Choosing to undergo weight loss surgery is a big step for most people. It takes time and effort to make that life-changing decision. Gastric surgeries can be a great tool to help take control of your health but there is work that comes with preparing for gastric bypass surgery. It is best to make changes before surgery to ensure that the procedure is the most successful.

What Is Gastric Bypass Surgery?

There are several weight loss surgery options available for people with different needs. Gastric bypass surgery is also known as laparoscopic roux-en-y gastric bypass. This procedure surgically creates a small stomach pouch and connects it directly to the small intestines. The large part of the stomach is left in the body to provide digestive juices to break down food. This helps with weight loss by significantly reducing the size of the stomach and making it very hard to consume a large amount of food. To learn more about gastric bypass surgery, click here.

Gastric bypass surgery takes both mental and physical preparation. Here are 5 tips to prepare for this procedure:

1. Figure out why you eat

          Negative eating habits can be a product of emotional issues, boredom, or even stress. Gastric bypass surgery can help with weight loss, but if you have other           issues that affect your eating habits, then the surgery will only be a temporary fix. Figuring out why you eat can help you take control of your consumption. Start           forming better eating habits before surgery to ensure that you can lose the weight and keep it off. Focus on portion control, don’t eat while watching TV, and try to           eat on a plate rather than from a container. 

2. Hold Yourself Accountable

          Gastric bypass surgery comes with a lot of instructions that will need to become habits if you want the procedure to be successful. Develop habits that create           accountability for yourself. For example, after surgery, taking the time to chew your food thoroughly will be helpful for digestion. Drinking water all day every day           will help you avoid dehydration after surgery. Understand how your body will change and hold yourself accountable to form new habits early. 

3. Fill your time with constructive habits

          You may realize that you spent more time eating before the surgery than you do now. Fill this newfound time with constructive habits. Some examples of           constructive habits are taking up a new hobby, exercising, and meeting new people. Starting a new habit before surgery will help you stay busy after you recover.

4. Understand that your habits will have to change

          Most people who opt to have gastric bypass surgery understand that their eating habits need to change, but many do not account for other things that might           interfere with their new lifestyle. One example is social events that revolve around eating. To stay focused on your goals, consider engaging in alternative social           events that don’t revolve around eating, such as physical activity groups or do-it-yourself group projects.

5. Find a community

         Similar to any other obstacle, having a support group makes things a lot less challenging. If you don’t know anyone else on a weight loss journey or who plans to          have gastric surgery, find an online community to connect with on any social media platform. Connecting with a community can keep you accountable and provide          the support you need to reach your goals. 

If you have any questions about gastric bypass surgery or want to learn more tips, call Bass Bariatric Surgery Center today at 923-281-3711. Our weight loss experts are ready to help you with your journey.