Hydration
- By now, drinking fluids should feel much easier than in the early weeks after surgery.
- Staying properly hydrated is essential for healing, digestion, and energy levels. Aim to drink at least 1.5 to 2 litres of fluids per day.
- A simple way to check your hydration status is the colour of your urine. It should be pale yellow—if it is dark, you need to drink more water.
Tip: Ensure you stay hydrated by checking the colour of your urine regularly. Pale yellow indicates proper hydration!
Diet: Transitioning to Solid Foods
- Start introducing solid foods into your diet gradually. Begin with fish, then chicken, and then red meat.
- Protein-based foods should be the foundation of your long-term diet. Every meal should prioritise protein sources like lean meats, eggs, dairy, tofu, and legumes.
- Introduce new foods carefully. Start with a small portion of any new food and give your stomach plenty of time to adjust.
- Limit carbohydrates such as potato, bread, pasta, and rice as they can expand in your stomach, making it harder to consume enough protein.
- Use the Portion Perfection Plate and Bowl (provided in your pre-op green bag) to help with food selection and portion sizes.
- Hunger may start to return as your stomach heals. Avoid unnecessary cravings by limiting exposure to food-related TV shows, cooking videos, and advertisements.
Important: Focus on protein-rich foods for long-term success. Limit starchy carbohydrates to avoid feeling overly full.
Multivitamins and Supplements
- Continue taking your bariatric multivitamins twice a day—this is essential for preventing vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
- Many patients switch from chewable vitamins to capsules at this stage. If you find capsules easier to swallow, you can try BN Multi Capsules (formulated for bariatric patients).
- Some patients may require additional supplements such as Iron, Calcium, Vitamin D, and B12 injections. Your blood tests will help determine if you need these.
Reminder: Lifelong supplementation is crucial after surgery. Always consult your dietitian for personalized advice.
Exercise: Building Strength and Stamina
- From six weeks after surgery, there are no restrictions on activities.
- Consistency matters—regular, moderate exercise is more effective than intense but infrequent workouts.
- Aim for at least 20-30 minutes of brisk activity 5 times per week. Walking, swimming, or cycling are excellent options.
- Strength training (using light weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises) helps rebuild muscle and boosts metabolism.
- If you still feel fatigued, focus on hydration, protein intake, and gradual increases in activity.
Note: Aim for daily movement to improve energy and metabolism. Even short walks can have a big impact!
Pain and Gallstones
- By now, pain should be minimal or completely gone.
- Some patients who had gallstones before surgery may begin experiencing gallbladder attacks (pain in the upper abdomen and back).
- By six months post-op, about 20% of patients will develop gallstones due to rapid weight loss. These stones can cause pain if they block the bile duct.
- If you still have your gallbladder and had no gallstones on your pre-op scan, we will arrange an abdominal ultrasound before your 6-month review to check for new stones.
- If gallstones become painful, gallbladder removal may be necessary.
Important: If you experience sharp abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side, it could be a gallbladder issue. Contact your GP or come and see us.
Acid Reflux (Heartburn)
- Continue taking Nexium (or another PPI) daily until at least 3 months post-op.
- If heartburn persists after 3 months, continue Nexium as needed and discuss with your surgeon if symptoms persist.
- Over time, as your stomach heals and becomes more flexible, reflux should improve.
- To prevent acid reflux: Do not eat or drink for at least one hour before bedtime. Avoid spicy, acidic, or fatty foods.
Tip: Avoid eating and drinking right before bed to prevent acid reflux. Keep upright for at least an hour after meals.
Vomiting
- Vomiting should not be common at this stage.
- It may happen if eating or drinking too quickly, or eating too much.
- To avoid vomiting: Eat slowly, chew food thoroughly, and stop eating at the first sign of feeling full.
Reminder: Slow down your eating pace. Stopping as soon as you feel full helps avoid discomfort and vomiting.
Hair Loss After Surgery
- Temporary hair loss is common during the first year after surgery.
- This is due to the stress of surgery and rapid weight loss, similar to postpartum hair loss.
- Hair will regrow fully within 9-12 months.
- Extra vitamins or protein supplements will not prevent hair loss, but adequate protein intake and multivitamins are essential for overall health.
Note: Hair loss is temporary and will return to normal thickness in 9-12 months. Maintain your protein intake and multivitamins.
Tracking Your Weight Loss Progress
- Weigh yourself only once a week using the same scales, at the same time each week.
- Taking monthly progress photos can help you see changes that the scale doesn’t reflect.
- Weight loss is not always linear—some weeks you may not see much change, while other weeks will show bigger drops.
Tip: Weigh yourself weekly, and take progress photos to track changes that can’t be measured on the scale alone.
Follow-Up Appointments
- You will have an appointment with your surgeon, nurse, and dietitian around the 6-8 month mark.
- Before your appointment: Complete blood tests at least one week prior.
- If you still have your gallbladder, schedule an upper abdominal ultrasound two weeks before your appointment.
Reminder: Follow-up appointments are crucial to track your progress, monitor nutrition, and address any concerns.
