Surgery is a great boost to short-term weight loss, but what about long-term maintenance? Surgery gives you a “do-over” and allows you to feel full on a lot less food, which will definitely help you lose the weight. So, the biological need is fixed. But keeping weight off is a combination of dietary and behavioral changes.

The key elements of success are vigilant focus and discipline in four different areas: eating, physical activity, behavior and stress management, and medical care. You are in charge of your own lifestyle:

• Pay careful attention to what you eat (adequate protein, plenty of fluids) and your vitamin and mineral supplements.
  
  
• Daily physical activity is a must-do. Try walking for 30 minutes every day. 
  
  
• Address your emotional reasons for eating. That’s hard to do, but it’s essential for long-term weight stability. 
  
  
• Don’t forget about your doctor, even when you’re long past the surgery. 
  

Find this a lot to manage? Just make sure you have help and support, and you’ll be able to do it. You must do it all for long-term success. Whether it’s a family member or friend, a support group or therapist, a strong support system will help you through the ups and downs of lifelong weight management.