32 Alcohol Metabolism of alcohol is affected after surgery and therefore you need to be very careful when experimenting with your drinks. Even if you do not feel a difference in the effects of alcohol, your blood alcohol level will be much higher, and rise much faster, than it did before surgery. We highly recommend that you: Remember alcohol is also very high in calories; so regular drinking can slow your weight loss! It also dehydrates you and you’ll need to increase your water intake. If you choose to drink – drink in moderation: • Men - Limit 2 standard drinks a day • Women - Limit 1 standard drink a day • Ensure 3-4 alcohol free nights per week Fibre Fibre is important to keep your bowels regular. Initially your diet lacks fibre and therefore you may need to take a fibre supplement such as Benefiber™, with plenty of water. This increases bulk and should help with regular bowel activity. It is important to ensure adequate hydration whilst using Benefiber™, otherwise you may make the constipation worse. As your diet progresses you may include small amounts of whole grain breads and cereals and a good amount of fruits and vegetables as well as adequate fluids daily. Your daily exercise is also important in preventing constipation. If constipation is a problem, discuss this with your team. DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE, as the safe drinking guidelines do not apply to patients following gastric surgery. 1 STANDARD DRINK = 375ml “lite” beer OR 275ml regular beer 100ml wine 30ml spirit Exercise Successful weight control is a result of healthy eating AND regular exercise. The best type of exercise is one you can enjoy, and can continue to do on a regular basis. Exercise will help you to: • Improve or maintain your weight loss • increase your metabolism • Improve your general health and mental well being • Improve heart fitness • Improve diabetes and pre diabetes • Help keep your bones nice and strong A suitable long term aim is for 60 minutes of moderate activity such as a brisk walk, on all or most days of the week. Your body size and possibly painful joints may initially make it hard for you to exercise as much as you need to. As you lose weight, with less pressure on the joints, you should find that it is easier to mobilise. Start with simple exercises such as walking and swimming. Then gradually increase your levels to more vigorous exercise such as cycling and jogging. You should check with your doctor about the amount and type of exercise that is best for you. You should also try to increase your activity level in your daily life. • Stand rather than sit • Be outdoors rather than indoors • Walk rather than drive, when possible • Park your car further away from where you need to go so you can walk more • Climb the stairs rather than using the lifts
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