Obesity is an epidemic in the United States. More than two in three adults are considered to be overweight or obese, with obesity being defined as weighing at least more than 20% of what is considered a normal weight for your height. Because of this, there are many medical weight loss solutions available to help aid in weight loss for those suffering. More than 200,000 weight loss surgeries are performed each year in our nation, and that includes gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and lap band procedure.
Gastric sleeve is one of the weight loss surgery options that involves removing a part of the stomach in order to limit one’s food intake. If you are thinking about going through with the gastric sleeve procedure, read on to learn some tips to follow both before and after the surgery. There are many gastric sleeve success stories out there, and with these tips you can ensure you are one!
Before
1. Change your diet
The gastric sleeve procedure will launch you into an entire new lifestyle, so it is crucial to prepare your body beforehand. This includes limiting your portion sizes and choosing healthier options.
2. Know the facts
Make sure you know exactly what is coming with this procedure. You do not want to be surprised at any stage of the process, so read about others’ experiences, talk to people who have had the surgery if possible, and discuss it with your doctor. It’s a good idea to make a list of questions generated by your research and take them to your appointment.
3. Decide if this is really what you want to do
There are many criteria for this type of surgery, as well as some potential complications, and it can be overwhelming. Gastric sleeve surgery is not for everyone; again, your doctor can help you decide if you are a good candidate. It is normal to feel worried about your surgery, but know this option will allow you to have a healthier life in the long run.
After
1.Follow the diet recommended by your doctor
Those with gastric sleeve success stories believe this is the most important tip to abide by, as eating too much solid food too soon can damage your stomach. Slow and steady will win the race.
2. Start exercise slowly
Even if it is just a walk around your house, you will want to get up and move your muscles as much as you can. Although it may be tempting to stay sedentary to recover from the surgery, it’s actually more effective to move around.
3. Track your calories
Start a food journal in which you track everything you eat and drink, including alcohol beverages. Since you will be consuming fewer calories after the surgery than you are used to, it’s important to make every calorie a healthy one. Remember, this is a lifestyle change, not a diet.
If you have any questions about the gastric sleeve operation, contact the best weight loss doctors Birmingham AL has to offer at the Surgical Associates of Marshall County.
