Pasta with salmon and broccoli
June 18, 2021
Egg with tomato, bacon and parsley
June 25, 2021
Shortly after bariatric surgery, patients lose a lot of weight quickly. This is due to the liquid phase required immediately after bariatric surgery. After a short period of 2 to 4 weeks, patients switch to soft food and then back to solid food completely. The portions consumed after bariatric surgery are naturally smaller. The stomach no longer allows larger portions to be eaten.
Over time, patients will experience a plateau in their weight loss. This can be very difficult for patients to keep motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In order not to lose heart, we would like to help you with some tips:
Start living a healthy lifestyle even before bariatric surgery
In order to make the healthy change and maintain it, it is important to take healthy steps even before bariatric surgery. Follow the pre-surgery diet and exercise plan carefully to establish and maintain healthy habits in the months and years following bariatric surgery.
Variety is important
In both the diet and the exercise routine, variety is the key. So don’t be afraid to push your limits and try new recipes or different sports.
Set specific and achievable goals
Set your goals not only on the scale, but also in the exercise routine. Examples could be: “I want to be able to jog for 10 minutes without having to stop” or “I want to be able to walk 5 kilometres within 2 months”. Start slowly with realistic expectations. Don’t rush yourself, as this can lead to frustration.
Don’t do it alone
The people around you play an important role. Surrounding yourself with people who support you is important in the short and long term. There are also many groups on social media where you can share your story and support each other. So you are not alone. ECFS Obesity Solutions is also the place to go to with your story/questions.
Adapt your work and home environment
Make sure that your work and home environment are also conducive to your new lifestyle. Remove all tempting foods and fill your pantry with healthier options. Also try to keep your trainers by the door to remind you to exercise.
Writing is important
Write down what you do and how it goes, what you like (or dislike), how you think you can make something work better for you, what you would do differently and what you want to remember. Sometimes seeing your goals or emotions/feelings on paper can really motivate you to achieve great things, especially at times when motivation is lacking.
Celebrate the goals you achieve
Whether you’ve reached a major milestone or are just consistent in your efforts, savor those feelings and take time to remind yourself how far you’ve come. It is important to reward yourself for goals you achieve. Just make sure the rewards are not food-related.
Define the “why” of the healthy lifestyle
Write down why you have chosen bariatric surgery and what added value it will bring to your life. Write down what losing weight will mean (once and for all) for your life, your family, your career … .
With these tips, it should always be possible to find the motivation again. There is no shame in losing motivation, as long as you keep going, you are on the right track! If you have any questions, you can always contact us via e-mail or via the contact form of our website.
