You might have done research and consulted several people about choosing the right hospital and the right doctor for undergoing a bariatric surgery. But it is also important to keep in mind the aftercare procedures that play a key role in helping you reap the benefits of this weight loss surgery. Following strict dietary guidelines to setting up a fitness routine, here are are a few aftercare tips from Dr Ramen Goel, Director, Bariatric surgery, Wockhardt hospitals, Mumbai, for people who underwent bariatric surgery.
Medications: After surgery, the patient needs to take various supplements like vitamins and minerals, around 2 3 tablets a day. Consult your doctor if you are on medications for diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol, as after the surgery your doctor might make a few changes in the medications. It varies from person to person and also depends on the underlying conditions. Hence, follow your doctor's recommendation to the T for an efficient outcome.
Diet: As far as diet after bariatric surgery is concerned, one should increase the intake of proteins in diet. Apart from this, one can eat anything and everything. However, this doesn t mean that you can eat fatty foods and sweets. People who were struggling with exccess weight should restrict the intake of foods high in fats at least for a year. After a year, you can slowly include fatty foods in your diet but ensure that you eat fatty foods once a week or so. Always keep in the mind that the key to stay healthy is to eat in moderation. Consult a dietician to eat healthy. Here are expert recommended diet tips to follow after a bariatric surgery.
Exercise: Generally, it is advised that people who underwent bariatric surgery can go for a walk after 10 days of surgery as a form of an exercise. This will ensure physical activity during the initial days. If you are into swimming, then you can swim after 20 days of surgery. However, for gym-goers, it is recommended to wait at least a month after the surgery, before hitting the gym. But keep in mind that you should start slow and not overexert by performing strenuous exercises. You can start with cardio as well as upper and lower body workouts, but crunches and abdominal exercises should be started only after 3 months, says Dr Goel.
Body massage: As bariatric surgery causes loose and sagging skin, undergoing full body massages is a good idea. This is because, body massages not only relax your mind and body, but it also causes skin tightening after weight loss. As people generally lose several kgs after bariatric surgery, getting a massage done once a week is desirable, suggests Dr Goel.
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