Once you have been through weight loss surgery, you will need to make some lifestyle changes in order to achieve your goal.
If you have struggled with your weight for some time, you might consider bariatric surgery. Weight loss surgery is a highly effective treatment for individuals who need to reduce their body weight and improve their overall health. In fact, there are a number of benefits to undergoing a weight loss procedure and many patients enjoy improved physical and emotional wellness as a result of the treatment. It is important to note, however, that there is more to the weight loss journey than bariatric surgery. Surgery is the first step towards reaching your goal, but long-term success requires a continuous commitment to a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Read on for our tips on achieving and maintaining your ideal weight following your procedure…
Eat balanced meals
When planning your meals, try and incorporate a combination of protein, fat and vegetables. Protein is essential when it comes to maintaining muscle mass as you lose weight. Eating enough protein also helps to make you feel full and reduce cravings throughout the day. Some healthy sources of protein include lean meat, fish, eggs, beans, legumes and tofu.
Although they are low in calories, leafy green vegetables are an excellent source of nutrients and a great addition to a healthy eating plan. Good options include spinach, kale, swiss chard and lettuce. Other low-carb veggies include broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, cabbage and cucumbers.
It’s important to eat healthy fats as you embark on your weight loss journey — some nutritious options include olive and avocado oils, which can be used for cooking or as salad dressings in moderation.
As you adapt to a healthier lifestyle, it is advisable to limit your intake of refined carbohydrates and refined sugars. Choose whole grains instead as these are high in fibre and tend to digest more slowly, keeping you feeling full for longer than refined carbohydrates.
If you’re not sure how to go about planning your meals, seeking the guidance of a qualified dietician is very helpful when it comes to ensuring that your eating plan is balanced and nutritious.
Get some exercise
Although exercise is not a requirement for weight loss, it can help to speed up the weight loss process. It also has a range of other physical and mental health benefits.
Lifting weights is a particularly effective means of burning calories, plus it helps to prevent your metabolism from slowing down as you lose weight. If you are interested in trying weight exercises, it is best to seek guidance from a professional to ensure that your technique is correct and to reduce your risk of injury.
Cardio exercises are also great for overall health and weight loss. Some good options include walking, running, swimming and cycling.
How can we help?
Dr Kevin Dolan offers a number of weight loss procedures, as well as ongoing care following surgery. His weight loss team includes a dietician, an exercise physiologist and a counsellor, all of whom will work together to create a customised program designed to help you meet your weight loss goals. To find out more about our care plan and what it involves, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation with Dr Kevin Dolan, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice and helping you improve your overall health.