Top 10 Mistakes After Wls

[Mschristmas 9]

Good list.

[chocolatetye 44]

Thank you for the information, it is very helpful

[Mini Me Wanna~Be 56]

I'm just in the starting stages of my weight loss journey and I find this to be very helpful. Thank you so much for posting this. I have copied it and added it to my Gastric Sleeve Info folder on my computer so I will always have it close. Thanks again :}

[pink grace 31]

That is really helpful thank you.

[Ready 2 Fly 22]

Good post Thanks!

[billyvmom 128]

Could see that unchecked I could easily start grazing again' date=' slack off on Water or portions. I need to keep this near me.[/quote']

Water is my cryptoniite I hate it and don't drink as much as I should.

[Holly5.3 423]

Love it! Thank you so much! I just w-mailed it to myself and am printing multiple copies for reference!

[Holly5.3 423]

Love it! Thank you so much! I just w-mailed it to myself and am printing multiple copies for reference!

E-mailed......sorry! It's still early - I'm blind! 

[moregoodtimes 331]

Thanks so much... really liked this article. Stored away in my "Stalls/Down in the Dumps" file for review as needed!

MGT

[mylifeinpink 349]

Tho is an amazing list! I'm going to borrow this!

Thank you so much for sharing! I'm not sure why people feel its okay to drink soda and alcohol as they do- probably because people tell them it's okay.... I guess if you don't make the total lifestyle change - people just Veiw it as another diet that will eventually fail:(

[tallysfunny 363]

Thanks Chad. As always you are so helpful to your sleeve family. Hugs my friend.

[Ljp 157]

Thanks for posting this! Helps keep things in perspective

[chad2rad 491]

Thanks guys, the goal is progress not perfection. You are worthy every good choice and step to a healthier you.

[Fiddleman 4,376]

Water is my cryptoniite I hate it and don't drink as much as I should.

I think it gets better. I felt the same way for 3.5 months after surgery. In last week i have started to drink tap again without flavor. That said, I am still really enjoy flavor in the Water. I want to wan off flavor because it is getting expensive to buy mio all the time and want to cut back on the additives found in mio/crystal light/etc.

[VitaleEM 44]

I came across this article at our local support group this week.

Found it to me a good list for personal evaluation and focus when I am off track. Wanted to share...

http://www.nawls.com/

In a November 2005 poll conducted by NAWLS' date=' the following were identified as the top 10 mistakes WLS patients make:

1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, supplements, or Minerals

Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results.

Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in Vitamins, supplements, or minerals include:

Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; Constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning.

Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible.

2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity

A “pink cloud” or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it’s hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back.

A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don’t change what you’ve always done, you’re going to keep getting what you’ve always gotten — even after weight loss surgery.

3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals

Yes, it’s hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating.

4th Mistake: Not Eating Right

Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals–don’t skip. Don’t keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren’t as tempted to make a poor choice.

And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your “absolutes” based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you.

5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water

Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of Water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too.

6th Mistake: Grazing

Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It’s one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It’s something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned Snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned Snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing.

Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement.

7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly

Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest!

8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much)

Let’s face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta–in moderation, of course. (Kamut Pasta doesn’t have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as “condiments,” rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies.

9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda

Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS–because when you’re drinking soda, you’re not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there.

10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol

If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it.

Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while Protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations.

If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn’t make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker.

This is good stuff! Thanks for sharing!