We know that successful weight loss after gastric band surgery requires commitment and effort. The following tips can help make some of the necessary lifestyle changes easier and make you mindful of some things to watch out for.
- Eat your meals at a table. This sounds simple, but dedicating time to eating meals and avoiding eating on-the-go can be difficult, especially if you already have a packed schedule. Set aside 20 to 30 minutes to actually sit at the table and eat your meals—if it helps to actually write your meal times into your agenda, do it! After gastric band surgery, it’s important to eat slowly to avoid overeating, and sitting down to eat can also keep you from mindless snacking.
- Always hydrate. Consuming 48 to 64 ounces of fluid per day will help prevent dehydration, constipation, and kidney stones. If you find that you’re having trouble meeting your daily goal, try using containers to your advantage. Sixty-four ounces seems much less daunting when you think about it in terms of three 20-ounce water bottles. It also helps to freeze water bottles. That way, the water will stay cold throughout the day as you sip.
- Get comfortable with serving sizes. When following a restricted diet, it’s very important to know exactly how much food you’re consuming. Start by using measuring cups, or buy an inexpensive digital food scale. After you’ve measured for a while, you’ll be able to recognize the proper portion sizes without having to measure. Once you get to that point, do check yourself every now and then by measuring, just to be sure.
- Expect to get hungry. Your appetite should increase about two weeks after your surgery. Most people also notice around this time that water is easier to consume.
- Get active. It’s important to work some exercise into every day as soon as possible after weight loss surgery. Walking is a great way to get physical activity into your day—after all, it’s free and easy to incorporate into your daily life. Next time you go to the mall or grocery store, why not choose a parking spot at the end of the lot and walk to the door? About three to four weeks after your surgery, you can add muscle-toning exercises that will help you build lean muscle mass as you lose weight.
- Reach out. The changes required for successful weight loss are significant and can be difficult. It’s perfectly okay to ask for help when you need it. Also, always listen to your body and notify your doctor of anything unusual, including vomiting, pain while eating, and fever.