Weight loss surgery is the first step
For bariatric patients, weight loss surgery is an early step on the journey to a healthy life. The success of achieving a healthier lifestyle and lasting major weight loss depends on the months and years after the surgery and on your level of commitment to the follow-up programme.
Reaching your goal takes time and dedication
To achieve healthy, sustainable weight loss with bariatric surgery, you’ll need to:
- Commit to an active, healthy lifestyle that incorporates physical activity and exercise into your daily routine.
- Discuss your health history and any questions or concerns you have openly and honestly with your healthcare team. Learn all you can about bariatric surgery and weight loss before making a decision.
- Learn about appropriate food choices and take the nutritional, vitamin, and mineral supplements as recommended by your healthcare team.
- Consider seeking psychological support as a good way to help you adhere to a healthier lifestyle and make the required behavioural changes.
Bariatric surgery is a serious commitment
When you commit to bariatric surgery, you also commit to the following lifestyle changes:
Dietary changes: Your diet following bariatric surgery will progress through various stages, from liquids to small meals. Simple vitamin and mineral supplements will be required on a daily basis for the rest of your life.
Exercise: In order to maximise and maintain your weight loss before and after surgery, it’s essential that you incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. A regular exercise programme is vital for long-term success.
It is important that you follow the diet, vitamin and mineral intake, physical activity and any other advice that your healthcare team prescribes after surgery. You can achieve lifelong success as long as you adhere strictly to your personalised follow-up programme.
