10 Top - After care in a bariatric surgery
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After care tips
Rest
You did well. You took a chance on yourself and decided to reclaim your life. Congratulations! Now, take it slow and enjoy a day for relaxing, your body and mind need to recover and catch up with all the new changes. As you advance, don’t forget the importance of resting and relaxing. This is just as important as being active.
Listen to your body
It’s extra important to be gentle and listen to your body. Afterall, our systems really do know best. Tried a new fruit smoothie and it upset your stomach? Then stop and try again after two weeks. You went to a new gym class and felt extra tired? Don’t worry, there are plenty of workouts to choose from! Don’t force yourself and don’t overwork your body. Slow progress will pay off and in no time, you’ll be seeing the results you are craving.
Move
Being active is a staple of your new life. From taking your first steps after surgery to creating a full workout routine, moving around will help your overall health and weight-loss process. Remember, don’t force your body and aim for short but constant routines as you progress. Need inspiration? Head to our Top 10 of best workouts for bariatric patients and learn the benefits each type of exercise can offer.
Keep hydrated
Hydration is an essential part of your overall health. Don’t forget to drink enough water throughout the day to meet your requirements. Being hydrated will keep your organs in shape and your mind sharp. Aim for plain water and natural infusions; stay away for carbonated drinks or sugary juices.
Meditate
Your bariatric journey is as physical as it is mental. Your body will go through extreme changes and your mind may need some time to catch up. It is normal if you feel anxiety or insecurity as you advance. Don’t worry, you’ll get there. We recommend taking 10 minutes out of your day to meditate and calm your mind. There are excellent apps to help you and some of them even offer programs on mindful eating, perfect for a pre-meal meditation!
Have clear goals
It is important to keep your goals achievable and doable. If you want, you can divide your goals into short, mid and long term. This can be helpful to keep you on track and ready to celebrate when you reach a milestone. Don’t go for extreme goals that are impossible, they will only frustrate and demotivate you.
Keep yourself accountable
Being gentle with your body and mind is one thing but ignoring your responsibility in your bariatric journey is another. Don’t forget, you are your best ally. You made a mistake? Accept it and move on. Haven’t worked out in a week? Sneak in some extra workouts the next one. Keeping yourself accountable is the best way to keep you on track and ready to rock the goals your set for yourself.
Create a support system
As you start your bariatric journey, it’s a good idea to have a support system. Friendly family members, a supportive partner, a committed group of friends or even a medical professional like a therapist. When you are struggling or don’t feel very inspired, you can come back to your support system and find comfort and security to keep you going.
Be ready for setbacks
We always envision a super smooth ride, a picture-perfect road. Sadly, this is far from reality. You are human and as such, you will make mistakes. They are part of life. The important part is to be ready to get back on the horse and fix them. A mistake does not define you; a mistake does not mean everything is lost. Is just a mistake. Own it and move on.
Create a meal plan
One of the biggest challenges you may face is your relationship with food. Be ready to evolve and explore a new side of this relationship. It won’t be easy, but we promise it will be worth it. A good way to keep on track is to have a weekly meal plan, this way you know what to buy, what to prepare and even have some back up snacks in case they are needed...
Any question? contact us at info@alobariatrics.com
