The 5 Ways for Weight Loss Surgery

Written by Jane Long

You are clinically obese. After trying everything to lose those extra pounds and get healthy, you and your doctor have decided that bariatric surgery is your best chance of reaching a healthy weight. But, contrary to what others might believe, you know it is not the easy way out. Life, as you know it, is about to change drastically. You need all the help and encouragement you can get.

So, to help you start your new life in the best way possible, here are 5 ways you can prepare for weight loss surgery:

•   Watch what you Eat
•   Exercises
•   Breathing Exercises
•   When you Come Home
•   Your New Life

If you will do your best to concentrate on these 5 issues prior to bariatric surgery, you will be better prepared, both mentally and physically, for the risks and benefits of the procedure.

Your Last Meal

Naturally, it is human nature to feel like you are never going to be able to enjoy eating and your favorite food ever again, after weight loss surgery. So, you will probably be tempted to indulge in all of your favorite foods and snacks prior to surgery.

Some people make the mistake of bingeing on all their favorite foods days or weeks before the operation. Do not go there! You will only be putting your health at risk. Weight loss surgery is serious business. If you gain weight prior to bariatric surgery it will only be potential breathing problems or additional stress on the heart. It is not worth taking chances.

After you have healed and resumed eating solid foods, you will probably find that you can still have a bite or two of your favorite foods. After the surgery, it may be enough to satisfy any craving.

Exercise

Although your weight may be a deterrent to exercise, simply start moving. After bariatric surgery, exercise is going to be an important element to your new lifestyle. Do not wait. Start today. Anything you can do to improve your health prior to weight loss surgery, the better you will do after the procedure. You do not have to do anything special, just get moving.

Breathing and Coughing

Breathing well and coughing exercises after weight loss surgery are very important. It will help prevent problems with the lungs post-op. You do not have to wait until after the surgery; you can start practicing today. Breathe deeply enough to make your stomach move up and down. Exercise your lungs and increase your oxygen intake.

Then, practice the coughing exercises that will keep your lungs clear after the operation. You do not want complications of pneumonia or something equally devastating. By the way, if you smoke, quit. Successfully surviving bariatric surgery and becoming a healthier person will far outweigh 2-3 weeks of cold turkey misery associated with smoking cessation.

Homecoming

To help facilitate an easier homecoming after surgery, do what you can to make life a little easier before you go to the hospital. Make sure the house is clean, the bills are paid, and any other chores that you normally would do in the next few weeks. You will need to concentrate on getting well. The less you have to worry about, the more you can concentrate on healing.

You may also want to acquire a few pieces of furniture to make you more comfortable during your recovery from weight loss surgery. For example, you might want to get a hospital bed to keep on the ground floor, so you do not have to climb stairs, or lay flat once you get to your bed.

A recliner is also a good idea. If it hurts to sleep in your bed, you might find the recliner more comfortable during your recuperation. When it comes to personal hygiene, a shower chair is also a great idea. You do not want to risk a fall in the bath. You will probably not feel like standing under the shower. So, the chair will provide comfort and safety.

Finally, do not forget some entertainment. You will not be going back to work right away. In fact, you will be spending a lot of time simply resting and taking care of yourself, while you heal. Have some sedentary activities handy. For example, if you like to read, you might want to have magazines, shorts stories, and other materials handy for when you come home from the hospital.

Get Excited!

You are allowed to get excited about your surgery. You are about to embark on a whole new way to approach life. Think about all the things you cannot do now, because you weigh too much. You probably weigh too much to play with the kids, go for walks, participate in sports, or wear the clothes you would enjoy.

You are beginning a journey to a new and healthier you! Yes, it will be hard work. But, it will be worth it! You are doing the right thing. You have much to look forward to in the future.

So, now you know how you can help by preparing for weight loss surgery. You do not have to sit idly by and wait for the appointed day. You have already made the decision to permanently change your life for the better. You can start today.