Tips for Success After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
One of the most common questions from patients considering weight loss surgery in Mexico is, “What are some good tips for success after gastric sleeve surgery?” To help answer this, Dr. Hidalgo, the lead bariatric surgeon at Hidalgo Bariatrics in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, has put together some helpful tips for everyone after their gastric sleeve surgery. Hidalgo Bariatrics is located at the CMQ Riviera Nayarit Hospital, and when patients seek surgery in Mexico, they often choose this world-class hospital and its leading surgical team.
Embrace Your New Lifestyle
The first tip is to embrace your new lifestyle. By doing so, you will break old habits and pave the way for successful weight loss and long-term success. Begin by identifying your bad habits and commit to changing them after surgery.
Commit to a Lifelong Diet and Lifestyle Change
Making a true lifestyle change means altering everything from your diet to your activities and exercise routines. This may require many personal adjustments, as mental and emotional health are critical for postoperative success. Reflecting on old eating habits and focusing on new ones will contribute to weight loss success. Many patients gain confidence as they successfully change their lifestyle, manage their weight through physical activity, and maintain a healthy diet.
Incorporating more whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, can significantly impact your energy levels and overall health. Learning to plan and prepare your meals can also help ensure you stick to your dietary goals.
Set Realistic Goals and Track Progress
Setting realistic and achievable goals is crucial for maintaining motivation and tracking progress. Start with small, manageable changes, such as increasing daily steps or incorporating an extra serving of vegetables with each meal. Celebrate these small victories, as they accumulate into significant progress over time.
Build a Support Network
Having a strong support network can make a significant difference in your journey. Surround yourself with people who encourage your goals and understand your challenges. This could include family, friends, or support groups, either in person or online, where you can share experiences and advice with others who are on similar journeys.
Long-Term Success and Commitment
For long-term success, patients must commit to changing their lifestyle. This includes adopting a physical activity routine, maintaining a healthy diet, and following post-surgery instructions. Weight loss surgery is a powerful tool, but it’s not a magical solution. It requires dedication to new habits and a positive attitude toward the weight loss journey.
Additional Tips for Success After Gastric Sleeve Surgery:
Establish Healthy Sleeping Patterns: Set a regular bedtime and wake-up time to ensure you get adequate sleep. This will help improve energy levels, which is crucial for exercise and daily activities. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to allow your body to rest and recover properly.
Adopt Healthy Eating Habits: Follow your post-operative healthy diet by eating no more than three meals a day with two snacks. Learn to listen to your body’s hunger cues and prioritize eating protein first at every meal. This helps maintain muscle mass while promoting fat loss.
Manage Stress Effectively: Staying stress-free will improve your overall health, as stressful environments can lead to poor food choices. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, or even short daily walks can help manage stress levels effectively.
Chew Food Thoroughly: This helps prevent unpleasant side effects and makes you feel full more quickly. Taking time to chew thoroughly can aid in digestion and ensure your body absorbs nutrients efficiently.
Avoid Snacking Outside Scheduled Times: Stick to your two scheduled snacks per day to prevent grazing. Planning your meals and snacks in advance can help you stay on track and avoid impulse eating.
Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Find a sport or activity you enjoy and practice it regularly. Exercise improves mobility and offers numerous health benefits. A fun activity makes exercise more enjoyable and sustainable. Consider activities such as swimming, cycling, or joining a dance class to keep things exciting.
Quit Smoking: Smoking reduces blood supply to the body, delaying healing, making physical activity harder, and potentially leading to increased eating. Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health and recovery.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid calorie-laden beverages. Staying hydrated supports metabolism and helps control hunger. Aim to drink at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water daily.
Include Vitamins and Supplements: These help regulate core bodily processes such as appetite, nutrient absorption, metabolism, brain activity, and thyroid function. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine which supplements are right for you.
Consume a Daily Protein Drink: Ensure you meet your daily protein needs to maintain energy levels, aiding in various daily activities. Protein shakes or smoothies can be a convenient way to ensure adequate protein intake.
Making the Right Choice
Weight loss surgery can set patients on the path to a healthier lifestyle when other efforts have failed; however, it is not a magic solution. It requires a positive attitude, behavioral changes, and significant effort from the patient to achieve success. Surgery is just the tool—what the patient does afterward is what leads to success. Hopefully, these tips will help patients stay on track after their gastric sleeve surgery.
Contact Hidalgo Bariatrics today for a free consultation and see if you qualify for Bariatric Surgery in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.