- Excess skin might be an issue that will need corrective surgery down the road when weight loss was rapid e.g., with the help of a gastric bypass procedure. (Excess Skin Removal: What It Is, Surgery, Procedures & Recovery).
With procedures like the gastric sleeve the post-surgery weight loss might be gradual enough to allow the body and skin to adapt or adjust slowly.
However, even with some loose skin, weight loss surgery is beneficial and will help you live longer and better. The benefits outweigh the loose skin by far. - Carbonated beverages, good old soda, is a no-no after weight loss surgery. It introduces air into the belly that causes discomfort. It is however extremely important to drink plenty of water and to always stay hydrated. The water (and a little fiber) also prevents possible constipation, which might be a side effect of weight loss surgery, especially if protein intake is increased.
- Exercise after surgery – do not cancel your gym membership. You will still need it after the surgery. Surgery is only a tool to start your journey; it is not the end of your journey. Good workouts and healthy eating habits will contribute greatly to keep you on track. Weight loss surgery is not the easy way out – it is the beginning of transformation to a better-quality life. (Speaking of Health Wednesday, August 14, 2024 Why exercise is essential after bariatric surgery)
- Relationships will be different. The good news is that you might experience better relationships with your family and friends due to feeling better about yourself after weight loss. Kids might have a new mom or dad than they used to. Mom or Dad might not spend all your time on the coach any longer but drag children out for bike rides or a trip to the park, planning more active fun.
- Non-scale victories are positive health improvements beyond the number on the scale.
Your clothes do the talking – Your pants may let you know your weight is changing before the scale does. If your clothes feel more comfortable than they used to, your efforts are very likely paying off. You will celebrate that first smaller dress size you are buying, or pant size.
Small things like sweating less, tying your shoes, shaving your legs are so much easier when you start losing weight. Your mood, sleep and energy improve. Non-scale victories are pure joy. - Alcohol consumption. The metabolism of alcohol may be different after weight loss procedures. The levels of alcohol will rise quicker in your bloodstream, and you might get drunk with way less than you used to. (Dr Ivor Funnell – Blog: Can you drink alcohol after weight loss surgery?)
- The thin person-treatment; there is a shift in how people interact with you. When you go shopping the people in the store might pay more attention to you, thinner people get promoted more
(The Hidden Career Cost of Being Overweight | WSJ Your Money Briefing – Youtube) However it not just weight prejudice that keep obese employees from earning more money, it is often battling your own weight that zaps your confidence and leaves you with little drive for work. - Bottomline. Weight loss surgery introduces you to a new lifestyle. You’ve undergone weight loss surgery not only to lose weight but also to improve your health. Reaching your goals requires changing your lifestyle, and exercise is essential to that success. Becoming a regular exerciser can be empowering, fun and open doors to meeting new people and broadening your interests.
Notice and celebrate your many non-scale victories to stay motivated.
So, look around. Notice the inner and outer changes you’ve made. Appreciate the effort you’ve invested in becoming healthier. And keep going.
