You will take easy, short walks while in the hospital soon after your operation. This helps with the gas used during the surgery and is an important part of your healing process. The key is to start slow and listen to your body and surgeon.

Yes, to experience the best life after Bariatric Surgery and keep the weight off - you will need a consistent exercise regime to maximise your health gains.

After surgery, there are three key areas you should focus on when exercising:
Cardio
Strength training
Flexibility

Bariatric Surgery reduces the size of your stomach and adjusts your hunger hormones for some time. When following your Bariatric diet, you should feel full and not deprived by eating a portion-sized, high protein meal and chewing your food slowly.

After you are in the solid food stage, you may eat most foods that do not cause you discomfort. Although, it's crucial to include high in protein, vitamins and nutrients foods in your meals, such as those recommended by your surgeon and dietitian.

The impact of the weight loss procedure may be significantly reduced if your diet reverts to being high in processed foods, sugary treats and more carbohydrates than protein. The surgery is your "tool"; it will all depend on how you learn to use it.

There are four stages to the Bariatric diet guidelines:
Stage 1: Liquid diet, generally for the first 1-2 weeks after surgery - drinking liquids such as meal replacements, protein shakes and water.
Stage 2: Puree diet from about 2-4 weeks after surgery - eating foods like yoghurt, mashed veggies and soups.
Stage 3: Soft food diet from about 4-6 weeks after surgery - eating scrambled eggs, chopped white meat and cooked veggies.
Stage 4: Solid food diet from 6-8 weeks after surgery - mainly introducing lean meats, beans, vegetables, fruit and low-fat dairy products.

The time to progress from one stage to the next differs between individuals. It's crucial to listen to your surgeon and dietitian and not rush to move on before you are ready.

Yes, a few bariatric patients can regain their weight, but the majority lose significant weight and keep it off by staying consistent with their diet, exercise, and supplements. More than 95% of patients will successfully lose half of their extra body weight or more after surgery for weight loss.*

Herman KM, Carver TE, Christou NV, Andersen RE. Keeping the weight off: Physical activity, sitting time, and weight loss maintenance in bariatric surgery patients 2 to 16 years postsurgery. Obesity Surgery. 2014;24(7):1064-72.

Hair loss after Bariatric Surgery is common between three to six months but is almost always temporary. It's a common side effect of the procedure due to your body's many different adaptations to the surgery (or the shock to the system). Hair loss that prevails longer than the initial six months is likely due to the lower intake and reduced absorption of Protein, Iron, Biotin, Zinc, Vitamin B12, and healthy fats.

A specific Bariatric nutrient formula (when taken as directed every day) can promote healthy hair, skin and nails, preventing hair loss or stopping it from continuing.

Your surgeon will be best equipped to determine your return to work date as they know what procedure you had, your recovery status, and any related health problems you have. However, most patients without any complications return to work one or two weeks after their surgery; this can also depend on the type of work you do every day.

Getting plastic surgery is a personal choice. Some patients may choose to have plastic surgery to remove loose skin after Weight Loss Surgery. Generally, loose skin is well-hidden by compression garments. Many patients wear shapewear garments, which can be found in our shapewear range.

Yes, you will need to take a specific Bariatric Multivitamin every day for life - the surgery profoundly affects how your body absorbs some nutrients. You have a much smaller capacity for food overall, but many nutrients cannot behave in the same way as before surgery. Supplementation with specialty vitamins and minerals will protect you from long-term deficiency.

Depending on your regular blood tests, you may need higher doses of specific stand-alone vitamins or minerals, especially B12, Iron, Calcium, and Vitamin D.

Standard off the shelf or chemist vitamin brands are designed to meet the nutritional needs of the general population. As a Bariatric patient, your body requires a much higher level of micronutrients that off the shelf brands will not meet, even if you take extra servings.

Bariatric formulated multivitamins like our BN Multivitamins allow your body to function to its full potential help prevent malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, and the impacts on your health if left unchecked.

Weight Loss Surgery changes the absorption of vitamins and minerals in your body. Nutritional deficiencies in protein, vitamins and minerals can negatively affect your health, such as:
- Nutritionally related hair loss- Low immunity- Fatigue- Bone and muscle loss- Loss of nerve function (involving your senses such as taste, smell and touch)

Some of these problems may cause irreversible impacts on your nervous system and brain, so you must supplement every day and have your blood checked regularly.

Luckily, nutrient deficiencies following Bariatric Surgery can be simply preventable with a broad and healthful diet and taking specific Bariatric supplements of vitamins, minerals and protein. These healthy problems commonly occur in patients who do not regularly check their blood work. Be sure you stay in touch with your Bariatric team for the best results!

After bariatric surgery, your body experiences significant changes and nutrient disruptions, which can cause issues for a developing baby. Women who have had weight loss surgery should wait 12-18 months before getting pregnant. You will reach a stable weight to reduce the possibility of maternal and fetal malnutrition, providing your baby with essential nutrients for healthy development and a healthy life overall.

More research shows that the mother's health whilst pregnant leaves a large imprint on the child's health, right throughout their lifespan.

Breastfeeding is still a possibility after bariatric surgery; however, if you have insufficient nutrients levels in your body, your breast milk will lack essential nutrients for the baby. Nature's way of building healthy babies is to give whatever the baby needs to thrive - at the cost of the mother's health if there isn't enough to go around. Ask your doctor to check your bloodwork to ensure you are absorbing essential nutrients, including Vitamin B12, Iron, and Protein.