Q & A

While most patients can expect to lose an average of 70% of their starting weight in the first few years after surgery, how successful they are in keeping the weight off all depends on whether they maintain a healthy lifestyle. We encourage patients to focus on eating more protein, eating smaller meals throughout the day and getting regular exercise. Past studies show that most gastric bypass patients maintain their weight loss for at least 20 years, with many more maintaining beyond that.

Generally speaking, most patients lose an average of 70% of their starting weight within the first few years following bariatric surgery.

Yes, a special diet is required to help your stomach heal. For the first few days after surgery, your doctor will instruct you to only drink clear liquids, followed by nonclear liquids for the rest of the first week. Next, you’ll incorporate pureed foods, like cooked cereals or soft scrambled eggs, back into your diet in the following weeks. At about four weeks post-surgery, you’ll slowly be able to reintroduce other soft foods like cooked vegetables or soft fruits. Your doctor will advise you on when it’s safe to return to solid foods (usually around three months post-surgery).

Because bariatric surgery changes how long food is in your body and how much the body absorbs, all patients are required to take vitamin and mineral supplements for the rest of their lives to ensure they’re getting all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Your bariatric surgery team will provide you with supplement recommendations based on your personal health needs.

Research shows that creatine can improve cognitive functioning, especially for older adults. This is because our brains also require plenty of ATP to function properly. Several studies have shown that taking creatine may help treat:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Epilepsy
• Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease
• Traumatic brain injuries

Once creatine enters your bloodstream, its primary function is to help regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), our body's main energy currency. Our bodies naturally use ATP stores very quickly, meaning we have limited energy. That’s why when we lift heavy objects or weights, we can only do so for a limited time. But creatine helps slow the loss of ATP, giving us a little energy boost. Essentially, creatine helps give muscles the energy they need to perform high-intensity training activities. It also helps reduce the amount of muscle that breaks down during workouts and supports their growth.

Since creatine pulls water into your muscles, staying properly hydrated for other bodily functions is important. It’s recommended that you drink 3 to 4 liters of water every day, or 12 to 16 cups.

It’s generally safe for women to consume creatine. Research shows that women who take creatine, combined with resistance training, may show signs of muscle growth. But it’s important to know that its effect may not be as great because of the differing hormones and physiological makeup between men and women.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, don’t take creatine.