With obesity at an all-time high in the United States, it is easy to blame Americans’ diet and lack of exercise. However, many other factors also may be at work.

“Most people who are obese or morbidly obese have tried repeatedly to lose weight through diet and exercise,” says Susan Deno, a registered and licensed dietitian with Park Nicollet Bariatric Surgery Center. “Despite their best efforts, their bodies continue to hold on to extra pounds or quickly regain any that are lost. This may be due to their metabolism, genetics or how their bodies use nutrients – it is hard to pinpoint a reason.”

Nutritional counseling promotes healthy habits
For some people, the only way to successfully lose weight is by having bariatric surgery. “Prior to surgery, we educate all patients on important lifestyle changes that will improve their long-term outcomes,” Deno says. Patients are counseled to:

• eat three meals a day
• have breakfast within two hours of waking up
• practice “mindful” eating, without the distraction of work or TV
• increase fruit and vegetable intake
• cut back on eating in restaurants
• shop regularly for groceries
• schedule time for preparing healthy foods
• avoid eating for reasons other than hunger

Practicing these behaviors before surgery is an important step toward success. “Although some candidates may notice only minimal weight loss before surgery, they will experience greater success after surgery,” Deno explains. “Their smaller stomach will help them eat less. And, if they had gastric bypass surgery, their digestive tract will absorb less food, accelerating the weight loss.”

Nutritional concerns following surgery
Because people are eating less and taking in fewer nutrients, they need to take a multivitamin. “It’s especially important to supplement calcium, vitamin D and, sometimes, iron,” Deno explains. “And, if they’ve had gastric bypass surgery, they need special vitamin B-12 supplements that are absorbed under the tongue. Usually, the lower portion of the stomach absorbs vitamin B-12, but surgery bypasses this area.”

Following surgery, Deno also counsels patients to:

• chew small amounts of food to applesauce consistency
• drink eight glasses of non-sweetened, non-carbonated beverages daily (not with meals)
• sleep a minimum of seven hours a night
• get some form of physical activity for at least 20 to 30 minutes nearly every day

Help remains available
Deno emphasizes the importance of follow-up care for all patients. “We meet patients every six weeks that first year after surgery, offering them recipe sheets and tips on how to make the right choices. We also encourage patients to visit us annually thereafter so we can help them overcome any challenges that interfere with their new, healthier lifestyle.”

Sometimes little tips can make a big difference. “We may need to remind people to eat and drink at separate times. Because of the anatomical changes, stomachs empty faster when food and liquids are mixed after surgery, causing people to feel hungry sooner,” Deno explains.

“Surgery is a huge investment mentally, emotionally and physically – for patients and their loved ones,” she adds. “We encourage patients to take advantage of every opportunity for our team to provide help and support. Maintaining weight loss is not easy – even after surgery.”

To learn more about bariatric surgery or to register for an information session, click here or call 952-993-3180.