Weight loss surgery can help those who are on a journey to shed pounds get over the hump, but it’s far from a magic bullet. Patients who want to see the weight lost stay off will need to develop strategies to help them avoid rebound gains down the road.
“Many people think bariatric surgery itself is a diet that enables them to eat whatever they want, when they want,” explains Dr. Nick Nicholson, founder and lead surgeon at Nicholson Clinic. “That is a complete fallacy. Weight loss surgery enables diets to be more effective, but patients must do their part to see the results they desire and maintain the losses down the road.”
Weight loss surgery patients who want to enjoy the results they’re after and maintain them for years to come may find these tips helpful:
- Seek out support – Whether it’s a family member, friends or a formal post-surgical support group, having a cheering section for making healthy choices months and years after surgery can be very helpful.
- Rely on a medical team – Post-surgical follow-ups with medical professionals should likely continue for quite a while after surgery. Your weight loss surgeon, clinical staff, a fitness expert and a dietician can prove valuable members to have on (and keep on) a weight loss team.
- Learn to think differently about food – When food dependencies or abuse are the root cause of obesity, getting help to address the root problem is a must. So is learning to develop healthier eating habits overall. Addressing issues may take time, but once good habits are developed they can prove as difficult to break as bad ones.
- Get active – One of the keys to helping keep weight off is taking advantage of a slimmer physique and likely greater energy levels to get active. Regular exercise can make a big difference.
“Weight loss is a journey that doesn’t end with surgery,” says Dr. Nicholson. ”Avoiding rebound gains months and years down the road takes dedication, support and a desire to develop and stick with a post-surgical plan.”
