​​​​​​​Life After Bariatric Surgery

Weight loss surgery is a major event, and understanding life after surgery is key to success. Bariatric surgery is the first step to helping you become healthier.  An operation alone cannot offer a permanent cure to obesity.

Our support does not end after surgery. Studies show that you are more likely to engage in better habits when you feel accountable and when you have the resources to help you continue to improve. Post-surgery patients will continue to have long-term follow-up visits with their surgeon and bariatric team.

We encourage all patients to use the program's support group and regular follow-up appointments​ as tools to continue their weight loss journey.

Surgery Recovery

Our experienced health care team offers state-of-the-art, minimally invasive approaches to weight loss surgery. Most patients go home the day after surgery and experience minimal pain or discomfort.

Everyone's journey is different based on their physical condition prior to surgery and the type of weight loss surgery they had. Many patients resume their pre-surgery activities within a few weeks after surgery. Post-surgery appointments will allow the doctor to assess your progress and provide recommendations before returning to work or to strenuous activities.

Nutrition

In the weeks after surgery, you will follow a nutrition plan provided to you by the program dietitian. This will include a liquid diet for a period of time followed by a progression to soft or pureed foods, and eventually more textured food.

The key to becoming healthy is making healthy lifestyle choices. Our nutritionist will guide you as you begin to learn portion sizes, protein-rich foods and how to stay hydrated.

Limiting foods high in added sugar (such as cookies, cakes, candy, juice or other sweets) and refined carbohydrates (white breads, pastas, crackers and refined cereals) can improve your weight loss results.

Read more about nutritional guidelines by surgery type.

Fitness

Finding an activity that allows you to be active is important to your overall weight management. As you lose weight, you will find and begin a fitness program. Then your body becomes more efficient at the same activity, which means that you tend to burn fewer calories. As you lose weight, the number of calories burned per hour tends to decrease as well. Over time, it will be necessary to gradually increase the intensity or length of your fitness activities, or add new activities to your routine.

Get fitness tips in the Health Library.

Mental Health

Weight loss surgery is a major change. Not only does your body change after surgery, there are lifestyle changes to be made, and major adjustments occur in how we think about ourselves and how others think of us. Some people gain confidence as they successfully change their lifestyle and manage their weight. Others struggle with continuing to see themselves as affected by obesity. 

Eating habits are often affected by emotions, stress, boredom and habits. Our team continues to offer support for mental health after surgery. It is important to be prepared mentally. This is why ​we have a pre-surgery psychological consultation.