Dr. Cussatti’s 6 Rules for Success After Bariatric Surgery

Dr. Cussatti’s 6 Rules for Success After Bariatric Surgery

The surgery has presented you with a renewed vision of life without the excess weight. This is now your time to take that path to taking control. The greatest impact you can have on your weight loss results following bariatric surgery will now be from making lifestyle changes. In the beginning, it will take a level of conscious determination. I assure you, with consistent practice it will become a part of your routine. Here are my golden rules to long term success following bariatric weight loss surgery:

 

  1. Stick to 3 meals a day and limit snacking. Set your intention to eat balanced meals on schedule. Setup a routine where you have dedicated time for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This will help you gain control of your appetite and keep track of food intake. Snacking will not leave you with the sensation of satiety- feeling full. Mindless snacking can add hundreds of calories without even noticing so I recommended limited snacking to stay within your daily caloric intake.

 

  1. Minimize consumption of the 5 bad carbs (pasta, potatoes, bread, rice and sweets). I like to call pasta, potatoes, bread and rice “white carbs”. These processed carbohydrates will convert into sugars. The sugars from sweets and white carbs provide low nutritional value, have high glycemic index which quickly elevate blood sugar levels and are high in calories. I recommend minimizing your consumption of refined carbs and sweets so that sugars from these foods do not contribute to weight gain.

 

  1. Minimize consumption of liquid, pureed or blenderized foods and minimize eating and drinking together. I would like to use the example of orange juice to explain this concept. To make a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice, it takes roughly about 3 oranges. If you were to eat the orange instead, you could be full within 1 and a half, maybe 2 oranges. This process of juicing discards some filling nutrients such as fiber. When the volume of liquid is increased, so too does the calories and consumed sugar from the juice. Minimize the consumption of liquid, pureed or blenderized foods by enjoying the product whole. What you eat and drink together should also be minimized. With the new configuration of the stomach and intestine, it is advisable to drink liquid in between meals to prevent the uncomfortable symptoms of dumping syndrome such as abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting.

 

  1. Chew each bite 12 times and take 30 minutes for mealtime. Enjoy your meal by taking the time to eat and chew. You might even notice you’re eating less. Slow eating and small bites make processing the food easier in the digestive tract and this will also aid in minimizing the occurrence of dumping syndrome. So go ahead, savor each bite.

 

  1. Exercise 20-30 minutes daily. Don’t forget your commitment to a healthy lifestyle is more than just eating right. Exercise at least 20 minutes every day. Initially, you may have to build up to your target workout time so start with 10 minutes and increase your workout time in increments with each additional workout. Exercise can be made convenient too. From anywhere, you can incorporate the New York Bariatric Group Virtual Health Platform (VHP) to access unlimited workouts and support online. You should contact New York Bariatric Group if you would like to get started on joining the VHP workout platform.

 

  1. Maintain regular follow up with your bariatric surgeon. We want to see you starting within the week of and multiple times throughout the year following your procedure. Consistent follow up will help you stay on track and address any challenges or concerns you may be facing. We are your support system and follow up visits provide an opportunity to celebrate your successes!

 

Recognize that the procedures are a tool and incorporating good lifestyle habits are vital for overall success. Revisit these rules to reinforce the concepts as needed. If you ever feel like you are losing control, remember that we are here to provide with you will all the support you need.

 

Together, we’ve got this!

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Dr. Cussatti’s 6 Rules for Success After Bariatric Surgery

Thomas

Lost 145lbs

Thomas' success story

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

Listen to Thomas’ testimonial

Nicole

Lost 76lbs

Nicole's success story

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

Listen to Nicole’s testimonial

Robert

Lost 76lbs

Robert's success story

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

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Samantha

Lost 92lbs

Samantha's success story

I feel like a completely different person.

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

Listen to Samantha’s testimonial

Eileen

Lost 99lbs

Eileen's success story

It saved my life.

The driving factor behind me getting my procedure was that I couldn't get up off the floor with my granddaughter. That was my why. That was my big reason for having this surgery done. After surgery, it was a little bit of a struggle with what to eat. What you put in your mouth that you don't even think about. You don't think about what you're eating or how you're eating and portion size. It's what I do now every single day. The procedure has changed my life in so many ways. It saved my life.

Listen to Eileen’s testimonial

Brittany

Lost 126lbs

Brittany's success story

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

I think I always grew up identifying myself as less than other people because I was fat. I decided to tackle that and just live my life. I had a sleeve gastrectomy. It changed how I view myself. How I communicate with people. I'm able to be much more of myself and live the life I always thought I should have been living. I am totally comfortable in my own skin. You have the tools you need to succeed here.

Listen to Brittany’s testimonial

Desiree

Lost 157lbs

Desiree's success story

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy because I had just become diabetic, and I had hypertension for many years. I lost a total of 157 pounds in 11 months. I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before. Everyone at New York Bariatric Group has been wonderful. They are kind. They are understanding. They make you feel comfortable. They will guide you every step of the way on your journey so that you can be successful.

Listen to Desiree’s testimonial

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