Studies have shown that 97 percent of dieters regain everything they lost, plus some, within three years. This has been my reality all my life. I have tried every diet, and I have lost some weight, but I always regain it again, and usually more than I lost. And it doesn’t take me 3 years to do. But the main point here is that, for most people, dieting just doesn’t work.
However, in recent longer-term studies over 25 years of patients who have had bariatric surgery, the majority of them not only lost most of their excess weight, they were able to keep it off over the course of the 25 year study. Why the difference? Well, surgery provides a physical tool that helps to lose weight, but it also comes with a series of lifestyle changes.
There are various changes you need to make to your lifestyle when you have bariatric surgery.
- For example, I will need to eat a high-protein, low-carb diet. For the rest of my life.
- I have to eat protein first, and I can’t eat certain foods like bread because it will swell up in my tiny tummy and get stuck.
- Immediately after the surgery, I will have to drink water and protein shakes from a 2 ounce cup every 30 minutes to stay hydrated and get my protein in.
- I will need to avoid sweets to avoid dumping syndrome.
- I will need to avoid liquids for 30 minutes before and after I eat.
- I will need to stay ON TOP of my fluid intake to keep from getting dehydrated because I will no longer be able to chug or intake large amounts of water when I get behind on water.
- I will need to chew my food more and eat more slowly.
- I will need to avoid straws to keep air bubbles from getting into my new tiny tummy.
- I will have to learn to eat in a totally new way, being only able to eat about 3-4 ounces of food at a time.
- I will have to take special bariatric vitamins because my body won’t absorb vitamins the same way anymore.
- I will need to exercise, just like anyone else trying to lose weight.
There are also side effects to the surgery, such as:
- Hair loss
- Constipation
- Dumping syndrome
- Energy loss
So as you see, there’s nothing “easy” about this surgery. However, I do feel like it’s a good fit for me, and the best hope for me for my health.
weightywonder 
You forgot the best side effect! It’ll dramatically change your life, inside and out!! 🙂
You’ve got the list spot on though, otherwise, regarding the nutritional changes. It’s surprisingly easy once you get used to it and you learn how to space out small meals so you stay full/fueled and when to drink so you stay hydrated. Sounds like you’ve got a good grasp on all of this! 🙂
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Thanks! I’ve done a lot of research and follow a lot of wls people on Instagram and that’s helped. But I look forward to the wonderful life changes it’ll bring!
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wow i never knew there was so much to the surgery! I know a couple people who’ve had it, I dont think I’d be able to do all the work it takes to maintain though afterwords. xo
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You got this! Before I found out I had Hashi’s hypothyroidism, I’d considered surgery. After, I waited until my levels were good and started keto, which is working so far. So far 35lbs down. Slow but steady.
You are very brave for undertaking this. My thoughts are with you and I hope your recovery is smooth and everything goes according to plan 🙂
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Best of luck!! I had the sleeve back in June 2016 and it was one of the greatest decisions I’d ever made… such an improvement to life. I’d also learned a lot from it as well, things I never knew before about making better food decisions. I was reflecting on how much had changed over the last few years when Facebook prompted me to share a picture of the “old me” from 3 years ago… https://iamjohnbamber.com/2017/05/25/2017524quite-a-lot-can-happen-in-3-years/
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