Life After Weight Loss Surgery
Completing surgery is just the beginning. Successful, long-term weight management will require changes in diet and lifestyle, changes that can challenge some relationships. Franciscan Center for Weight Management offers a comprehensive program of follow up care for both patients and loved ones, including support groups, nutritional consultation and continuing education.
Post weight loss surgery guidelines for most patients include:
- Temporary, post-operative liquid-only diet
- Slow transition to pureed foods, then to soft foods, and finally to solid foods within one to two weeks or months after surgery (depending on procedure)
- Nutritional foundation of high-protein liquid drinks and supplements accompanied by healthy food choices
- Toleration of only small quantities of food (1 to 3 ounces at a time)
- No desserts and other items with sugar listed as one of the first three ingredients
- No carbonated drinks, high-calorie nutritional supplements, milk shakes or high-fat foods
- No alcohol
- Limited snacks between meals
Going back to work
Many patients return to full activity within several weeks of their procedure and are fully healed within a couple months.
Ongoing health checks
Initially, follow-up tests will be conducted every three to six months or as needed, and then every one to two years. Health checks include lab work to evaluate for: anemia, low-serum proteins, and Vitamin B12, folate and iron levels.
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