There are many patients who keep wondering what is life after bariatric surgery. what precautions need to be taken, is it involves a lot of compromises, and what all modifications need to be done are some of the questions that keep disturbing their mind. Bariatric surgery requires certain precautions and lifestyle modifications for the best results. This will not only help you recover faster but also ensure weight loss for a long period of time. Some of the necessary lifestyle modifications include:
DIET
Bariatric surgery causes modifications to your gastrointestinal chart. It requires permanent changes in your eating habits for successful and long-term weight loss. It is not necessary that every patient has to undergo similar dietary restrictions. There are several types of bariatric surgery. Depending upon the type of weight-loss procedure chosen, your dietary guidelines might vary.
According to Dr. Kapil Agrawal, who is one of the best bariatric surgeons in India, there are bariatric procedures like Mini Gastric Bypass, where there are minimal restrictions and patients can eat an almost normal diet and yet lose weight significantly and sustainably.
However, there are certain universal guidelines after weight loss surgery. It includes thoroughly chewing food, avoiding drinking liquids or water with food, restricting sweets and high-calorie foods, and omitting carbonated drinks.
RETURN TO WORK
We advise the majority of our patients to return back to their work after two weeks of bariatric surgery. your ability to resume before surgery levels of activity will vary according to your physical condition, the nature of your work, and the type of bariatric surgery you had.
We do not recommend any bed rest and we advise our patients to walk as much as possible from the second day after surgery but taking a break from the job is essential to rest, exercise, know your new digestive system and focus on your recovery.
EXERCISE
The best time to begin your exercise program is before your surgery. The earlier you start exercising, the easier it will be to resume your program after surgery. You will also benefit from having a plan in place prior to the procedure eliminating the need to establish one during your recovery phase.
can start brisk walking after 48-72 hours of surgery, start jogging and even driving after 10 days and join aerobics after 3 weeks, and lift weights in the gym after 4 weeks of surgery.
you must tell us if you are having some joint problems in which case we might advise you on some non-weight-bearing exercises like swimming, cycling, or exercise under medical supervision.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol causes gastric irritation and can cause liver damage. During periods of rapid weight loss, the liver becomes especially vulnerable to toxins like alcohol. Moreover, alcohol is very high in empty calories and may cause dumping syndrome.
We, therefore, recommend complete abstinence from alcohol for at least a period of one year after surgery.
TOBACCO
Smoking has a very bad effect on your health and patients undergoing weight loss surgery should refrain from smoking at least one month before surgery. it can increase complications like deep vein thrombosis, reduced circulation causing poor wound healing, and higher chances of cardiopulmonary complications.
It might even lead to ulcer formation in the stomach after bariatric surgery. The good news is, after weight loss surgery your craving for smoking might go down significantly, helping you leave this bad habit permanently.
BIRTH CONTROL AND PREGNANCY
It is best to avoid pregnancy for at least 18 months after bariatric surgery. It helps in stabilizing your weight before pregnancy and adapts your body to new metabolic changes after surgery. Weight loss following bariatric surgery leads to a healthy pregnancy, fewer complications, and ensures better health of the child.
MEDICINES
You must discuss all the medicines that you are taking before surgery. There can be certain medicines that can lead to weight gain and thus hamper the results of the procedure. You must also be careful regarding your blood pressure and diabetes medicine as their requirement may go down significantly or even completely following the benefits of bariatric surgery.
You must always consult your bariatric surgeon before starting any medicines for a long time or inform your treating physician regarding the bariatric surgery.
POSITIVE EFFECTS AFTER BARIATRIC SURGERY
Weight loss or Bariatric surgery is life-altering surgery and it has benefits beyond weight loss.
It causes complete resolution of diabetes in 80-90% of patients and there is a significant decrease in anti-diabetic medicines after surgery in the rest of the patients.
Bariatric surgery cures High blood pressure, Joint problems, PCOD, and fertility issues. It even increases your self-esteem, boosts confidence, and cures depression.
About Dr. Kapil Agrawal
Dr. Kapil Agrawal is one of the best weight loss surgery in Delhi, India, and is performing a complete range of Bariatric procedures at some of the finest and state-of-the-art hospitals in New Delhi, India. His team delivers the latest and best minimally invasive surgical techniques. He along with his team performs single or reduced-port surgeries as a more desirable option than the conventional four-port surgery. He offers a promising solution to patients looking for weight loss.
Beyond surgery, his team delivers a full spectrum of care before, during, and after the actual procedure. His practice ensures no hidden fees. He provides Bariatric surgery packages with unlimited follow-up for 12 months.