Beat the Blunders: 7 Worst WLS Mistakes

Thursday, 15 December 2011 11:59

Weight-loss surgery is a powerful tool in your battle to lose weight, but it requires a certain level of commitment in order to achieve lasting success. Patients who don't follow up with healthier habits or ignore their doctors' advice may not reach their weight-loss goals, or may end up regaining. Heed these 7 common WLS mistakes in order to give yourself the best chance of success for lasting weight loss and a longer, healthier life.

1. Bad eating habits: The standard American diet is notorious for processed ingredients, serious super sizing, and other poor food choices. WLS patients in particular are known to experience the pitfalls of drinking soda and eating the wrong kind of carbohydrates.

Refined carbohydrates (i.e. carbs with little fiber) are addictive. And what's worse than wrong carbs? Lots of them. Rather than reaching for refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, pasta, or rice, opt for complex carbs such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

A soda habit deprives the body of proper hydration, which is essential for weight loss and long-term health. In addition, considerable research suggests a strong connection between soda and obesity. Instead, stock your fridge with healthy alternatives, such organic juices, green teas, and low-fat milk.

2. Little exercise: When fighting the weight war, one of the strongest weapons WLS patients have is exercise. It boosts the body's metabolism, improves mood, focuses the mind, and strengthens memory. Unfortunately, when patients allow exercise to fall by the wayside, the metabolism slows down and weight loss can stagnant. Not a fan of the gym? Simply establishing a regular walking routine can be extremely effective. Knees hurt? Try a recumbent bike. If you don't like exercising solo, sign up for a class. With many fun exercise options available, find one that fits your schedule and your personality.

3. Not enough water: Outside of regulating weight and hydration, drinking enough water does other wonders for your health. It regulates your body temperature, boosts energy, helps detoxify, and keeps you looking young. However, if you don't fuel their body with enough water, you risk fatigue, migraines, constipation, kidney problems, muscle cramps, dry skin, and in severe cases, death. Need more water, but bored with H20? Try adding slices of lemon or lime for a spring of flavor. Many Lap-Band patients like to flavor their water with to-go packets of Crystal Light or other powdered mixes.

4. Ignoring supplements: Depending on your type of surgery, every WLS patient has different nutritional needs. Although there is not a standard practice, speak to your surgeon and WLS nutritionist for general guideline. When it comes to ignoring essential vitamins, minerals, and other suggested supplements, common conditions include fatigue, forgetfulness, muscle spasms, dizziness, high-blood pressure, and constipation. In some cases, irreversible diseases can also result. With this in mind, it's important to pay attention to your vitamin intake, do your own research, and take supplements when necessary.

5. Wearing the band too tight (the Red Zone): Rather than loosen a tight fill, Lap-Band patients often endure uncomfortable fills. This can cause difficultly eating and swallowing. Productive burps or vomiting may result. If you're feeling too full too soon or uncomfortable after a fill, return to your doctor to have some fluid removed from your band.

6. Indulging after fills: Similarly, some Lap-Band patients mistake a fill for the opportunity to indulge in a large and unhealthy meal. Other than discomfort, regurgitation, and weight issues, following fills with large meals can cause stomach spasms, an unnecessary unfill, and a possible slipped band. It's for this reason that doctors require patients to drink liquids for the first 24 hours and mushy foods for the next 24 hours.

7. Unrealistic expectations: Above all blunders, it's important to remember to take personal responsibility for your success and failure. Too soon after surgery, patients think they've been cured of their obesity and believe they will never struggle again. Remember that plateaus or a slight weight regain is normal. Focus on maintaining, rather than losing, during difficult periods such as the holidays. Find ways of dealing with stress and emotions that don't involve food. As with most things, remember: if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to get what you've always gotten.