Your future is bright. 

Life after weight loss surgery is exciting. Bariatric Surgery is a life-altering event that can ultimately lead to a happier you. However, surgery is just one tool, among the many, that will help you achieve your goal weight. Your weight loss story is a life-long journey that does not simply start and stop with surgery—but instead is a mix of proper nutrition, physical activity, vitamins and supplements, the appropriate after-care, and so much more.

The degree of weight loss is different based on the individual and the type of procedure performed. In general, though, patients can expect to lose up to 10% of their excess weight loss (EWL) 6 to 8 weeks post-op, 50% 4 to 5 months post-op, and 50% 12 months post-op. Thus, patients will ultimately end up losing 100% of their excess weight one year out of surgery and will end up reaching their goal weight.

Although many patients will experience the weight “melting off” the first year post-op, weight loss is harder to maintain as you go into year two. This is when your lifestyle begins to have a huge effect on your weight loss success. Therefore life after weight loss surgery involves continued efforts. It is critical to stick to healthy habits in order to maintain your goal weight and to avoid regain.

After surgery, many patients will no longer have to take medications or injections because the procedure will resolve these health-related diseases such as arthritis, heartburn, hypertension, sleep apnea, diabetes, and more. In fact, an overwhelming majority of type 2 diabetic patients will wake up from surgery with no trace of diabetes.

The weeks prior to and following your surgery, you will experience some drastic dietary changes to ensure the safety of your procedure and efficiency of your recovery. Gradually, your diet will become less restrictive in the weeks post-op. By year one, you will be back to eating any healthy foods you’d like. Our dietitian will provide our patients with a list of approved foods and beverages to maintain weight loss.

Physical activity is another critical component to leading a healthy lifestyle. Engaging in 30 minutes of cardio each day can optimize your ability to manage a healthy weight and will also work to reduce your risk of developing other health related diseases.

Due to the change in digestion and intestinal absorption as a result of bariatric surgery, patients must commit to taking vitamins and supplements in order to avoid mineral deficiencies. It is very important for patients to get in the habit of taking B-12 vitamins, calcium citrate, iron supplements, multivitamins, and Vitamin D.