What happens after the surgery can play as important a role in your weight loss as the surgery itself. That’s why we believe our role does not end after you leave the hospital. In fact, we want our patients to feel they have a life-long partner and resource in the staff and doctors at the Westchester office of New York Bariatric Group.
You will be equipped with a comprehensive follow-up plan to help guide you through the recovery process and start you on your new path that includes a healthier lifestyle and good eating and exercise habits.
For the first few days after surgery, you will only be able to drink liquids. As the swelling in your stomach diminishes, you will move on to a diet consisting of soft or mushy foods. After about 5 weeks, you should be able to reintroduce solid foods to your diet. You will find your portion sizes are much smaller because you will not be able to eat as much. As such, your food choices will be very important. You will be encouraged to make sure your diet includes plenty of protein to help maintain your muscle mass. You will also need to take vitamin supplements daily to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
The risk of blood clots forming in the legs exists with any abdominal surgery. To help prevent them from occurring, we will encourage you to walk as much as possible after the surgery. That’s only the first step we will ask you take in adopting a regular exercise routine. Physical activity helps your mobility, boosts your energy and will improve your overall health. It will become a very important component of your new healthy lifestyle.
We will ask you to return for regular follow-up visits in the weeks, months and years following your surgery. These appointments will be critical and must not be missed. Your doctors will assess your progress, ensure your digestive system is functioning properly, make dietary recommendations and answer any questions you may have. These return visits are the best way to ensure your long-term and sustained weight loss.
Contact the Westchester office of New York Bariatric Group today if you feel gastric bypass surgery might be right for you.