Weight management is critical, which is why you are preparing for bariatric surgery. Weight loss surgery is an effective measure recommended after you have tried other options with little or no success. Your visit to AZ Weight Loss Clinic equips you with all the information you need to pursue bariatric surgery, including evaluating your current health and medical history to establish if you are a good candidate. You need to do more, though, to ensure you are prepared for the surgery and what follows for optimal results. Here are a few considerations to help prepare you for the journey ahead.
Emotional preparedness
Mental health is among the considerations given significant weight before being cleared for weight loss surgery. Besides this, you also need to be emotionally prepared, more so on your goals and expectations. If you expect dramatic changes overnight, you are only setting yourself up for a disappointing experience.
If your goals are to lose weight like someone else, perhaps a friend you know, you are unlikely to be satisfied with the results since your body is different, not to mention the impact of your diet and lifestyle habits after the surgery. Approaching bariatric surgery with realistic goals and expecting the results to take time makes the process more manageable and result more fulfilling.
Ongoing support
Weight loss surgery is not a one-and-done solution. You must set long-term goals to help you maintain a healthy weight range. Staying on track takes work, which means you need all the support you can get. With your primary care doctor, weight loss specialist, and a family or relative’s support, you will easily stay motivated. Their encouragement and helping you see progress with each milestone makes the journey more manageable, emphasizing the need to surround yourself with supportive individuals. Besides such individuals, you should also seek professional assistance for stress or depression since mental wellness can impact your weight management efforts.
Stay active
Lack of physical exercise could be the main reason you had to resort to weight lo surgery. You should not let sedentary living make your weight management post-surgery more overwhelming. Staying active does not mean you need a gym membership or invest in expensive equipment. You can take simple measures such as walking for at least 30 minutes daily.
Understand your habits and their impacts
Food cravings may be a no-brainer, but that is not the only addiction you need to work on to get the most out of weight loss surgery. Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs can hinder your weight loss endeavors. Alcohol, for example, is loaded with calories and reduces inhibitions, which could result in overeating. On the other hand, smoking increases surgery complication risks, and if you revert to the habit after surgery, you can develop stomach irritation. Therefore, working to ensure such habits don’t get in your way is critical for long-term success.
Weight loss surgery can be life-changing, especially with the right measures in place to help you realize optimal results. Visit AZ Weight Loss Clinic today for more on weight loss surgery and all your weight management needs.