Wednesday, March 3, 2021
For eligible patients, weight-loss (bariatric) surgery can dramatically improve their overall health and give them a new lease on life, but long-term success requires a lifelong commitment to certain lifestyle changes.
A recent study detailed in an article in Current Nutrition Reports indicated that a significant proportion of people who had gastric bypass surgery — the most common form of weight-loss surgery — ended up regaining some of the weight they initially lost. According to the study, fewer than half (about 40%) of people who had the surgery maintained a 30% weight loss after 12 years.
Since regaining weight can lead to the development or redevelopment of certain obesity-related medical conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, it is especially important for patients considering weight-loss surgery to:
- Find the option that works best for them; and
- Design a long-term plan focused on behavioral modifications that include closely monitoring what they eat and drink, and making exercise a mainstay in their lives.
Tips for Keeping the Pounds off After Weight-loss Surgery
- Put a stop to snacking. If you snack between meals, you are more likely to gain weight because you are consuming extra calories. Snacking may also prevent you from feeling full, leading to increased eating.
- Don’t keep eating if you feel full. It’s important to listen to your body. If you start feeling full, take that as a sign to stop eating. You do not have to finish the food on your plate. If you don’t want to waste, consider saving the rest of your meal as leftovers.
- Stay hydrated. Feelings of hunger can sometimes indicate dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids.
- Avoid emotional eating. Emotional eating occurs when you consume excess food in response to negative emotions like stress, anxiety, sadness, anger, loneliness or boredom. Learn about your triggers so you can curb emotional eating.
- Stay active. Consult your weight-loss plan for guidance on physical activities. As a general rule of thumb, adults should get about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week (about 20 to 30 minutes each day).
- Keep your stress levels down. Stress can be harmful to your overall health. Try relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation or tai chi.
- Make healthy eating and drinking choices. Eating right is critical at every stage of weight loss and for healthy weight maintenance. Consult with your weight-loss clinic team to learn more about the eating requirements associated with each type of bariatric surgery.
- Schedule regular check-ups with your primary care provider and the team at your weight-loss clinic.
- Find a bariatric support group. A support group may help you stay on track and have an outlet to seek advice from others in a similar situation. Norman Regional and Journey Clinic help facilitate a support group on Facebook called No Excuses. Anyone interested in weight loss surgery can join.
Find a Weight-loss Center
If you or a loved one are looking for help creating a weight-loss plan or are interested in weight-loss surgery, the providers at Norman Regional Health System’s Journey Clinic may be able to assist. The clinic offers medical and surgical options for patients wanting to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The clinic also offers a support group to help you on your journey.