Post-Op: 7 Things You Should Know About The VSG
1) Junk food is junk – Once your stomach has healed it’s easy to eat junk food: DON’T! Probably the hardest thing to do is resist the urge to eat junk food. But by doing so, you are saying to yourself, “I’m so worth being thin and healthy.” Say, NO to junk food. It’s not good for you anyway…that’s why it’s called “junk”. Nothing but sugar and empty calories! Your body doesn’t need it. Go have some nutritious fruit or veggies instead.
2) Weight loss and the gym – Losing a lot of weight will make going to the gym easier. Life will become a new adventure. Yes, the gym! When was the last time you thought about the gym? Well, the moment you start losing weight as a result of the sleeve procedure your mind will reaffirm the need to firm up and look as awesome as you can. It’s natural. Accept it. You want those muscles to work out. You want people saying, “Wow, you look amazing”. It’s an adventure…live it!
3) When you feel full – STOP – Don’t take one more bite! As time goes by, you will learn to be in tune with your sleeve, how it works and how it makes you feel full. The secret is knowing you don’t have to eat everything on your plate. Nope! In fact, the moment you start to feel full is the moment you stop eating. Don’t feel guilty for not finishing or of offending someone for not eating what they gave you. It’s about you, not them. Never jeopardize your journey of being thinner and healthier over a meatball or cannoli. It’s not worth it.
4) Hunger pains – Those hunger pains might actual be acid. Check with your doctor. Acid build up can cause the illusion of being hungry. If you are experiencing hunger pains at odd times, consult your doctor. A prescription of antacid may help clear things up.
5) Eat real food – Do not become dependent on shakes and protein bars after 3-4 months. Shakes and protein bars are helpful the first few months after surgery as they help you adjust to the sleeve while providing your body with the necessary nutrients it requires. Eventually, you will need to replace those shakes and bars with real food. And being able to enjoy real food with your friends and family will mean the world to them and you.
6) Support – Join a private group for support. You can ask questions in real-time and get answers from real people who have experienced the sleeve surgery. This gives you an unbiased resource that allows you to get the most from your weight loss objectives.
7) Record your journey in photos – Take a monthly picture of yourself, don’t measure success by the numbers on the scale. You might think selfies are lame, but in this case, they will be your motivation to keep going. Yes, a selfie! Every month take a new picture of yourself then put it beside the prior month’s picture. You will start to see yourself changing…getting thinner. The difference may surprise you. Keep it up!
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