How to Maintain Weight Loss After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery demands a lot of commitment. You have to change the way you eat, exercise regularly and continue with follow-up procedures after the surgery. Merely having the surgery means little without hard work afterward. Follow these steps to learn what you'll need to do after gastric bypass surgery.

Instructions

1. Exercise every day for at least an hour once you're ready. You can do aerobics, cardio or walking. Walking is considered the best option in the days after the surgery.

2. Limit your intake of high-calorie food and beverages.

3. Start each of your meals with protein-rich food.

4. Eat small quantities of food at a time. Stop eating before you feel full.

5. Chew properly and eat your food slowly without distractions.

6. Avoid (or at least limit) the sweets you eat and the sweetened beverages you drink.

7. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

8. Don't take medicines like aspirin or other over-the-counter medicines without prior permission from your surgeon.

9. Visit your surgeon for regular follow-ups. They can guide you on the exercises you should do and the regular diet programs you should follow.

Tips & Warnings

• You can expect to lose 50 to 60 percent of your excess weight within first two years of surgery. If you strictly follow dietary and exercise programs suggested by your surgeon, you can keep most of that weight off long-term.

• Remember that you'll never be allowed to return to the diet you had before the surgery.