Things I Wish I’d Known Before Weight-Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery is a significant and life-changing procedure, and it’s understandable to have concerns about how effective it can be. 

The honest answer is that everyone’s body is unique, and your biological response to the surgery may vary to someone else’s. The amount of weight you lose can also depend on the type of surgery you choose. 

However, most patients experience a weight loss of 70-75% of their excess weight within the first year of the procedure. 

It’s also important to remember that weight loss surgery is not a magical solution but rather a tool that can help you achieve weight loss. Whether you struggle with binge eating, over eating, or sticking to traditional diets like calorie counting, weight loss surgery can be combined with healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle to help you reach and maintain your goal weight. 

This depends on the type of procedure you have had, and your surgeon can recommend a diet plan based on your circumstances.

However, during the first two weeks post-operation, your diet plan will be generally limited to liquids such as water, herbal tea, diluted juice and broth. It is essential to avoid eating any solid foods during this time because it can lead to complications and hinder the healing process. 

It’s also important to note that you should always seek advice from your aftercare team before starting any new liquids or foods. 

What foods can I never eat again after weight-loss surgery? 

We get this question a lot! It’s a common concern for those considering weight loss surgery. The answer depends on the type of procedure you choose, as dietary restrictions can vary. 

For example, after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, you can still eat any type of food you like, but the portion size will need to be smaller. 

In comparison, if you opt for gastric band surgery, you will need to avoid certain foods and drinks such as snacks that are high in fat, high-calories liquids, and foods that crumble or melt, e.g., ice cream, biscuits, crisps and pastries. 

Once you have decided to undergo weight loss surgery, it’s important to choose the right provider. 

While there are a number of clinics around the UK offering a similar range of procedures, you need to make sure you will be provided with sufficient aftercare. At Tonic, we have a 5-star aftercare team, including fitness instructors, dieticians, psychologists and surgeons, who are available to assist you every step of the way!