After your procedure, your bariatric surgeon and the team at Alabama Surgical Associates will provide post-surgical care and give you the support you need for optimal weight loss and long-term success.
It is normal to feel a little nervous about what life will be like after your bariatric surgery. At Alabama Surgical Associates in Huntsville, we will explain what to expect during recovery, how to navigate the different stages of your post-bariatric diet, and give you the support to make healthy choices for life.
If you are still figuring out if bariatric surgery is right for you, take a look at How to Prepare for Bariatric Surgery, which will explain financing and tips for getting ready for lifestyle changes.
To get answers to frequently asked questions about the bariatric surgery process, see our Step-by-Step Weight Loss Surgery Timeline.
Bariatric Surgery Recovery
For the best results, it is important to follow our post-operative instructions and to contact us with any questions or concerns. Each procedure has a different recovery time, which can also vary by individual. Generally speaking, people may resume regular activities, such as work, within a few weeks of a laparoscopic procedure. Some patients may resume regular activities even sooner. Immediately following your procedure you will be on a special, temporary diet to allow healing. Our registered dietitians will guide you through the different diet phases you will need to follow after surgery.
Above all, we want you to know that we’re here for you. Whether to be a resource for information or to share and celebrate success stories, we want to be a part of our patients’ lives.
Diet Phases After Weight Loss Surgery
It is important to pay close attention to diet recommendations and restrictions in the days and weeks following your surgery. Your specific recommendations may vary depending on the type of procedure and your individual health. Your doctor and dietitian will provide you with very detailed handouts with specific foods, tips, and recipes, but here is a general overview of the typical post-bariatric diet phases:
The Bariatric Lifestyle for Successful Long-term Weight Loss
Bariatric surgery is a valuable tool to help patients overcome obesity, but long-term success is dependent upon your commitment to making positive lifestyle changes. Once you finish your post-surgical diet phases, it is time to plan what the rest of your healthy, active life will look like!
Lifelong Eating Habits After Bariatric Surgery
Once you are able to eat a greater variety of foods, it is more important than ever to track what you are eating so you have a realistic view of your intake and to ensure you are getting enough protein.
Your diet should primarily consist of:
- Lean cuts of meat and low-fat dairy
- Other protein sources such as eggs and protein shakes
- Non-starchy vegetables, such as leafy greens, carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, mushrooms and more
You should include smaller amounts of:
- Fresh fruits, with a focus on lower sugar fruits like berries and melon
- Healthy fats, such as vegetable oils to cook with and very small amounts of nuts
- Starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes and whole, unprocessed carbs like oatmeal
You should completely avoid:
- Pre-packaged snacks like bars, chips, dried fruit, and granola (even if marketed as “light” or “high-protein”)
- Processed carbohydrates like pasta and bread
- Fried foods and fast food
- Candy, cakes, and cookies
Exercise After Bariatric Surgery
Exercise is essential to overall health. Bariatric patients who exercise may experience more successful long-term weight loss, as well as a more significant
Trusted Source
Exercise and Bariatric Surgery: An Effective Therapeutic Strategy
Coen PM, Carnero EA, Goodpaster BH
Go to Source
improvement in diabetes
and joint pain than those who don’t. Here are our tips for exercising after bariatric surgery:
- Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program – especially while you are still in the healing stages after surgery.
- Schedule your workouts. The top excuse for not working out is lack of time, but you should prioritize your health by making exercise appointments with yourself.
- The best exercise is the one you want to do. If you love nature, try hiking. If you get motivation from others, try group workout classes like Zumba. Try different routines to challenge yourself and find your favorites.
Healthy Habits After Bariatric Surgery
There are other components of a healthy post-bariatric life in addition to diet and exercise. Here are some habits to incorporate into your healthy lifestyle:
Manage Stress:
Many people who have bariatric surgery have previously used food as a coping mechanism to handle stress or soothe emotions. Make a list of healthy, non-food ways you can manage stress. Ideas include exercising, gardening, journaling, or making art (try coloring books for grownups!)
