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Latest news Gastric Sleeve Operation ... The First Surgical Obesity Center In Malaysia Is Born ... Child Obesity Threatening Asia, Warns US Expert ...   Home Questions & Answers What exactly is the 'program' after Gastric Bypass? Question: What exactly is the 'program' after Gastric Bypass? Answer: The program begins with the first call to our office. We know that people who are suffering with morbid obesity have gone through many "fad" programs, false promises, and diet industry quackery. So, we immediately want to dispel myths about morbid obesity and teach factual information about the realistic benefits and patient responsibilities related to choosing surgery for obesity. Our team has a high motivation for helping patients succeed post surgically. We define success as 80% of excess weight lost, with no major problems in quality of life and improved medical and psychological status. So, the program actually begins before the surgery. We encourage our patients to become very involved in understanding the program, their personal commitment to have the Gastric Bypass, behavior, and dietary choices BEFORE they are admitted in the hospital. This involves participating in an extensive teaching session with Dr. Samuels and review of an in-depth patient education folder, as well as receiving a comprehensive psychological evaluation. Our program dietician also conducts a one-to-one nutrition-teaching interview. We strongly advise patients to attend our patient support groups before surgery, and we have a list of successful "veteran" patients with whom prospective patients can engage in private conversations. These pre-surgery steps help surgical candidates in many ways: the relationship between the patients and the clinical team is already under way and established on a sincere teamwork format, and the patient is more and more familiar with the surgery and the follow-up program. This later point is very important because with more understanding and trust, there is less fear for new patients and they are able to understand the necessary steps to improve their success following surgery. The actual "Gastric Bypass Program", is generally basic, good health care strategies. You must follow a simple, but consistent, program of 10 rules: 1. Eat 3 meals per day with no skipping of meals. Each meal should last between 30-45 minutes. 2. With each meal, you must eat a proteinв_"what we call a "High Biological Protein"в_"for example, chicken, fish, turkey, and lean meat, as well as eggs and cheese. You may also have a fruit and a portion of vegetables. You must take supplements daily. These include vitamins and nutrient supplements. There are certain drugs that you must avoid, including all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Advilв"ў, Motrinв"ў, etc), and aspirin. 3. You may not drink with your meal. You must also allow a 30-minute window before and after your meal in which you do not drink any beverages. 4. Otherwise, you may drink to your preference. However, all beverages must be ZERO calories. Therefore, no fruit juices, alcohol, or soups may be consumed. It is advisable to avoid gulping beverages. 5. You must eat slowly and chew your food to a soft consistency. 6. Starches (both grains and vegetables) are limited to 2 servings per week. 7. Given the above guidelines, it follows that sugars and fats are to be avoided. Despite the relative simplicity of these rules, the program is usually quite different than the typical American diet and eating patterns. So, our program also includes behavioral rules. 8. In order to have the maximum capacity to enjoy your food comfortably after surgery, we advise patients to be as calm as possible during and after meals. 9. All patients must participate in an exercise program. Six weeks after surgery, you should begin an exercise program with both aerobic and weight training. 10. Success = losing massive body weight, improving related medical problems, feeling and being well, AND maintaining your weight loss over many years requires cooperation with these guidelines. There is just no way around this fact. Our final guideline is to advise patients to attend every monthly office visit as long as you are losing weightв_"18 months or longer. At each visit, in addition to your medical follow-up, you will be seen by the psychologist and dietician. This rule is incredibly important because it gives us all the chance to help correct little adjustment problems before they become crises, and it gives the opportunity for patients to be monitored and help to really make the most of their surgery. Even though the program may sound impossible, having the surgery itself makes these major behavior and dietary changes not only possible, but also very do-able. With the help of the team and successful prior patients, we build each step of change carefullyв_"one after the otherв_"to help you reduce anxiety, create a healthy outlook, and adjust to a new, permanent way of living with a slim and healthier self. Please let us now if this FAQ answered your question. How helpful was this article to your? - Please Select a Rating - 5 - Very Helpful 4 3 - Somewhat Helpful 2 1 - Not Helpful Article ID: 009 - Created: August 23, 2005 03:55pm - Rating: - 4.67

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