Weight loss surgery (aka bariatric surgery) is a life-changing medical treatment that, when combined with lifestyle changes, leads to significant weight loss. Having bariatric surgery can be overwhelming, from surgery considerations to post-op care needs, equipping yourself with resources and top tips from a dietitian can make your journey to a healthier lifestyle much smoother. Here are 10 things that could assist you:
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"Weight Loss Surgery: The Essential Guide" - Book - Written by one of our very own Ramsay Health Care Bariatric Surgeons, this book is useful for anyone considering bariatric surgery. Mr Alkhaffaf explains different types of surgeries available as well as what to expect before, during, and after surgery as well as ways to sustain weight loss long term. It provides invaluable insights that will assist your journey both before it starts and as you are on it too.
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"The Bariatric Bible" By Carol Bowen Ball - Book - Nutrition is key to successful bariatric surgery recovery, and this book offers readers top tips from a chef (and patient too), as well as delicious recipes tailored specifically for bariatric patients' dietary requirements (colour coded for fluid, soft and normal textures). Designed to make meeting nutritional goals (including protein) effortless, while enjoying tasty meals.
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"Living with Bariatric Surgery” - Book - Written by a clinical psychologist, this book aims to equip you with the psychological understanding of your eating behaviour and the changes needed for success. It covers emotional eating, relationship struggles and body image too, assisting you both before and during your weight loss journey.
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A Bariatric Portion Plate - After bariatric surgery, portion control becomes increasingly important. A bariatric portion plate is smaller than traditional plates and features sections dedicated to specific food groups for easy management and balance in meals - half the plate is for protein, just over a quarter is for vegetables, fruit or salad, and just under a quarter id for carbohydrates (ideally wholegrains).
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Bariatric Cutlery - Smaller cutlery can help you take smaller bites more slowly, which is essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption after surgery. Making this simple change can have a dramatic impact on how much and how well you enjoy eating!
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Silicone Muffin Trays and Sandwich Bags - Prepping and freezing small portions of food is an efficient way to manage meals more effectively, ensuring there are always healthy options on hand. Silicone muffin trays make portioning meals easy, while sandwich bags offer convenient storage and transportation of them.
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Tupperware and a Mini Cool Bag - Food prep is key to reaching your nutritional goals. By having Tupperware to store pre-prepared snacks as well as meals in, and a mini cool bag to bring them with you on busy days, this ensures you can stay on track with your plan and stick to your meal plan without fail.
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Support Groups and Online Forums - Joining a support group or online forum can create a supportive network of people who understand your journey. Sharing experiences and advice can be extremely motivating and useful.
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Water Bottle with No Straw, just a Sports Cap - For individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery, choosing a water bottle without a straw is essential to minimising air intake while drinking. Swallowing excess air can lead to discomfort, gas, and bloating, which are particularly undesirable following bariatric procedures. A water bottle without a straw encourages sipping directly from the bottle, which can help control the flow of liquid and reduce the amount of air swallowed.
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Comfy Trainers for Walking - Investing in a pair of comfortable trainers for walking can significantly enhance your motivation to get outside. The right trainers provide essential support to your feet, reducing the risk of injuries and making each step feel more comfortable. Engaging in regular physical activity is vital to managing weight and improving overall health. Begin slowly and increase intensity and duration as you grow more comfortable with exercising and your fitness improves.
The above suggestions are of course in addition to cultivating a positive mindset which is a powerful tool for boosting your happiness. It involves focusing on the good in any situation, practising gratitude, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. A positive outlook can improve your resilience, allowing you to bounce back from setbacks more quickly and maintain motivation. It also contributes to better health, as optimism has been linked to lower stress levels and a stronger immune system.
To foster a positive mindset, start by acknowledging your achievements, however small, and surround yourself with positive influences. Remember, the way you talk to yourself matters, so replace negative thoughts with encouraging affirmations. Consultation meetings with your surgeon, nurse, dietitian and other healthcare providers will help and are essential in tracking progress and addressing any concerns that may arise.
I hope these 10 tips can better equip you for your bariatric surgery. With the proper resources, tools, and support systems in place, this journey can be successfully navigated toward reaching weight loss and health goals.