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The journey to successful weight loss surgery begins long before the day of surgery
Once you’ve made the decision to have surgery there are steps you can take to prepare your mind and body, making it easier to adjust to the changes ahead.
- Practice a new style of eating
Following weight loss surgery, there is a major reduction in the amount you can eat. Eating too much, or too quickly can cause discomfort or pain. You can start preparing for this now. Try taking smaller than usual mouthfuls, completely chew then swallow that mouthful, and take a small pause before the next one. Aim to make your meal last for about 20 minutes. Notice how you feel when you are eating more slowly, does the food taste different? Do you feel satisfied sooner? - Focus on fluids
Following weight loss surgery, it can be uncomfortable to drink a large amount at one time, likewise, drinking and eating at the same time is not recommended. To keep yourself hydrated, get used to drinking fluids regularly through the day. Start carrying a water bottle with you, choose water as your main fluid, and avoid drinking too much with meals. - Plan for a healthier diet
In the two weeks immediately before surgery you are required to follow a very low energy diet, this helps prepare your body for surgery. You will find the pre surgery diet easier of you start making diet changes in the weeks before you’re due to start. Think about your current diet now and choose a couple of changes you can start making. It may be reducing alcohol or soft drink, cutting back on sugary snack foods, serving your meals on a smaller plate. - Start moving more
Start looking for ways to increase your physical activity, even if it’s only slightly more than your usual level.  Any increase to your fitness will help improve your fitness for surgery, and making time for exercise, or even planning where you will fit it into your schedule will make it easier to get started after surgery.
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