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Take Vitamins and Supplements: Bariatric surgery can affect nutrient absorption. Your surgeons will recommend specific vitamins and supplements to prevent deficiencies.

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Monitor Your Weight: Keep track of your weight loss progress. However, focus on overall health improvements rather than just the number on the scale.

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Seek Professional Help: If you encounter any physical or emotional challenges,let us know. We are here to help, every single step of the way.

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MyLife Bariatrics: Compassionate & Comprehensive Weight Loss Surgery Aftercare

Understanding the phases of weight loss surgery aftercare is essential for achieving long-term success and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Each phase requires a commitment to dietary changes, physical activity, and regular medical follow-ups. 

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At MyLife Bariatrics, our team is dedicated to your recovery and maintaining your healthy weight loss. We offer comprehensive aftercare in partnership with the HOW Clinic for a total of five years, ensuring you are in the best position possible to stay healthy. 

Reach out and explore sleeve surgery and aftercare at its finest, book a consultation with us today or call MyLife Bariatrics at (416) 249-7899. You can also visit mylifebariatrics.com and follow us on Instagram or Facebook.