5 keys to long success after surgery

1. EDUCATION

Whoever said knowledge is power is exactly right. If you know a lot about how your body is changed after surgery, and how to take care of yourself to get the best overall results, it is definitely more motivating than just plodding along eating protein and taking vitamins and not really knowing why.

When you know all you can about food, nutrition, effects of the surgery on your body, its likely you will find it easier to make the necessary changes and create new positive habits as a result.

Education can come in many guises, and can come from varying platforms.  We recommend you don’t use social media as ‘education’  use it for support, but its best if you have concerns or questions that they are directed to a professional, not a well meaning group who are also finding their way through the uncharted territory that follows surgery. 

Your relationships with your Dr, Surgeon and Especially your dietitian are life long.  Make sure you are happy with your team, and that the door is always open for support and education.

Many WLS clinics hold information events, forum and their own private Facebook groups.
A group that is managed by a  professional are the most likely  to provide more fruitful support.

2. FOOD PREPARATION

Follow the 5 P’s when it comes to food 

PROPER
PLANNING
PREVENT
POOR
PERFORMANCE

Plan your week ahead, visit different shops to get your food.
Sadly we are finding less and less “food” at the supermarkets and more and more packets.
Invest in a food storage system that suits your portion sizes and cook ahead of time.

3. AVOID TEMPTATION

Shop the outskirts of the supermarket in a large U shape. Enter via fuit and veg, go across the back for meat and dairy, and up the other side for bakery / deli
The rest is marketing – – – lots of time wasting, processed, low nutrient foods we just don’t need, and a high proportion of the temptation we just don’t need.
Since when did we need a whole aisle of different cereals to choose from!

Oats, soaked over night with some nuts and seeds, top with frozen berries and yoghurt = FOOD!!
Start the day with protein, and you will eat less calories overall – this is fact.

4. HAVE YOUR FAVORITES

WLS doesn’t mean you have to eat an immaculate diet, that would be no fun at all, and that’s a lot of our social structures around food.

It’s a celebration, somenthig not share with loved ones, something to look forward to and to SAVOUR.

Find the food that really makes your heart sing on those special occasions and savour every mouthful.  Be present when you’re eating, think about the taste, texture, smell of the food.  Be present with every mouthful.

Aim for 90/10.
90% nutritious, protein rich healthy carb foods, 10% food you absolutely love.
Don’t waste precious space on food that doesn’t serve a nutritional purpose, and when you’re having a treat – make sure its something you absolutely love.
No half measures!!!

5. KEEP YOUR HEALTH AND NUTRITION FRONT OF MIND

Subscribe to reputable sites who provide up to date information for Bariatric Patients. 

Here are some good examples
www.bnmulti.com
http://bariatrictimes.com/
https://www.bariatriccookery.com/