Support & Follow-up Care

Post-Op Weight Loss Support Group

To help you stay focused and healthy throughout your post-operative weight loss journey, we offer a support group for individuals who have had bariatric surgery at UC San Diego Health. Participating in support groups enables you to stay motivated through sharing and discussing your challenges and triumphs with people who understand.

Our support group meets monthly. Registration is not required, but participation is open only to our post-operative bariatric surgery patients.

• The group focuses on the issues and changes associated with diet, nutrition and lifestyle that accompany weight loss surgery.
• It provides a safe environment where everyone can participate, share, ask questions, exchange advice and find support.
• It brings in speakers to discuss relevant topics and provide further education.

Post-Operative Care

Your commitment to a new lifestyle is crucial for lasting health and weight loss. Bariatric surgery is just a tool to help you lose weight, but you will need to watch your calorie intake and exercise regularly to maintain your weight loss.

Your surgical team provides long-term post-operative care to help you incorporate and maintain healthy habits. After your surgery, your daily regimen may include short- and long-term medications. Please follow your team's instructions closely, as they are critical to your recovery and success.

Dietary guidelines: You must follow the nutritional guidelines from your doctor after your weight-loss surgery. You'll get guidance on the kinds of food and drinks you can ingest in the weeks and months after surgery.

Vitamins and minerals: Because you are eating less, nutritional deficiencies can occur, meaning you may not get the vitamins and minerals you need from the food you eat. To prevent nutritional deficiencies and preserve muscle tissue, review general tips on vitamin and mineral supplements and eating balanced meals while limiting calories. You should have your labs checked regularly.

Exercise: You'll need to exercise regularly (at least 30 minutes a day) after your incisions have healed. Develop and maintain a consistent exercise program to strengthen your heart and bones, burn calories, develop muscles, increase your metabolic rate, improve your mood and relieve stress. Exercising can also improve your blood sugar control.

Maintain Weight Loss After Surgery

It's easy to regain the weight you lost as time passes and your habits change. However, weight gain is not inevitable after bariatric surgery.

We'll continue partnering with you to achieve your wellness goals and enjoy a healthy life. You can manage your weight loss with an effective nonsurgical plan customized to your needs through UC San Diego Health's Weight Management Program.

Our highly trained staff can help you maintain your healthy weight. Call 858-657-7237 for more information about post-op weight management.