Bariatric Surgery: Postoperative Care and Changes

by Apollo Hospitals Delhi Touching Lives

A doctor can recommend bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, when natural weight loss methods like diet and exercise do not work. It is mostly done to treat life threatening obesity-related conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes. Bariatric surgery is done using minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.

It is important to note that bariatric surgery isn’t done for everyone who is severely overweight. Patients need to meet certain medical criterias in order to qualify for the procedure. Postoperative care includes several changes to one’s lifestyle and those undergoing weight loss surgery need to be willing to implement those changes to avoid complications. Let’s take a look at the postoperative care that is required after bariatric surgery.

1. Diet

Getting back to eating solid food will take time. Doctors will initially recommend liquid diets for some weeks and then shift patients onto soft diets. Eventually a patient can start eating solid food. Doctors would also suggest eating food rich in protein as well as protein supplements.

2. Supplements

Vitamin and mineral supplements are important in ensuring your body gets a balance of nutrients as fewer nutrients are absorbed from food after the surgery. Vitamin B12, calcium and vitamin D, iron and vitamin C and multivitamins are some supplements that a doctor would recommend. Not taking vitamin and mineral supplements could lead to life-threatening disorders and deficiencies.

3. Hydration

Constant hydration is important to avoid feelings of nausea, constipation, fatigue and kidney problems. Drinking too much water at once can overwhelm the stomach hence it’s recommended to have small sips at frequent intervals throughout the day.

4. Exercise

30-45 minutes of walking each day is beneficial for those who have undergone weight loss surgery. It builds a fitness routine, will help lose and maintain weight, and control blood glucose levels. Activities like walking, running and swimming can benefit patients. However, it is important to consult a doctor before performing intense exercises.

5. Smoking and alcohol

Patients are required to quit alcohol and smoking for good before and after bariatric surgery. Nicotine can interfere with healing and increases the risk of blood clots, heart attacks and pneumonia after surgery.

Post surgery, the body reacts differently to alcohol. Alcohol is absorbed quicker and stays for longer in the blood. This coupled with the emotional distress, a common feeling after surgery, could possibly lead to alcoholism.

6. Medication

Doctors may change doses of medicines that a patient is on. They may also suggest a liquid or chewable form of the drug. Medications may be prescribed for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Certain medications like NSAIDs may be discontinued as they irritate the stomach lining and could potentially cause ulcers.

7. Mental health

While losing weight can be beneficial to one’s mental health and self image, some patients could feel the opposite. A sudden change in appearance, extreme shifts in diet and the physiological effects of weight loss surgery can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. Doctors recommend counseling sessions before and after the surgery so that patients know what to expect and how to take care of their mental health.

Apollo’s Institute of Bariatrics has honed the practice of bariatric surgery over many years. With the experience of senior specialists like Dr. Arun Prasad, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital is able to offer some of the best bariatric surgery treatments in Delhi NCR.

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