Welcome to the Destination Weight Loss bariatric surgery guidelines. These guidelines are intended to supplement the information provided by your bariatric surgeon regarding weight loss surgery. The goal of this resource is to aid you as you decide on a bariatric procedure and adjust to your new lifestyle after surgery.
Weight loss surgery is a comprehensive weight loss strategy that uses surgical intervention to make physical changes to the stomach and digestive tract. The exact way the body is altered during bariatric surgery depends on the type of weight loss surgery performed. This guide will outline the different forms of bariatric surgery and provide you with a detailed overview of what you can expect throughout your weight loss journey and on the pathway to surgery, including before, during and after your bariatric surgery.
We hope that these guidelines will help you throughout every stage of your weight loss journey. The information in these guidelines is not intended to replace consultation with your weight loss surgeon. If you have any questions about weight loss surgery, or about any of the information found in these bariatric surgery guidelines, please contact us.
Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for You?
Weight loss surgery is designed to help those who have struggled with obesity for a long period of time and who have been unsuccessful with other weight loss programs. To be considered for bariatric surgery you will need to meet certain medical criteria, as well as show you are ready for the physical, emotional and mental commitment involved with weight loss.
Read more to decide if Weight Loss Surgery is Right for You
Types of Bariatric Surgery
Once you make the decision to get weight loss surgery, the next step is to determine what type of bariatric surgery is right for you. There are two classifications for weight loss surgery: mal-absorptive and restrictive. Both types of weight loss surgery are performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. Our online seminar will help you evaluate the benefits and details of each bariatric surgery procedure.
Read more about the Types of Bariatric Surgery
Preparing for Weight Loss Surgery
Making healthy lifestyle changes prior to your operation will improve your chances for success after weight loss surgery. We will be there assisting you with dietary and exercise changes you will need to make as you prepare for your bariatric surgery.
Read more about Preparing for Weight Loss Surgery
The Bariatric Surgery Experience
Many weight loss surgery patients experience anxiety during the final days and weeks leading up to surgery as they wonder what to anticipate. This segment of the guide will outline what you can expect when you arrive at the hospital, go through surgery and return home following your operation.
Life after Bariatric Surgery
The first few weeks after weight loss surgery are a time of major lifestyle adjustment. As your body heals you will gradually begin incorporating different foods and exercises into your daily routine. This segment of the bariatric surgery guide outlines the general timeline and expectations during the first weeks and months following weight loss surgery.
Mental Changes after Weight Loss Surgery
To reach the weight loss goals outlined at the start of your journey with bariatric surgery, you will need to make significant changes to the way you think about weight loss. This includes how you cope with emotions like frustration and stress and tools to help you remain motivated to lose weight.
Dietary Changes after Weight Loss Surgery
After bariatric surgery, your diet will change in every aspect. The way you eat, what you eat, and how much you eat at once will all undergo dramatic changes. Following weight loss surgery, you will need to relearn dietary behaviors to make your eating habits better comply with the post-bariatric surgery diet. This segment of the guide outlines the nutritional guidelines and eating behaviors needed after weight loss surgery.
Exercise after Weight Loss Surgery
Once your weight loss surgeon clears you to become more active after weight loss surgery, you will need to start exercising regularly. Exercise is a fundamental component of the post-weight loss surgery lifestyle. This segment of the guide outlines beneficial fitness strategies and safety tips to reduce your risk of injury after bariatric surgery.
Strategies for Weight Loss Success
To meet your ultimate weight loss goal and enjoy a healthier lifestyle that is free of obesity, you will need to adopt certain strategies for better health. These strategies include behavioral, dietary and fitness habits that will benefit you long term. This final segment of the guide outlines healthy habits that will encourage you to maintain your weight loss.
Downloadable Bariatric Surgery Guidelines Files
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If you have additional questions about our bariatric surgery guidelines you can contact us by phone at 256.840.5547 (Albertville) or 256.571.8734 (Guntersville). You can also contact us online.