Table 6 Week 1 and 2 teen LYFT post-metabolic and bariatric surgery content for adolescents

Motivation

On your way to your why: You’ve made it through your surgery process. The journey is just beginning. (‘CONGRATULATIONS, remember your ‘why’, you are on your way to achieving a healthier life. It’s up to you to make the choices that show your why to the world

‘Focus on your biggest goal.’ if it’s to enjoy time with family—get help with planning your health routine and see how they can support you. If it’s having more confidence, practice positive self-talk while you get ready for the day, or if you’re hoping to feel better in your body, be sure to get in plenty of walking at this time

Physical activity

Including exercise in your daily life after surgery is very important. You can start walking even 1 day after your surgery if you feel up to it. Remember to ask your doctor before engaging in any type of physical activity. Start walking for at least 10 to 15 min per day and increase your time by at least five minutes every day, Remember the FITT principle. “F” stands for frequency (how many times per day or week), “I” stands for intensity (how hard you are working). To simplify your intensity level, think on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being very easy and 10 being very hard. The first “T” stands for time and the final “T” for the type of exercise that you are doing. Aim to walk every day. You can do walking intervals several times each day such as 10 min in the morning, 10 min after lunch and 10 min in the afternoon. You also want to include some core stability and stretching exercises in your routine. Stop exercising if you feel any severe nausea, shortness of breath, have cold sweats, lightheadedness or irregular pulse or palpitations. Sit or lie down and if the pain does not go away after 5 to 10 min, call your provider. If the pain does go away with time, tell your health care provider about this incident at your next clinic visit. In the case of chest pain or discomfort, stop exercising and rest. If it does not go away in 2 to 4 min call 9–11. If it does go away, tell your healthcare provider

Stress management

“You’ve really committed to a healthier life! Now that you are post-surgery it will be more important than ever to manage your stress. Sometimes, even if a person didn’t realize it, there’s a role that food plays in comforting or easing them in times of stress. Some of this is natural and you’ll be back to eating soft and solid foods soon, but right now following your medical recovery plan with liquids only is required. The surgery and recovery process can bring about stress, but remember—you have skills and you have practiced ways to handle stress that can be safe and healthy right now. Try using your skills—spend time outside, try breathing strategies, take time with others, create art, stay appropriately active and remember to spend 15–30 min at a time using preferred technology or enjoying your favorite down-time activities. Really practice these skills and allow your mind and your body to recover from this big step you’ve taken in your bariatric surgery journey.”

Healthy eating

On the 2nd week after your surgery, you can start drinking full liquids. Full liquids contain more calories. They include low fat milks, unsweetened milk alternatives such as soy, pea or high protein almond milk, other low fat dairy products, sugar free pudding, protein powders, premade protein shakes and breakfast powdered drinks with no sugar added dissolved in low fat milk or water. Try to keep a regular schedule, having a full liquid in the morning, in the early afternoon, and in the evening each day