Lean Body Mass refers to the mass of the body that is free of adipose tissue. Thus, lean body mass is the sum of the weight of bones, skin, muscles, organs and everything else except fat. If the weight stays stable then lean body mass will decrease in direct proportion to the increase in fat. Bioelectric impedance analysis is one of the methods used for measuring lean body mass. A calculation of the lean body mass helps in understanding the amount of muscle lost or gained during a period.

Long-Term Diet Suggestions

Your bariatric procedure is permanent. You typically only have one chance at success and you need to concentrate on losing as much weight as possible and then fighting to maintain that weight-loss. Because of the nature of the surgery, you must focus on lifestyle changes.

Healthy choices will help you for the rest of your life.

Solid Foods after Bariatric Surgery

Like the other phases of the post-bariatric surgery diet, the exact timing of Phase III of your diet will vary. Phase III of your diet typically starts at the beginning of week 5 and continues for the rest of your life. The goal is to choose healthy, balanced meals and make lifestyle changes to become the new healthy you. You should continue to follow your previous routine that you used for previous diet phases for meal times and vitamin supplementation.

Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery

Obesity is a worldwide problem of increasing prevalence. Ideally, and in its less severe stages, obesity can be controlled with diet management and a regular exercise program. At times, obesity may be so severe that it is termed morbid obesity. Weight loss surgery, including gastric bypass and the gastric sleeve are surgical procedures whose utility in combating morbid obesity are recognized by both medical and surgical specialists. Patients who have a BMI greater than 35 or those with a BMI of 30 or more who are also suffering from life-threatening illnesses curable with weight loss are considered as possible candidates for bariatric surgery.

Clear Liquid Diet

Phase I – Liquid Diet Guidelines after your operation

You will be on this phase for at least 2 weeks after your surgery. You will feel full from liquids and may not meet your fluid goals the first few days. During this phase you must consume liquid only and avoid all solid foods. Your primary source of energy and protein will be protein shakes.

Challenges After Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery does not change your life in terms of job, family and other psychosocial aspects. If some areas of your life are causing you to eat you might want to take a step back and evaluate the situation. You must try very hard not to use food as an outlet. Set consistent meal times and follow that routine. People tend to bury their feelings in food. Food is often used as a comfort source for many emotions. It’s like our best friend. Bariatric surgery provides a tool to control your portion sizes and combined with our program, can teach you to choose your foods wisely.

How to Measure your Waist to Hip Ratio

The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is the ratio of the circumference of the waist to that of the hip. The proportion of fat stored in the abdominal area to that stored in the hip region is an important indicator of the risk for a number of conditions. These conditions include major health risks such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. A high WHR increases the chances of acquiring these conditions.

Sleeve

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive procedure that reduces the size of the stomach but does not alter the gastrointestinal tract or the pylorus. Because the route of ingested food through the gastrointestinal tract is not altered, nutrients are better absorbed. The patient is less dependent on vitamin supplements as the food is absorbed in a more natural manner.

Excess Skin and Body Contouring Post-Bariatric Surgery

It’s good to keep in mind that you’re on the final stage of returning your body to a healthier, better-looking condition. To help you through this stage you can consider body contouring and excess skin removal to improve the shape and tone of your underlying tissue. Although the skin incisions are significant, the result is a more normal appearance to the body, with smoother contours.

Extra skin in the arms after bariatric surgery

The Process of Bariatric Surgery with Dr. Belsley

Welcome to the first step in your consideration of weight loss surgery with Dr. Belsley at Mt. Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital Center. We understand that you have a choice in your medical care and will do his best to answer your questions and ensure you a safe, personalized and individual experience throughout your weight loss. You must continue on your new path as it is one that you must walk for the rest of your life. Please keep in mind that bariatric surgery requires continuing positive lifestyle change and is not a substitute for dieting.