As a bariatric surgery patient, the idea of patient responsibility being integral to overall success will be drilled into you from the fist seminar you attend. Certainly, this is true, as after surgery you will largely control your rate of weight loss. Surgery, after all, is a tool rather than a magic bullet. But no matter how determined you are to reach the finish line, the number-one focus of our bariatric practice, and of any bariatric program, is safety.

The trick to proper and healthy weight loss is to avoid extremes. Sometimes we see patients who binge diet, trying to lose lots of weight quickly. Other times we see patients who exercise like crazy in the hope of seeing fast results. Both approaches are wrong inasmuch as they are not sustainable over the long-term, and in some cases, can be downright dangerous. We try to make it very clear that weight loss is about moderation, which includes both healthy diet and exercise.

So what does moderation mean? It means that consistent long-term weight loss is safest without starving your body either of sustenance or rest. Weight loss after bariatric surgery is a journey and patients must be aware that trying to sprint to the finish line will only cause more difficulties and complications down the road.

As a bariatric patient, focusing on fast weight loss at all costs should be avoided as it can lead to malnutrition, and in some cases, eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia. The best option is to enlist support group partners, as well as our team of nutritionists and physical therapists, to ensure you are balancing your health with your weight loss. Support in this way not only offers accountability and guidance, it surrounds you with those who understand where you’ve been and where you’re ultimately going.