Successful Recovery After Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery
Undergoing bariatric weight loss surgery is a big change to your body and your lifestyle. Patients who decide to undergo bariatric weight loss surgery often begin the process weighing the pros and cons, considering how the surgery will affect them long-term. The recovery from bariatric surgery may be different from patient to patient, but there are certain expectations for every procedure.
Tri State Bariatrics is an all-inclusive system to make sure that our patients succeed in their weight loss journey. Our doctors and staff are available for pre and post-surgery support for all of our patients. In this blog, we will take a look at the typical experience of our weight loss patients to better help prospective patients set expectations.
Post-Surgery Expectations
Directly after surgery, patients may spend a few days in the hospital recovering. This will depend on which type of bariatric surgery you underwent. The initial days in the hospital are a precaution to make sure your body reacts well and does not develop any post-surgery complications. Once stable, you can head back home to fully recover.
Physical Changes
As with any surgical procedure, you might feel some pain or discomfort in the days and weeks following your surgery. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help you get past this as you heal. As you begin to feel better, it is important to get moving as soon as you feel comfortable doing so. Activity speeds the healing process. You’ll likely be asked to get up and walk the day after your surgery and encouraged to move about at least a few times per day.
As your body heals, the support staff and aftercare specialists at Tri State Bariatrics will help you create an exercise plan.
Dietary Changes
A dietitian and your doctor will guide you through your new dietary changes. Directly after surgery, patients are required to adopt a liquid diet for the first few weeks to help their bodies heal while providing the necessary protein needed for a healthy weight loss. You will be advised as to what are appropriate liquids, including protein drinks, for you to drink during this time.
After the initial liquid-only diet, you will begin to introduce pureed foods. These new foods will include certain fruits and vegetables, yogurt, and blended proteins. This portion of your diet can last a few weeks up to a month, depending on how fast your body heals and how well you are tolerating these foods.
Finding Post-Surgery Support
As you likely know, the surgery is just the beginning of your weight loss journey. Deciding to undergo a weight loss transformation and adapt to a new lifestyle is an ongoing choice to make changes that will last your lifetime.
Besides doctors, nurses, and dieticians, Tri State Bariatrics has a talented team of behavioral health specialists and support groups available. Your mental health and your personal support systems surrounding you regularly are just as important to your weight loss goals.
We have a psychiatrist on staff who is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and has created a specific bariatric-centric program that has seen great success for our patients. We also offer several aftercare support groups in different locations around New York State and the tri-state area. We feel strongly that support groups offer the opportunity to connect with others who have undergone bariatric weight loss surgery and have a better chance at long-term success.
Tri State Bariatrics has six locations across New York State area. We perform weight loss surgery at four hospitals in Port Jervis, Suffern, Newburgh, and Sleepy Hollow. Want to learn more about beginning your weight loss journey? Contact us today to get started!
Related Posts
