Bariatric Surgery is up to this day the most effective treatment for morbid obesity and its related diseases (we call those co-morbidities).
But that doesn’t mean that having Bariatric Surgery is going to be a walk in the park.
There will be many guidelines to commit to – and not to mention the greatest commitment of all – the one to YOURSELF.
In this blogpost we want to address 3 things that may be tempting – but aren’t going to be helpful on your journey.
Curious to learn what these are? Be sure to keep on reading!
#1 Stop weighing yourself every single day
The first tip we want to share is to stop weighing yourself on a daily basis.
Stepping on the scale every day won’t change anything about your weight loss progress after Bariatric Surgery.
Of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with keeping track of your weight loss progress.
The scale is a handy tool to give you an indication of your lost weight, and if you have a body composition scale – of your fat loss too.
But when the scale starts dictating your mood to the point where you feel you NEED TO step on it on a daily basis – it may be time to address the real issue here.
Weighing yourself on a daily basis might make you feel like you’re in control – but that isn’t necessarily true.
Focusing on the numbers might take away from something more meaningful in your journey.
Yes. We’re talking about the small promises to make to yourself on a daily basis to build that consistency that eventually leads to your success.
The scale isn’t going to make breakfast for you.
The scale isn’t going to take care of yourself.
And the scale won’t change your beliefs either.
Letting the scale control you can be vastly distracting from the things that truly matter the most.
Besides that, it’s important to be aware that weight fluctuates greatly after Bariatric Surgery for numerous reasons.
Maybe you’re retaining water, or building muscle mass. Or perhaps you’re going through hormonal changes.
Just remember, that not all progress is measured by the scale!
#2 Drinking together with your meals is a no-go (yes, even years later!)
Being absolutely parched can make that 30 minute wait after your meal feel like a lifetime.
And you may feel tempted to take a sip right after eating anyway. Because why does it even matter, right?
Well….here’s why it does make a difference:
When you don’t keep your solids and liquids separate you may increase the risk of
- Overeating
- Dumping Syndrome
- Other Digestive Issues (eg vomiting, nausea)
And even if you’re unbothered by drinking and eating together, we’d still recommend NOT to do it.
Bariatric Surgery has changed your digestive system tremendously (that’s why it works!).
But this also means that the rate of which your food passes through your pouch is faster than it would be without the surgery.
This phenomenon is called “gastric emptying” and should be taken in consideration when we talk about separating solids & liquids.
So next time you’re having a hard time waiting to take that first sip, try this:
- Make your last bite of your meal something moist, like a piece of cucumber or tomato
- Distract yourself during that “waiting time” by clearing the table or putting away the dishes
- Leave all drinks out of sight to decrease temptation somewhat
We know. It’s hard. But it’s just one of those guidelines you just can’t forget about – ever.
#3 Resorting to a Pouch Reset Diet to lose more weight (yikes!)
Nope. Pouch Resets won’t help you lose weight or keep it off long term.
Pouch Resets are highly restrictive and might “get you going” but they don’t address any underlying issues that may be the cause of a plateau or weight regain.
Pouch Resets are basically another FAD diet that won’t support the growth of a bariatric mindset that you truly deserve.
And of course, always ask for support from your care team to help you along the way!
Bariatric Surgery isn’t the easy way out
Your journey doesn’t have to be perfect. Nor do you have a deadline for things to be “finished”.
Taking a leap of faith to reclaim your life is HUGE. And it’s admirable too.
Instead of resorting to “old ways” that didn’t work before surgery, try allowing yourself time and self-compassion to be comfortable in your growth.
This isn’t easy. But you can do hard things.
And remember – there’s a whole community out here rooting for you!
You got this!
What you need to know about our community
You didn’t take the easy way out for steering your life in a whole new direction. You’re brave and courageous for facing your fears and doing “it” anyway!
Your Onederland stands out because of its amazing following whose dedicated to their journey and hold kindness and compassion in high regard. Join thousands of bari-besties on our free community platform.
But that’s not all!
We give you free resources so you can find that inspiration you’ve been looking for. No matter where you are in your journey, here at Your Onederland we’ll continue to support you. You got this!
Oh..and if you need more simple recipes to make meal planning more streamlined, then our bariatric recipe blog may be just what you need!
Resources:
- Mechanik J.I., Youdim, A. Jones, D.B., et al. Clinical practice guidelines for the perioperative nutritional, metabolic, and nonsurgical support of the bariatric patient: Cosponsored by American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, The Obesity Society, and American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, Obesity (Silver Spring). 2013;21Suppl 1:S1-27.
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