Lifestyle Changes
We help you understand and integrate nutrition, exercise and medication changes into your life after weight-loss surgery.
Your bariatric surgery team at El Camino Health is committed to helping you succeed in your new life after weight-loss surgery. Your success is dependent, in part, on your commitment to this new lifestyle, which includes proper nutrition, exercise and medication.
Portion Control and Nutrition
Portion control is an important consideration for the rest of your life. We provide you with detailed nutritional recommendations before surgery so you can get used to your new dietary requirements, including learning which foods to avoid.
During the first eight weeks after surgery, your diet will focus on helping you heal. After that, you’ll eat three small, protein-focused meals a day and take recommended vitamins and supplements. Drinking liquids between meals instead of with meals is important to keep your stomach pouch from stretching.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is important to get the most benefit from your weight-loss surgery. If you haven’t been exercising, you can start slowly until it becomes part of your routine.
Your surgeon can refer you to the Cardiac & Pulmonary Wellness Center at El Camino Hospital, where you’ll work with an exercise physiologist who specializes in people who have had bariatric surgery. Or, you can contact the center and staff members will help you obtain medical clearance from your surgeon.
Focus on low-impact exercise and begin exercising gradually. Build your way up to exercising at least 30 minutes a day, four to five times a week in activities such as:
Walking — A simple, inexpensive way to get regular exercise.
Swimming — A good choice, especially if you have joint or back pain that limits your ability to walk.
Adding activity to your day — Park farther away from destinations, take the stairs instead of the elevator or walk rather than drive to nearby errands.
Medication to Avoid
There are some medications you can’t take after you’ve had bariatric surgery. The main category is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen). We’ll provide you with a list of what to avoid. In addition, make sure you let your healthcare providers know that you’ve had weight-loss surgery.
