The gastric sleeve is an incredibly important tool for achieving real and lasting weight loss. But the work patients put into the process is what ultimately determines its results. In my experience, the patients who lose the most weight are those who create some really important new habits.
So I recommend these 5 habits.
So I recommend these 5 habits.
Habit #1: Exercise
There’s simply no way around the fact that exercise is key for patients with gastric sleeve. The best thing you can do is to make it a habit right away; within the first four weeks of surgery, you should begin a regimen that you can stick with long-term. Start slowly, of course, with about ten minutes on the treadmill one week after surgery. Work up to walking around the neighborhood for 30 to 60 minutes, five days a week. Wait three to four months after surgery and add more intense movement such as lifting weights. Keep in mind that finding an activity that you enjoy is a very important factor in following an exercise program. Many of our patients love to swim, so if you don’t know where to start, put on your bathing suit and jump in the pool!Habit #2: Make protein your ally
Immediately after surgery, you’ll go on a liquids-only diet, and then gradually move to solid foods around week five. And when that glorious day comes, protein will become your best friend in your weight loss journey. It should be your main source of nutrition-about 70 percent of all the calories you consume-because it helps to prevent muscle loss, malnutrition and hair loss as you lose weight. So, if you consume 600 to 800 calories a day, for example, you’ll need 60 to 70 grams of protein. Focus on proteins such as fish, skinless poultry, eggs, and all of which are low in carbohydrates and fat.Habit #3: Don’t weigh yourself frequently
But after gastric sleeve surgery, many patients are tempted to rekindle their relationship with the scale to see how the pounds come off. Please DON’T. If you must weigh yourself, do it only once a week to avoid driving yourself crazy and potentially sabotaging your efforts. The way your clothes fit (or not, as you shrink) is the best guide. Monthly photos are also a fabulous way to track your progress, as they give you visual proof of your healthy transformation.Habit #4: Stop drinking alcoholic beverages
Technically, you can drink alcohol after gastric sleeve, but, you will feel the effects of alcohol much faster after sleeve surgery than before. But if at any time you make the decision to drink, know that wine, beer and liqueurs have a lot of calories, none of which do your body any good.Habit #5: Drink more water
If you’re looking for something to drink, make it water. Your goal should be two liters of liquid a day, just between meals, to avoid a heavy feeling in your chest that comes from eating and drinking at the same time. Drink LITTLE SIPS frequently, rather than trying to drink a lot at once, as your stomach won’t accommodate large amounts of anything. And invest in sports bottles for your liquid intake so you don’t gulp air. Not a fan of plain water? Mix things up with liquid beverages, but be careful, no sugar!These are some of the many habits you can do to make your weight loss easier and more successful. If you have an idea or want to try something, don’t hesitate to let me know and I will give you an approval or some recommendations to improve your idea, remember that a change requires perseverance and above all to be very patient, so don’t despair!
