If you have cravings for specific foods it is a good idea to speak with your weight-loss team as we may be able to help you find acceptable alternative selections. Some of the foods you may be craving may not be easily digested or part of a weight loss regimen. In addition, patients who have had gastric surgery may miss the sensation of eating various foods that were formerly part of their regimen. Try to find ways to occupy your time and replace eating rituals or habits with another activity like exercise.

When a patient who has undergone a gastric bypass patient eats a sugary food, the sugar passes rapidly into the bowel, where it gives rise to a physiological reaction called dumping syndrome. The symptoms may include rapid heart rate; perfuse sweating, nausea, dizziness and diarrhea. Dumping syndrome is a side-effect of the operation and is best avoided. Dumping syndrome is not meant to be a means to help you lose weight.

The best strategy is to avoid the high-calorie sugary foods that cause dumping syndrome which is why it is explained to you both before and after surgery. During the assessment the dietitian explains the importance of modifying your diet and adapting good eating habits before and after the surgery. If you have tried a food with high sugar content suggest that you have already deviated from the dietary guidelines. While having an off day sometimes occurs, do not use the fact that dumping did not occur as an excuse to continue with unhealthy food choices. It is important to take a step back and think about why you would want to continue with this eating pattern. Overindulgence of foods with high sugar content will inhibit weight loss and contribute to weight gain. Now that you have had the surgery you have a second chance to be in control of your intake and to reach your weight loss goals.

Post op you will need to follow your meal plan and adhere to dietary guidelines. Weight watchers may not be useful for several months following surgery since their plan is based on points that equal calories. Your caloric intake will be less than what they will advise and your portions will be limited and sometimes based on what you can tolerate. Our program encourages you to attend group meeting help weekly but the most important thing is that you have a system of support at home. You are welcome to come before the surgery, post op and often as you feel you need to be there.

The group environment allows you to stay connected to your bariatric team and patients who have had the surgery or intend to and would like to hear about your journey. If you have emotional eating concerns consider both Overeaters anonymous or private counseling. The surgery will facilitate the weight loss but the long term weight loss and maintenance will only be successful if you learn to manage how and why obesity and weight gain became a concern prior to surgery.

Band patients need to work with their surgeons to have their band adjusted several times during the first 12 to 18 months after surgery. Bypass patients typically see their surgeons for at least three to five follow-up appointments the first year, then once per year thereafter. Over time, gastric bypass patients will need regular checks for anemia (low red blood cell count) and vitamin B12, folate, and iron levels.

Eating simple sugars (such as sugar, honey, and corn syrup) or high-fat foods can cause dumping syndrome in patients who have had gastric bypass surgery. This occurs when these products, which have a small particle size, are “dumped” from the stomach into the intestine at a rapid rate. Water is pulled into the intestine from the bloodstream to dilute the sugar load. This flush of water causes symptoms that can include diarrhea, rapid heart rate, hot flashes or sweating and clammy skin, and dizziness.

Most pills or capsules are small enough to pass through the new stomach pouch. At first, your doctor may suggest that medications be taken in crushed or liquid form. As a general rule, ask your surgeon before taking any medication.

Exercise is an important part of success after surgery. You may be encouraged to begin exercising, limited only by discomfort, about two weeks after surgery. The type of exercise depends on your overall condition, but the long-term goal is to get 30 minutes of exercise three or more days each week.

Your ability to resume presurgery levels of activity depends on your physical condition, the nature of the activity, and the type of bariatric surgery you had. Many patients return to normal levels of activity within three to six weeks of surgery.

After the initial recovery period, most patients are instructed to eat 1/4 cup, or 2 ounces, of food per meal. As time goes on, you can eat more (as instructed by your medical team). Most people can eat approximately 1 cup of food per meal (with 4 ounces of protein) a year or more postsurgery.