I've performed 1,000+ bariatric weight loss surgeries here in central New Jersey. Because the nature of this surgery necessitates a long-term patient/doctor relationship, I now have a fairly large number of Facebook patient friends as a result!

Last month, I posted a timeline request for my clients (at all stages of post-op weight loss) to share their favorite tips for new patients just beginning their bariatric journeys.

I received a plethora of great ideas that I think may be helpful to many of you as well. (The first one is my obvious favorite!)

Have your own ideas to add? Please feel free to share your tips and recommendations in the comments section below:

Follow doctor's orders

“I was very diligent in following ALL instructions from my doctor− quit smoking, fast pre-surgery, follow the after-surgery schedule of introducing foods, eat high protein foods first, drink lots of water, start walking the day after surgery and keep going when you’re home.”

Don't rush back into eating solid foods

“I didn’t rush into eating. Four weeks of liquid and two weeks of a pureed diet worked really well, but it was hard mentally as I just wanted to chew something. Listen to your doctor and the nurses. They know what is best for each individual patient.”

Be honest with yourself

“About four years after gastric sleeve surgery, I was feeling exhausted, fat, grumpy and unattractive. I did some honest self-evaluation and realized I'd forgotten or ignored what I had to do to take care of my tummy, my whole body, and my mind. I started back to the gym, taking my vitamins, drinking two quarts of water every day, and slowly being aware of my food intake.”

Have the right attitude

“I really believe if you have a relentlessly positive frame of mind and come to terms with the fact that this is for LIFE, you can be successful. And it’s so worth it. I feel joy in feeling full again, which was missing prior to surgery.”

Drink water like there’s no tomorrow

“I drink a minimum of 64 ounces every day, even though I’m at goal weight. Keep in mind—I’m not talking about caffeinated drinks—I mean plain or carbonated water. Orange seltzer is my favorite.”

Change your eating habits. For good. Long term. Permanently.

“If you are willing to change your lifestyle, this surgery will help you become the person you dreamed of being. Bottom line—be committed to completely changing how you eat, taking vitamins and getting physical activity—every day.”

Join a support group

“For me personally, the biggest key to my success is a monthly support group I attend. My wife and I started going even before my operation. Even though I am close to my dream weight, I still attend to share my experiences and learn something new from the nutritionists and doctors who also attend. Not all bariatric doctors provide support group support, but I think it's key to find one. Try your local hospitial if you doctor doesn't offer it.”

Realize that bariatric surgery is only a tool, not a miracle

“#WLS is not a miracle, there is still a lot you have to do and be committed to forever. It's up to you. This is a lifestyle change in every sense of the word. Want to live a longer life? Have this surgery and get healthy and strong. ”

Good tips. I would add:

1) Remember that this is a Marathon not a Sprint. Keep working and the results will come with time.

2) Eat healthy foods you enjoy. Eating foods you don't like is a set-up for failure. I personally hope to never see cottage cheese again!

Trust the process. Also realize that like ANY journey, you are going to have roadblocks, detours , stop signs etc. Dont stop the journey towards a strong healthy body just because you hit a speedbump. Its temporary, not forever. Again, trust the process !

Don't look back over your shoulder at the heavier person you used to be. Identify with the new, slimmer you in the mirror – that's who you are now. So look forward, towards a healthier future.

Thank you to samuelsmom, pink dahlia and Rogofulm for these additional great ideas and inspirational take-aways. BariatricPal.com is truly a community of shared ideas and insight. Great to be part of a collective of helping each other.