Bariatric surgery is often compared to a tool. If you use a tool correctly, it will work. If you don't use a tool corretly, it will not work. Are you using your tool correctly? Below your will find some common mistakes after bariatric surgery.

1.  Not taking vitamins
   • Remember that weight loss is not the sole focus of bariatric surgery. Vitamins are a key part of overall health and you should follow guidelines for the rest of your life.
2. Not exercising
   • Diet is only one part of your lifestyle change following surgery. Exercise does not mean you have to go to the gym daily or to the gym at all. The key to exercise is participating in something that is enjoyable for you. It is recommended that you exercise for at least 150-200 minutes per week. If you aren’t exercising at this time, don’t be overwhelmed by those numbers. You have to start somewhere, so start moving and improve your endurance over time.
3. No follow-up
   • Bariatric programs across the country have adopted a team approach to support patients before and after surgery. Follow-up appointments, for the first year, are made prior to surgery. Make sure that you are present at each visit and contact staff members if you are unable or need to reschedule. All staff members can be reached via phone or e-mail. You should also consider attending monthly support groups to stay on track. South Carolina Obesity Surgery Center Support Group
4. Grazing
   • All bariatric surgeries involve a decrease in portion size at meals. Establishing a meal pattern of 3 meals + 1 snack per day is recommended to prevent a grazing pattern. Grazing is a common habit that is developed post operatively because most patients are unable to tolerate large volumes of food and a small volume of food, several times per day, is better tolerated. Eating small volumes of food does not promote satiety and therefore can lead to an increase in the consumption of calories throughout a day. Try establishing a meal pattern of 3 meals + 1 snack per day and see how you feel. Keep in mind that your lifelong goal is to consume 60g of protein per day. If you think about consuming 15-20g of protein at each meal, you should be well on your way to achieving your goal and you should be feeling satisfied after your meals. Remember to drink fluids (avoid sugar-sweetened beverages) between meals. Your fluid goal is at least 64oz per day.
5. Eating and drinking at the same time

   • In most cases, surgery will NOT prevent you from consuming liquids and solids at the same time. This is a behavior change that we encourage you to make. Introducing a liquid and a solid at the same time might cause some discomfort, but it ultimately allows food to pass through your stomach faster. Avoiding liquids with your meals may allow also help you feel more satisfied at meals. Recommendation: stop drinking 15 minutes before your meal and resume drinking 30 minutes after the completion of your meal.