Bariatric surgery is not magic. It takes a lot of commitment and work to make the surgery a success. I decided to start making some healthy changes in advance of the surgery, so I am in the best shape possible.
I have not only joined the gym – something I told myself I would never do again – but I made commitment to go. I have been going to the gym 3 to 4 times per week since January. Previously, I would go for a while and then stop.
I also had a meeting with a dietitian. She confirmed that I have a pretty healthy diet, but I have started adding additional protein and really watching the number of carbs per serving. In general, bariatric surgery patients need to get 60 to 80 grams of protein a day and only eat things that have 20 grams of carbohydrates or less and less than 10 grams of sugar per serving. Sometimes this can be a challenge.
I have had the benefit really reading labels to help my daughter maintain compliance after her surgery on December 29. She is spectacular at following the recommendations and guidelines. It is my hope that I can be as disciplined as she has been following surgery.
Debra Dupree is a 30-year tenured nurse on WakeMed Raleigh Campus. Debra’s daughter had bariatric surgery on December 29, 2010, and because of her daughter’s success, she is scheduled to have bariatric surgery on May 20, 2011. Read previous blog in this series here.
Dr. Brandon Roy, surgeon with Wake Specialty Physicians, has information sessions scheduled May 23, June 9 and June 28. Click here to learn more.
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