What to Expect After Weight-Loss Surgery
After your surgery, you will start losing weight immediately. You may lose weight very fast in the first three to six months, and as much as 100-200 pounds in the first two years. Your weight loss will taper at that time.
For the first month after your operation you will be on a liquid or semi-liquid diet. About one month after that, you will be able to eat small amounts of soft food. Gradually you will be able to eat more foods. Prior to your surgery you will have at least one visit with a registered dietician to discuss your bariatric diet plan. You will meet with the registered dietician again after surgery. All our new patients are provided with a bariatric surgery guidebook which describes dietary guidelines in great detail.
Remembering to eat slowly, chew well and take small bites is very important. Also patients must drink liquids separately from their meals.
View a post-operative diet plan (PDF)
Patients will have to take bariatric vitamins for the rest of their life. All medications and vitamins will need to be crushed, chewable or in liquid form for the first year after weight loss surgery.
We recommend starting an exercise program for your general health and to maintain your weight loss. Start slowly and gradually increase the time and intensity. Ideally you should be exercising at least 45 minutes a day. It is important to get both cardiovascular exercise (walking, biking, swimming, aerobics, etc) and strength training exercise (lifting weights, push ups, etc). After surgery most patients are instructed not to lift over 10 pounds for the first month.
Women are advised to wait at least 18 months after surgery before becoming pregnant. Pregnancy is safest after you reach a stable, post-operative weight.
Cosmetic Surgery after Weight Loss
As you lose the pounds, you will feel better and have more energy and better health. Although you are losing weight rapidly, your skin may not be able to adjust.
After reaching a stable weight, you may find that your skin has become loose. It may hang in folds, especially around the belly, where it is referred to as an apron. That’s especially true when you lose 100 or more pounds.
You may consider cosmetic surgery to remove this excess skin. We work very closely with ECU Plastic Surgery to provide the next step for our weight-loss surgery patients when they need it. Our exceptional surgeons are able to help restore your skin’s appearance.
ECU Plastic Surgery is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. We have the highest professional credentials available. This medical office is in the same building as ECU Bariatric Surgery at 517 Moye Boulevard. Call 252-744 5291 for more information.
Our Support Program
Once you become our patient, you can count on us for a lifetime of support. We understand the physical and emotional changes that result from weight-loss surgery and can help you adapt.
To help our patients adjust, and to allow them to share their struggles and successes, we offer support group meetings. For more information, call 252-744-2018.
Support Group Schedule
Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Place: 517 Moye Boulevard, 1st Floor Conference Room
Upcoming Dates:
- Thursday, November 18, 2021
- Thursday, January 27, 2022
- Thursday, March 24, 2022
- Thursday, May 26, 2022
- Thursday, July 28, 2022
- Thursday, September 22, 2022
- Thursday, November 17, 2022