Life After Surgery
Bariatric surgery requires permanent changes in your eating habits that must be followed for successful weight loss. Your surgeon will determine the diet after gastric bypass surgery that’s most appropriate for you, based on the type of procedure you had performed and your individual health status.
Eating after weight loss surgery
Here are some generally dietary guidelines for a bariatric surgery patient:
- Eat slowly, chew foods very thoroughly, and take small bites
- Only drink fluids between meals, rather than with them
- Drink only decaffeinated beverages that are not carbonated
- Drink adequate amounts of fluids to prevent dehydration and constipation
- Choose low fat, high protein foods
- Do not use high calorie, high sugar, and/or high fat protein supplements or bars
- Eat a balanced diet
- Take a multivitamin/mineral supplement with iron along with a calcium supplement daily
- Avoid alcohol
The role of exercise in your success after surgery
Exercise is also essential to achieve and maintain your weight loss. Prior to surgery the focus is to improve overall mobility, flexibility, muscle strength, endurance, and establishing an exercise routine to follow after surgery. After surgery your physical therapy appointments are to help you revise your exercise program as you become more fit.
Ongoing support after bariatric surgery
To help you through your weight loss journey, Aspirus Bariatrics provides a monthly support group called ALOHA (A Lifetime of Healthy Achievements). This is an opportunity for socialization, education and sharing ideas with others who have been through the surgery.
The ALOHA support group is open to both people who have already had surgery and to those who are still considering it. Family members and friends are also welcome. Members work together to help each other on the journey that weight loss surgery takes us.
Support Group:
Second Tuesday of Every Other Month (Even Months)
6:30 – 7:30 pm
Due to COVID - support group is currently via phone.
Call 715-847-2000 ext 22177 for call-in number and access code.
Look for more information on these support groups in our Programs & Events area or contact Theresa Napiwocki at 715-847-2000 ext 22177.