| Gastric bypass surgery is a weight loss procedure that | | | | have the same effect, aside from working against |
| results in major changes not only in the body, but also | | | | hydration in the body. |
| in one’s lifestyle. To be able to adapt well to those | | | | 6. Contact your surgeon if problems arise. If you |
| changes, a patient needs to bear in mind these | | | | experience one or more of the following problems, call |
| guidelines that ensure success after the surgery. | | | | your surgeon immediately: extreme pain in the legs, |
| Success means maintaining a healthy weight and | | | | shortness or difficulty of breathing, fever, bleeding of |
| preventing the possibility of regaining weight. | | | | the incisions, and dark stools. |
| 1. Avoid foods that are not nutritious. The culprits for | | | | 7. Maintain your follow-up visits after the surgery. This |
| weight gain are foods and liquids that are rich in | | | | will make it easier for you and your surgeon to monitor |
| calories, fat, and sugar. These include soda, milk | | | | and assess your progress. Also, this will result in early |
| shakes, alcohol, and sugar-rich desserts. These foods | | | | detection of problems such as surgical complications |
| do not provide nutrients; instead, they cause hunger | | | | and nutritional deficiencies. |
| pangs and vomiting. Avoid them so that you do not out | | | | 8. Keep yourself from getting pregnant for two years |
| your weight loss effort to waste. Make sure that your | | | | following surgery. Because your body is undergoing |
| diet is rich in protein, and include lots of fruits and | | | | weight months after the surgery, it may not be able to |
| vegetables. | | | | support a baby. This will be unhealthy for both of you |
| 2. Avoid foods that cause discomfort. Sticky, dry, and | | | | and the fetus. Ask your surgeon for advice in case |
| fibrous foods such as pasta, rice, bread, and meat are | | | | you plan on getting pregnant. |
| usually a no-no for bypass surgery patients. Soda is | | | | 9. Join a support group. Coping with the aftermath of |
| also not allowed because it causes bloating, gas pain, | | | | the surgery may be much easier if you do it with the |
| and even pressure in the stomach. | | | | help of other people. There are many support groups |
| 3. Avoid snacking between meals. This will only hurt | | | | formed to provide emotional support and advice for |
| your chances of keeping a healthy weight. | | | | people who have undergone weight loss surgery. |
| 4. Avoid drinking liquids immediately before, during, or | | | | Search for these groups on the Internet; for sure, you |
| after meals. Filling your stomach with liquids instead of | | | | can find one within or near your locality. |
| foods will deprive you of your much-needed nutrients | | | | 10. Find ways to cope with stress. Stress usually leads |
| for healing and recovery. Be sure to drink fluids at least | | | | to comfort eating, which is not good for people who |
| 30 minutes before and after your meals. And of | | | | have had weight loss surgery. Listen to your favorite |
| course, avoid drinking fluids while eating meals. | | | | music, read books, meet up with friends, and do |
| 5. Refrain from drinking alcoholic and caffeinated drinks. | | | | whatever you can to effectively deal with stress. |
| Alcohol does more harm than good for people who | | | | You will get the best results from gastric bypass |
| have gone through weight loss surgery. Devoid of | | | | surgery if you follow the guidelines mentioned above. |
| calories, alcohol can cause stomach ulcers. Caffeine | | | | |