Post-Surgery

While bariatric surgery is a major step for patients who are trying to improve their health and their day-to-day lives, it is important to remember that it is only one step of the process. This commitment to better health, losing weight, and maintaining that weight loss must remain consistent long after weight loss surgery. During recovery and in the months and years ahead, it is crucial to stay on a regular healthy diet and stick to the recommended nutrition and exercise regimens. In many ways, the lifestyle changes that are necessary after bariatric surgery are every bit as important as the surgery itself. Making these lifestyle changes can be very challenging for many individuals, which is why Dr. James Parrish and our team offer numerous tools of support that can make the journey after surgery easier, and even exciting! Our comprehensive nutrition and exercise programs can help you establish a new diet and fitness routine, while our support group services can introduce you to others with shared experiences who can provide encouragement and motivation. 

Learn more about our after-care program from the sections below, and please don’t hesitate to contact our practice for additional information. 

Nutrition Programs 

Nutritional supplements are an important element of many bariatric surgery programs. The specific kinds of supplements often vary depending on the particular type of surgery that is performed. Our weight loss surgeon and our bariatric nutritionist will provide you with information on the supplements and nutrition plans that are best for your needs. You will also be able to access nutrition programs and dietary counseling available through our practice. These helpful tools can provide guidance and assistance with planning balanced meals and obtaining the proper nutrition so that you can stay healthy as you lose weight following surgery. 

Support Groups

We offer support group meetings at 6:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month.* These meetings are typically held on the first floor of the Women’s Hospital (Cabrini Hospital). Bariatric surgery support group meetings can be very educational while offering individuals a wonderful way to remain motivated. These meetings provide the opportunity to meet people who have already experienced similar struggles or are currently going through them. Many of our patients have found that hearing others’ stories, and perhaps even sharing their own, can be significantly helpful as they embark upon the journey to better health. 

*Please note that the schedule for support group meetings may have been adjusted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please contact our practice for the latest updates on support group meetings. 

Exercise Regimen

Part of optimizing your health and improving your well-being is regularly incorporating fitness into your life. The best way to do this is to choose activities that you enjoy participating in, whether that’s a sport, recreational event, or another type of exercise. Some patients prefer to go to the gym and utilize machines, others like to join fitness classes, and lots of people try to get outside for a daily walk. If you would like advice on how to integrate exercise into your routine, our friendly and knowledgeable medical team can help develop a program customized to your interests and goals. Even patients who have physical limitations or disabilities can often find a type of exercise that allows them to stay active. Once you begin to see the results of your bariatric procedure, you will feel even more motivated to make healthy changes in all areas of your life. 

You can also find support online any time on our CHRISTUS Cabrini Bariatric Support Group on FaceBook!