There are certain rules that must be followed for patients after they have undergone weight loss surgery.

Diet
The modifications made to your gastrointestinal tract will require permanent changes in your eating habits that must be adhered to for successful weight loss. Post-surgery dietary guidelines will be given by your surgeon. The following are some of the generally accepted dietary guidelines for weight loss surgery patients to follow:

• When you start eating solid food it is essential that you take small bites and chew thoroughly. You will not be able to eat steaks or other chunks of meat if they are not ground or chewed thoroughly.
• Don't drink fluids while eating. They will make you feel full before you have consumed enough food.
• Omit desserts, high calorie sweets and other items with sugar listed as one of the first three ingredients.
• Omit carbonated drinks.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Do not snack between meals.

Exercise Program
An exercise program should be part of your bariatric surgery program. St. Bernardine Medical Center has a program designed specifically for its bariatric patients.

Support Groups

Regular attendance at support groups is a necessary part of the process. Attending these groups builds camaraderie between you and other patients who are taking positive action to combat the difficulties associated with obesity. These groups will help you to build a support system. It's also a time to answer questions and concerns, and to acquire updates about your program and recent medical developments.

For the next scheduled weightloss support group at St. Bernardine Medical Center, please call 1.800.566.SBMC (7262).