Penelope DiMaggio just had weight loss surgery. Her friends thought that weight loss surgery was like an instant pill – a weight loss surgery would make Penelope slim and trim. But that was not the case. Patients who undergo weight loss surgery (WLS) sign-up for a lifetime of rigid behaviors to guarantee their long-term success. Penelope had a rigorous routine ahead of her. These are the rules that she would have to live by, if she wanted to reap the results of weight loss surgery.

Protein: Gastric Bypass patients have to eat protein for three daily meals. Animal products are the most nutrient rich source of protein and include fish, poultry and meat. Dairy protein, including eggs, is another excellent source of protein. Nuts and legumes are also good sources of protein, but sometimes difficult for the bariatric patient to consume.

The body contains over fifty-thousand different active proteins all made out of the same building blocks: amino acids. Amino acids are made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen as well as sulfur, phosphorus and iron. Many diseases – including obesity – indicate an amino acid deficiency.

The distinction must be made between high fat proteins and lean proteins. A gastric bypass patient cannot tolerate high fat proteins such as bacon, fatty beef or sausage products or greasy fried chicken: these foods cause nausea and vomiting.

Drink lots of water: Gastric-bypass patients must drink a lot of water. Water is one of the most important nutrients the body needs to stay healthy, vibrant and energetic. Water regulates body temperature, removes wastes, carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells, cushions the joints, prevents constipation, flushes toxins from the kidneys and liver and dissolves vitamins, minerals and other nutrients for the body’s use.

No snacking: Gastric bypass patients are instructed to avoid snacking. If patients snack they cease to lose weight and could possibly regain weight. In addition gastric bypass snackers risk severe swings in blood sugar levels and glucose overdose, they fail to move forward to the healthy life that surgery makes possible.

Exercise: Patients must exercise regularly. Exercise means moving the body: walking, stretching, bending, inhaling and exhaling.