Diet Tips to Help Keep Your Blood Glucose Stable
Eating a healthy diet can make it easier to control Type 2 diabetes and even reduce your reliance on medications. Learn some quick diet tips you can follow to prevent sudden blood sugar spikes.
Lifestyle Changes to Ensure Your Gastric Sleeve Surgery Is Successful
Is gastric sleeve surgery in your future, or have you recently had the procedure done? One of the many myths about bariatric surgery is that you can continue an unhealthy lifestyle after the process without gaining weight.
At West Houston Surgical Associates in Houston, Texas, Dr. Christopher Reilly believes in not only performing gastric sleeve surgery for the benefit of his patients, but also in teaching them how to get the best possible long-term results after surgery. He will share important information with you to help ensure your life after gastric sleeve surgery is wholesome and enjoyable.
What gastric sleeve surgery can and can’t do
Gastric sleeve surgery can reduce the size of your stomach. This surgery transforms your stomach into more of a tube than a large pouch, making you feel full from eating smaller amounts of food.
Gastric sleeve surgery can’t make it impossible for you to gain weight. If you eat not only because you are hungry, but also because of bad habits, and eat unhealthy foods, you can still gain weight.
Lifestyle changes (including exercise routines and healthy eating habits) are the single biggest factor in the long-term success of bariatric surgery. If you binge-eat, eat foods high in fat, carbs, and sugar, fail to exercise, and otherwise fail to take care of your body, you will end up gaining weight regardless of your gastric sleeve surgery.
Making lifestyle changes after gastric sleeve surgery
In order to get the most out of your bariatric procedure, you may need to change some things about your lifestyle:
Eat small, healthy meals
Eating smaller, healthier meals and eating slowly are two of the best things you can do after your gastric sleeve surgery. If you eat too much, or eat too fast, you can cause blockage of your stomach. You could also experience “dumping syndrome,” which includes nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, and diarrhea. Choose foods high in protein, and chew your food very well so you get the right amount of calories.
Stay hydrated
After bariatric surgery, you shouldn’t have beverages with your meals. This means you’ll have to be careful to drink between meals. Slow sips throughout the day is best to keep your stomach from becoming overwhelmed while keeping you hydrated.
Don’t smoke or drink
Your body will absorb alcohol swiftly after gastric bypass, making it easy for you to become intoxicated, and you’ll also absorb lots of calories. Smoking can increase the risk of blood clots, which are a danger after any surgery. Stopping drinking and smoking can help you stay healthy.
Exercise
Getting exercise can help you lose weight, maintain weight, and have better blood glucose control. Studies show that 275 minutes of physical activity a week (40 minutes a day) of physical activity can help maintain a 10% weight loss.
Ready to talk about gastric sleeve surgery and a healthy life after a bariatric procedure? Contact us at 281-223-1255, or schedule your appointment online today.
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