Weight loss surgery is not the solution.

Whether you have already had weight loss surgery or whether you are waiting to have weight loss surgery or whether you are considering and researching weight loss surgery, the simple fact of the matter is that weight loss surgery is not the genie in the lamp.

Weight loss surgery is an important marker in a sequence of actions that must be taken if you are sincere about addressing morbid obesity. Weight loss surgery is a remarkably effective procedure that promotes dramatic weight loss in a short period, but weight loss surgery is not a diet plan or course of discipline that will keep the weight off. Those are your responsibilities, and if you fail them you will regain the pounds you have shed.

Diet Guidelines After Weight Loss Surgery

There are specific dietary guidelines for immediately after surgery and beyond. Behavior modifications are suggested to better insure a desirable outcome after weight loss surgery. If success is your goal, you will wish to implement these guidelines and modifications into your agenda for daily living.

Eating Guidelines After Weight Loss Surgery

Three meals per day should be eaten following weight loss surgery. Snacking should be avoided because it can prevent weight loss or promote weight gain.

Foods should be eaten slowly and chewed thoroughly. Meals should take about twenty minutes to eat. A useful habit is to place the fork down between bites and chew each mouthful of food 27 time. Eat small amounts of food at first, and cut your food into small bites.

Proteins should be eaten first, and food that are high in sugar and fat should be avoided. The bariatric plate should consist of one-half protein, one-quarter raw fresh fruit, and one-quarter raw or lightly cooked fresh vegetables. When eating, substitute a salad plate for a dinner plate.

Fluid Guidelines After Weight Loss Surgery

Fluids are not to be had along with meals.  Stop drinking 30 minutes before mealtime, do not drink at all at meal time, and wait until 30 minutes after meal time before drinking again. This will prevent the stomach from overfilling, prevent food from flushing too quickly through the stomach, and keep you feeling full for a longer period.

Fluids are to be sipped and not gulped. Sixty-four to 80 ounces of sugar-free, non-carbonated liquids are to be consumed daily, and caffeine should be avoided.

Behavioral Changes After Weight Loss Surgery

Behaviors prior to weight loss surgery should be eliminated in favor of more useful habits.

You should no longer eat while watching television, reading, or working. This is often mindless and harmful eating.

Foods should be pre-portioned, and foods that are tempting but non-beneficial should be kept out of the house. On the other hand, foods that are healthy and nutritious should be kept in the house.

Incorporate, engage, and focus on activities other than eating.

Keep a food diary, exercise daily, count protein grams and fluids ounces daily, and get eight hours of sleep per night.