Getting back on track - bariatric surgery long-term weight loss goals

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As January comes to an end, the festive fun of December, school holidays and public holidays all draw to an end. Quite often after such a time, people can be left feeling like they have strayed from their new post-bariatric surgery healthy lifestyle. You may have gained a few extra kilos over the holidays, or are struggling to get back on track with your diet after spending time indulging with family and friends. Today we are going to give you some of our top tips to get back on track.

1. Ask for help

The first thing you should do if you feel like you are not maintaining your weight loss or weight maintenance goals is to ask for help. Speak to your bariatric specialist or GP. They will be able to work with you to create a plan to help you get back on track with your diet and exercise, helping you to lose those extra kilos or kick those bad habits that seemed to have crept back into your life.

2. Revisit your diet

Sometimes it’s good to go back to basics. Revisit your post-bariatric surgery diet and compare it to your current eating habits. What needs to change? Remembering the importance of protein in your diet, eating three balanced meals a day and avoiding snacking.

3. Hydration

As we are now in the middle of summer, it’s more important than ever to remain hydrated. If you are drinking enough water each day then you are going to ensure that your digestive system is working properly, and that you aren’t feeling hungry because you are thirsty.

4. Breaking bad habits

You may find that over the festive period or during summer, you pick up some old habits that you had left behind. For example, having a few beers on a hot summer’s day, or having a biscuit or cake with your morning coffee. Take a step back and observe what habits you may have let creep back into your life, and what you can do to change them.

5. Make sure you are supported

Along with asking for help from a medical professional who can provide you with guidance/information to get you back on track, as well as regular weigh-ins etc, it is vital that you have the support of those around you. Explain to your close family and friends that you are trying hard to lose the extra weight you may have gained, or that you feel you have slipped into old habits. They can be there to support you when you need them, whether it be a gentle reminder that you shouldn’t be snacking in between meals, or them not buying you ice cream when they get it for others. The extra support from every direction can really make a difference and help you to rediscover what it means to live your new healthier lifestyle.

New ways to help you get back on track

If you are already trying all of the above, there are potentially other options that can help you get back to where you want to be. Recently new medications have been approved to help patients with weight loss and maintenance, and there are many more exciting developments coming. If you are unsure, feel free to book an appointment with one of our experts who can discuss these options with you and help support you on your lifelong journey of maintaining a healthy weight.

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