Losing weight can be hard for several reasons. If you’ve opted for weight loss surgery you’ll likely be starting to feel better than ever and ready for a healthier, slimmer future. However, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows post-operation. Learning to live with your new body in a healthy way can be a tricky path to navigate. We’ve put together some of the best tips to stay healthy so that you can move forward and live your best life.
1.Take Vitamins
Your stomach will not be able to handle food for the first few weeks, which means you will likely end up lacking a lot of vital vitamins and nutrients. Adding in nutritional vitamins via supplements is the best way forward after you’ve had surgery to ensure that you are getting your daily dose of all things necessary to keep you healthy. Bariatric vitamins with iron are awesome as they’re specially formulated for post weight loss surgery, meaning they contain all of the good stuff to aid your recovery.
2. Eat Protein
Protein is one of the most essential foods you should be consuming after your weight-loss surgery. Protein keeps you feeling fuller for longer and helps keep your muscle mass. This is important as your goal is to lose fat, not muscle from your body. You won’t be able to hit the gym for a while, so retaining muscle mass is vital. Mix plenty of protein with a healthy balanced diet but avoid simple carbs like white bread and pasta.
3.Drink Water
Everyone needs to be properly hydrated to function. Post-surgery patients are no different, however, how you drink water might need to change a little. Make sure you’re keeping your glass half full except for mealtimes when you must try and avoid filling up on liquids. Your body needs nutrients and water will keep you feeling full, meaning you won’t be consuming enough calories to fuel your body. Save the drinking for between mealtimes and you’ll be healthy and hydrated.
4.Rest
You’ve just experienced a serious surgery so you’ll need plenty of rest to help you recover. While you may feel as though you’re raring to hit the gym after you’ve found a new lease of life, your body needs to heal from the trauma it’s just experienced. Spending some downtime in bed or a comfy reclining chair is the best way to let your physical self play catch up with your new mental self.
5.Manage Your Mental Wellbeing
While having a new body can be super exciting, your physical and mental wellbeing may take a temporary hit. You have just gone through a life-altering surgery, so you may be feeling a little strange getting used to adjusting to your new life. Try journaling, meditation, or even therapy if you need a little encouragement getting used to the new you. There are also support groups online and in local communities for weight-loss surgery patients which can be a fantastic way to meet people going through the same experience as you.
Have you had weight-loss surgery? Share your story in the comments!
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