Avoid Alcohol:
There are several reasons to avoid drinking alcohol after bariatric surgery. Alcoholic beverages will affect you differently after surgery, which can be dangerous to your health and
Trusted Source
Alcohol and the Gastric Bypass Patient.
Cynthia K. Buffington, PhD.
Go to Source
well-being
. Also, alcohol contains “empty” calories that can contribute to weight gain.
Monitor Your Health:
Your overall health can change significantly after bariatric surgery, especially if you had Type 2 Diabetes before surgery. Nearly 90% of bariatric patients who have surgery will be able to reduce their diabetes medications and up to 78% will see a
Trusted Source
Surgery for Diabetes
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Go to Source
complete remission
and be able to eliminate medication completely. Check in with your primary care physician to reevaluate your need for blood pressure, cholesterol, and other medications.
Bariatric Support Group
Weight loss surgery is only the first step. Lifestyle changes are the next step and will be an ongoing effort in reaching your weight loss goals. You are welcome to join our bariatric team for free Weigh Loss Webinars in the comfort of your own home. Additionally, to help you accomplish these goals, we offer ongoing support and encourage you to attend our free meetings.
Support Group is held at 6PM.
Join us via Google Meet. Download the Google Meet app and input fzu-kbgq-qza as the member code.
Join by phone at (US) 1+539-302-9299. PIN: 730 152 239#
August 1 • September 5 • October 3 • November 7 • December 5
For Questions & Information, contact Caris Cantrell, RN, Bariatric Coordinator
256-429-4092 caris.cantrell@crestwoodmedicalcenter.com
Follow-Up Care
We are committed to restoring and maintaining the health of our patients. After surgery, our practice will arrange a series of follow up visits to measure your health. Dr. Doucette is an experienced general surgery specialists. If you or a loved one ever need a surgical procedure such as hernia repair, acid reflux surgery, gallbladder surgery, or other general surgical procedures, your Alabama Surgical Associates surgeon is available to help.
New Patient Management
If you had bariatric surgery and are no longer able to see your original surgeon, it is still important to have a relationship with a bariatric specialist. Our surgeon are available to provide follow up care for new patients who previously had surgery elsewhere. If you have moved to the Huntsville area from out of town or out of state, we would be happy to schedule an appointment to establish your care as a patient of Alabama Surgical Associates.
Post Bariatric Diet E-Store
Supplements are a crucial part of the treatment plan for weight loss surgery patients. Patients take in fewer calories which may lead to lowered vitamin intake, and some procedures can inhibit nutrient absorption. Our doctor and dietitians will give you recommendations for your specific supplemental needs after surgery. We also provide the option to buy surgeon-approved supplements and protein in the office or online.
CLICK ON THE LOGOS BELOW TO SHOP PRODUCTS ONLINE.
Staying Successful with Healthy Recipes and Motivation
Successful weight loss requires motivation and support. To help you stay focused on your goals, we share educational and inspirational tips, healthy recipes and patient success stories with our community. Stay connected by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook.
Step into Wellness: Your Path to a
Lighter, Brighter Future Starts Now
Connect with Alabama Surgical Associates to take a proactive step towards your weight loss
goals. With our expert team and comprehensive approach, you’ll find the guidance and
support you need to achieve lasting results and improved well-being.
Dr. Darrell Doucette has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
Page Updated:
1 Coen PM, Carnero EA, Goodpaster BH. Exercise and Bariatric Surgery: An Effective Therapeutic Strategy. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2018 Oct; 46(4): 262–270. Published online 2018 Sep 14. doi: 10.1249/JES.0000000000000168
2 Cynthia K. Buffington, PhD. Alcohol and the Gastric Bypass Patient. Bariatric Times. Available: http://bariatrictimes.com/alcohol-and-the-gastric-bypass-patient/
3 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Surgery for Diabetes. Available: https://asmbs.org/patients/surgery-for-diabetes
