Obesity continues to be a rising epidemic in Australia, and more people are looking towards bariatric surgery to help them lose weight. Bariatric or weight loss surgery is a very effective way to shed those extra pounds, especially when you are clinically overweight and most patients see significant weight loss immediately after one.
However, a lot of people end up regaining some of the weight back within just two years of surgery. Now we must understand that weight loss surgery isn’t a guarantee to keep the weight away, or a license to go easy on a good diet. There is some work needed to ensure that there is no rebound. Here are some quick tips to keep the weight off:
- Create healthy habits
Many people will see accelerated weight loss after surgery. Over time, this will slow down and it can be easy to lose track of dietary guidelines, resulting in weight gain. Being disciplined about your diet and food habits, with an emphasis on nutrient rich foods like fruits and vegetables and lean protein.
- Rethink your relationship with food
Food is often a tricky area, because it’s not just about what you eat, but why you eat. Food should be looked at as a way to provide nutrition for your body, and not as a means to emotional comfort. You should look for alternate avenues to fill in the gaps you were earlier trying to fill with food. And this will be an investment worth making, for your long term well being.
- Medical follow-ups
A weight loss surgery will require regular follow-ups with experienced medical professionals, to guide and help you stay on track with your goals. Apart from your weight loss surgeon and clinical staff, it is good to have a nutritionist and a therapist specializing in emotional eating disorders. Studies show that having regular follow-ups with a team like this can increase chances of higher weight loss.
- Find a support group
Being in touch with other people sharing a similar journey increases your chances of success, as you continue being inspired to make healthier choices. Having friends and family around can provide some invaluable moral and emotional support as you start getting back to a normal life. And it’s always nice to know that you are not alone in your journey.
- Get moving
The more you make your body move, the better it will be. Adding some level of physical activity or exercise can go a long way in keeping you fitter. You can start with walking, and start with small attainable goals, which you can review and reset at a comfortable pace. It would be good to include some amount of resistance and cardiovascular exercises to keep your metabolism high, and the weight away.
weight loss surgery in melbourne can be life changing in a lot of ways. But it is the start of a new journey, and it requires the right strategy and commitment on your part to ensure you make the most of it. There could be failures or setbacks on the path. But they don’t mean the end of the journey. Just get up and start afresh, towards your beautiful new life.
