Lifestyle Changes After Bariatric Surgery
It is important to see bariatric surgery for what it is… a tool. This tool helps to control appetite and portion sizes. This tool, if not used properly, can be quite unsuccessful and even a hindrance to an individual.
After establishing a few habit changes you will be shocked how your healthier ways rub off on those around you. Creating change not only creates a longer, healthier life for you but also your family. You now have your children and friends interested in the foods you are choosing and the healthier cooking options you have instilled.
With healthy eating habits, you can experience a major increase in your energy level. Think about what you could get done with more energy. Things you may have never thought would happen; ‘volunteering’ to walk the dogs, bringing the kids out to play… everyday, choosing the outdoor activities instead of staying in, opting to go to the gym! The possibilities are endless when you have the energy to drive you.
You always take your health for granted until it’s wavering. The struggle to keep up with and even pay for your medications seems overwhelming. Taking control over your health is yet another positive change that you may have never dreamed possible. Do you enjoy visiting your doctor? Does your doctor seem to come up with results that you do not want to hear? How refreshing could it be to leave your doctors appointment with results that put a smile on your face? This means decreasing medications and knowing that you will be around for your family much longer.
“Staying at home just seemed like the easiest option before surgery. I didn’t have to deal with trying to find clothes that would fit, the activities I couldn’t do, or my ever-growing awareness that people would stare at me. After surgery my most positive change was integrating myself back into society. This past summer I was able to fit comfortably on a plane to enjoy a family vacation to the tropics, and it didn’t stop there, I could enjoy the same activities my family did with the only second thought being that I couldn’t have done this a year ago.” – 1 year post-op bariatric patient
You may feel similar to the above story, you may see ways that your weight has begun to hold you back or slow you down. Positive lifestyle changes after surgery can include those simple things such as tying your shoes easily, painting your toenails, crossing your legs, or walking across the parking lot without getting winded.
Social aspects in your life have the opportunity to change as well; going to the mall or the movies, going to a work function, traveling, attending your child’s school function, and what about volunteering for that community project you have always believed in.
Family and friends have a chance to enjoy more activities outside the home with you: going on a hike, riding a roller-coaster, or like the above patient fitting in the plane to travel several hours to a place that is completely new.
There are many avenues to gauge success after surgery beyond weight loss. Approach success as the positive life changes that give you the opportunity to be… You!