Coping With Summer Weather After Weight Loss Surgery
Although we all enjoy the seasonal changes and the warm weather, sometimes the heat can be too much of a good thing. In order to get the most out of bariatric surgery, keeping a healthy lifestyle is the key to success. This means that patients must drink plenty of water, eat a healthy, protein rich diet, exercise regularly and take daily bariatric vitamin and mineral supplements. Even with the best of intentions, the summer heat can but a damper of any healthy lifestyle. Here are some ideas on how to ensure that you adhere to a healthy summer lifestyle:
- Drink plenty of water. Water is the best source of hydration. Keep a sport’s bottle handy so you can sip water frequently and keep your thirst quenched. Stay away from sugary drinks such as sports drinks and fruit juices–they add little nutritional value and just add unnecessary calories.
- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol not only adds empty calories but also is dehydrating. Even though a cold beer may be tempting on a hot day, beer can lead to dumping syndrome (alcohol is easily converted into sugar by the body). Further, carbonation can stretch the pouch after Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy and the Lap Band.
- Keep up with your exercise routine. If you walk, you may consider walking early in the morning before the day heats up. Or you may want to exercise indoors by taking part of the bariatric exercise program at Griffin Hospital or joining an aqua-Zumba class or swimming at your local pool.
- Eat nutritiously. Sometimes, when the weather heats up, the appetite goes away. All you may crave in hot weather is fruit and salads. How are you going to get your recommended 75 grams of protein a day on veggies and fruit alone? Try making salads with beans, lentils, shrimp or grilled meats. If you are not hungry, try to keep up with your protein requirements by drinking a bariatric protein shake or nectar protein drink.
- Make your own frozen treats. It is hard to avoid ice cream and popsicles on hot days. Make your own with your bariatric protein shake! Add 1 ½ scoops of protein powder to 4 ounces of milk and 4 ounces of water, blend and freeze into popsicles molds or summer-shaped ice-cube trays. You’ll have a yummy treat and protein to boost, guilt free.
To find out more about bariatric surgery and the healthy lifestyle encouraged at our monthly On Track Workshops, please sign up for a free seminar. Kim Fisher, Bariatric Care Specialist, will gladly answer your questions about Griffin Hospital‘s patient centered approach to bariatric care.
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