Most patients are very nervous right after surgery. It’s important to listen to your body and not be afraid to seek help from your bariatric team. Some symptoms can result from the actual procedure, but others are often related to your food choices.

First and foremost, follow the guidelines of your diet plan. Make sure you “listen” to your new signals of fullness—they’re likely to be higher up around your rib cage. Stop eating before you are full. Instead, aim for a feeling of contentment, even though you could eat a little more. If you overfill the pouch, you may experience pain, nausea, vomiting or “dumping” syndrome (a severe form of diarrhea and cramping). These symptoms can be minimized if you are careful in your eating. Make sure you try new foods in tiny quantities—a bite or two—to see if you can tolerate them. There are many reasons for discomfort after eating—the food’s texture, flavor and serving size among them.

Pay attention to your energy level—it should get stronger every week. If you are constantly fatigued or “out of it,” you might have a vitamin or mineral deficiency. This can happen even in the early weeks after surgery. You’ll gradually get better acquainted with your new body and feel more confident in what is normal for you. Meanwhile, when in doubt, seek your doctor’s help!