About year two after patients have undergone gastric bypass, the sleeve, gastric banding or revisional surgery in New Jersey, most enter the “maintenance” phase.
At this point, dramatic weight loss has occurred, they may have achieved their target (“dream”) weight and they’ve had time to adjust to new diet and exercise lifestyle. While patients who have reached this milestone are certainly elated, some of the initial excitement and compliments from friends and family have died down.
For many people, this can be a tough time and sometimes, old habits slyly creep back in when the successful bariatric warrior is not looking — nighttime eating, snacking, eating for the wrong reasons, not varying the exercise regime, or starting to eat “old favorite” (i.e. not healthy) foods again.
If this happens, here are three things you can do to get back in step.
Get a little help from your friends
It’s time to get back in stride with your support group. Whether you join us at our monthly support group meeting here at CentraState or subscribe to online support on ObesityHelp.com or BariatricPal.com, revisit these resources to get helpful information, a kind word, a pat on the back or even to hear, “I’m in the same place you are and have the same concerns…”
Beware of the sugar demon
Refined sugar, especially in processed foods, is a major contributor to men and women regaining their weight following #wls. People tend to be very motivated in the beginning, but that wanes over time. When it does, the brain tends to call upon the same sources of comfort it did in the past, and often, it’s sugar.
Take baby steps back to the core plan
Begin with a mindfulness activity like meditation that allows you to focus solely on your body, mind and spirit. Spend a few minutes appreciating how much healthier you have become.
Contact us if you are having a tough time — you’re always welcome to come in to talk. Get online with others and discuss the challenges you are facing (in the safety of an anonymous user name).
Over the past two+ years, you’ve come so far. Don’t isolate yourself. Reach out, we’re all here to help you — today, tomorrow, always.
About Dr. Seun Sowemimo, MD, FACS
Dr. Seun is a top NJ bariatric surgeon and the medical director at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold serving Monmouth and Ocean counties. He is board-certified, Columbia and Yale University fellowship-trained in advanced laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgery.
To learn more, visit his YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at (732)-982-2002.