Throughout the first year after surgery, it is important that patients prioritize and attend their post-operative appointments with their bariatric team.   At each visit the provider will review diet and weight loss, discuss exercise habits/barriers, and evaluate any potential concerns a patient might be experiencing.  Labs are ordered and reviewed several times in the first year to monitor for nutritional deficiencies.  Obesity related comorbidities will also be evaluated, and often medications can be stopped or decreased as weight is decreasing.  

Once a patient has met their weight loss goals the journey does not end.  We encourage all of our patients to be seen at least annually to monitor labs and progress.  Obesity is a complicated chronic disease, and lifelong attention to healthy eating and exercise habits are crucial to successful weight loss maintenance.  As life changes, so do our behaviors, and weight gain can occur.  Patients experiencing weight regain or struggling to sustain a healthy lifestyle should commit to more frequent office visits and support just as with any other disease. 

The following is a list of required nutrition classes after surgery:

3-Week Post-Op Class- This class is required for bariatric patients three weeks post-op. Patients will learn about Phase 3 of the bariatric diet, including protein and fluid goals, foods that are safe to incorporate, foods to avoid, appropriate portion sizes, beverage selections, recommended eating schedule, and exercise recommendations.

8-Week Post-Op Class- This class is required for bariatric patients who are eight weeks post-op. Patients will learn about Phase 4 of the bariatric diet, including calorie/macronutrient/fluid goals, foods that are safe to incorporate, foods to avoid, appropriate portion sizes, beverage selections, recommended eating schedule, and exercise recommendations.

6-Month Post-Op Class– This class is required for bariatric patients who are six months post-op. Patients will learn about the bariatric lifestyle diet, including calorie/macronutrient/fluid goals, complex vs. simple carbohydrates, appropriate portion sizes, risks of alcohol and carbonated beverages, meal & snack planning, and exercise recommendations.

 Never advance your diet unless told by your surgeon, PA, or dietitian.

• In addition to the required Nutrition Classes above we offer monthly support groups for our patients! 

• Support groups are instructed by various team members including licensed behavioral therapists and dietitians, and groups can be very helpful during challenging seasons in your weight loss journey. 

• Support groups can be a great opportunity for patients to talk and brainstorm with other patients who have undergone surgery.