If your quality of life is negatively affected by your weight, bariatric weight loss surgery can be an opportunity to change your life and extend your life.
Bariatric surgeon Ayotunde Adeyeri explains five main ways your life and health can improve after weight loss surgery:
1. Food won’t run your life anymore
“For people who are obese, food is often the center of your world. But after bariatric surgery, you will notice that food is not your ‘best friend’ after all; it is now simply the fuel for your body and mind,” says Dr. Adeiri.
2. Eating better food will revitalize your mind and body
Preparation is the first key to losing weight. Before surgery, you’ll work with a bariatric dietitian to begin the process of changing how and what you eat.
“You’ll learn to create a balanced diet for yourself—eliminate processed foods that are high in sugar and empty carbohydrates, and fill your diet with food that makes you feel full and energized,” adds Dr. Adeiri.
3. Exercise will become easier
As your weight decreases, your energy level will increase. Chronic joint pain in the hips and knees may be significantly reduced by carrying a lot of weight. Your body will send signals that it wants to move. Exercise also helps burn more calories and improve the quality of your sleep.
“If you weren’t exercising before weight loss surgery, start walking manageable distances and increase your daily step count per week. Play badminton with your friends in the backyard or join a softball league—any way you move. You can do it,” says Dr. Addiere.
4. You will create new social connections
Your obesity treatment program should offer support group meetings where you can meet people in your community who are at different stages of weight loss. Losing weight will also add to your confidence and you will become naturally social.
“I encourage you to engage with this like-minded community so that you can give and receive guidance and support. There is strength in numbers!” confirms Dr. Udayri.
5. Your mind will become your most valuable weight loss asset
The struggle against obesity is not entirely physical; It is also mental and emotional.
“Try experiences that focus on mindfulness—meditation, yoga, and other practices that focus on being in the moment, reducing stress and setting goal intentions,” says Dr. Adeiri.
Bariatric surgery can help restore your body, dramatically improve your health, reduce the risk of disease and open the door to a higher quality of life.
It’s a chance to explore new activities and be more social – try a new type of exercise with a friend, accept more invitations to parties and celebrations, try making healthy recipes, or simply play with your kids.
“The battle against obesity begins and ends with the mind. When you see the physical changes happening, your mental outlook will also improve. Take advantage of that momentum and pursue your goals with all you have,” says Dr. Adeiri.
Next steps and resources:
The materials provided through HealthU are intended for general information use only and should not replace the advice of your doctor. Always consult your doctor for individual care.
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