Post-Op Bariatric Roadblocks – What to Do & How to Overcome Them

[Dr. Sowemimo 177]

For a multitude of reasons, the weight loss surgery journey—mentally and physically-- is easier for some than others.

The first month or so can be understandably challenging.

I have treated hundreds of weight loss surgery patients here in New Jersey and can assure you of one fact:

It’s probably not going to be smooth sailing from day one—

like real life, there are going to be some obstacles thrown in your path.

I’d like to help you overcome some post-op issues that may come up:

Recover From Your Operation First, Then Focus on Weight Reduction

You’ve prepared for weight loss surgery for a long time and you’re eager to start shedding those pounds--right now. But first, it’s far more important to heal properly after your operation. As a result, you'll very likely lose weight faster and avoid complications which could potentially set you back.

“I’m Not Losing Enough Weight!”

That’s a common concern and one that is certainly justified! Often patients think they will never be able to overcome obesity and metabolic disease since WLS was a last-ditch effort after years of dieting didn’t work.

Keep your nutrition diary updated. Keep moving. Drink all that Water every day. If you didn’t see the scale move this week, you’ll be happier next week. If not, call your bariatric doctor to take a closer look to determine what is causing this temporary setback.

Doubting Your Decision

I view the first few weeks or even months after weight loss surgery as a perfect storm for generating self-doubts about your choice to have the sleeve, gastric bypass or the lap band.

You now realize that subscribing to a lifetime commitment of changing your eating habits and lifestyle is a pretty big deal.

Additionally, you have not eaten solid foods for weeks, which can also be unnerving to some people.

These feelings are completely normal—and temporary.

You’ve undergone a big life change that’s going to take some time to get used to.

Just make a little note to carry with you that says:

1) You are fighting back against obesity-related diseases.

2) You are lengthening your lifespan.

3) You are going to enjoy a significantly improved quality of life.

4) You will look better and feel great every day.

Comparing Your Weight Loss to Others

Everyone fighting obesity is completely unique. While Bob may lose 28 pounds in the first month, Linda may lose only 15. Months down the line, the weight loss figures even out, more often than not.

Think about it. A general round number for great first-year weight loss after bariatric surgery is 100 pounds. That’s an average of 2 pounds a week, or 8 pounds a month.

If you lost 20 pounds in your first month, you’re doing fantastic! To hit 100 pounds in your first year, you won’t even lose a pound every three days.

Don’t worry if the scale doesn’t go down every single day. If you’re eating right, you’ll lose weight.

Better yet, only weigh yourself about once a week.

Take Weight Loss Surgery One Day at a Time

No matter how frustrated you may feel at times, stay positive and focus on following your bariatric team’s instructions to the letter. Continue to eat a liquid diet and then pureed foods. Use this recovery time to plan a day-to-day system to help achieve your long-term success. Learn to measure your food. Schedule specific days/times for food prep, sleep and exercise.

Should you have any pain or discomfort of any kind, call your doctor sooner rather than later. (Yes, it’s often gas, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!)

We want to hear how you’re doing, I assure you.

Weight loss surgery is a lifetime adventure. Your world is changing for the better. When you are temporarily frustrated or disappointed, move forward, look ahead. Because your future is going to be very bright (and healthy!) indeed.

_{(Photo Credit: Courtesy Witthaya Phonsawat via freedigitalphotos.net)}

[MitchieMay 27]

Good stuff!

[OKCPirate 5,323]

I enjoyed reading through this post to remind myself why I was and am doing this: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/195065-you-know-you-lost-weight-when/?hl=you%20know%20when%20you

[Djmohr 6,965]

Boy this is a great post, and reminder of the most important lessons I have learned along the way!

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Excellent post. Didn't see this until today.

Based on my own experience, this all rings true.

[Fatcat2Sexkitten 3]

I needed to find this today. I am 5 weeks post op and doing everything I am asked. I'm currently on pureed food maintaining under 600 calories a day. I walk a minimum of 2.5 miles 4-5 days per week and I only lost a pound and a half this week. I'm down only 17 lbs since surgery. I really though I was doing something wrong.

[MitchieMay 27]

Dr. Sowemimo I have decided to copy this into a Word document to put in the folder that I am going to create for my post-op period. I have no doubt that it will prove useful when I am in the midst of trying to figure things out, stay the course, and to find encouragement. Thank you, and your group, for sharing these wonderful insights with us.

[Dr. Sowemimo 177]

Thank you very much MitchieMay. I am so pleased to offer any support or help. Wishing you all the best in your healthy future! Dr. Seun

[The Candidate 3,215]

Excellent article and first rate information. Thanks!

[jandbmom 16]

Excellent article, thank you!

[Pasha 13]

I found this information worth while to read and ingest. Thank you very much for clear thoughts and insight on WLS.