Have you ever heard the saying, "there is no such thing as a silly question?". Ask any member of our multi-disciplinary team and they will reassure you that after weight loss surgery, there really is no such thing as a silly question. In fact, if you are questioning it yourself, then there is a very good chance that someone else in your weight loss community is also contemplating the same thing. We need you to be linking back with your expert team in the post-op and follow up phases to monitor your progress. We also encourage reaching out to fellow patients for reassurance BUT be mindful about HOW you ask these questions and WHO you take the advice from.
Advice from your expert team
Your expert team will draw from their expertise in surgery, nutrition, psychology and medicine to use their experience and evidence to guide you. Through regular follow ups and blood tests your weight, diet and medications will be monitored for deficiencies, possible side effects and issues. While under the care of your team, you will have the best chance of success post weight loss surgery.
Advice from your fellow patients and online groups
Other patients can share their personal experiences with you. Their experiences are very valuable in feeling that you are not the only person navigating life post-surgery and forming new habits after surgery. Remember that each individual's physiology and life experiences are unique to them, so you will find things in common, but you are not the same. If you are meeting people outside of your surgeon's group, then they will have had a different expert team who would have given tailored advice. Taking medical advice from another patient not intended for you is not advised by Dr Wylie and his team.
Here is a list of 5 common questions we get after bariatric surgery:
Is weight gain normal a month after weight loss surgery?
Is it normal to stall four weeks after surgery?
I can eat more, or less, than half a cup, is that normal?
I can't tolerate water, is that usual?
I am losing weight slower than others, what is wrong?
We like to work with patients to reframe these questions. Most individuals just need reassurance that each journey is unique, it not cause for concern, they will progress past this point and that they are on track. If concerned patients should check in with their expert team between follow ups to see if modifications are needed.
Sticking to the expert advice given to you by your surgeon, GP and dietitian will steer you right through the ups and downs of your weight loss. Remember it is not a sprint and bariatric surgery together with long term diet and exercise behaviour changes are your tools for life long weight maintenance.