Bariatric surgical procedure transforms the lives of all seeking weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. Much like any other surgical procedure, it too has its own postoperative side effects and risks. Bariatric Surgical Center of Tuscaloosa has an objective—to make patients understand that awareness of these side effects and being well-informed helps in recovering with confidence.
In this blog post, we will list common side effects after bariatric surgery and possible complications and how to deal with them. We believe it’s a must for each patient to know potential changes within the body after bariatric surgery and the symptoms she or he may face along the way.
“Potential side effects are not a reason to panic but to be informed.”
This is our credo, and we can confidently say that not a single time did it prove itself wrong! First and foremost, it’s essential to know that having specific symptoms after bariatric surgery is common and doesn’t necessarily mean something has gone wrong. Being knowledgeable about the topic can help you better handle these side effects and take the appropriate advice from your doctors whenever necessary.
Hair loss is quite common following bariatric surgery; it generally happens three to six months after surgery. Such baldness is usually temporary and occurs due to the rapid loss of weight and the changes in the nutritional intake of your body. Good dietary intake with sufficient protein, vitamins, and minerals will reduce hair loss. Consult a dietitian for proper and specific advice on how you could support your nutritional intake.
Diarrhea is another common concern reported by some patients following bariatric surgery, possible due to dietary changes, lactose intolerance, or a condition known as dumping syndrome, when food moves too fast from the stomach into the small intestine. Diarrhea can be controlled by avoiding sugar and fatty foods, keeping the body well-hydrated, and seeking individualized dietary advice from your healthcare provider.
Heartburn, or acid reflux, is another unpleasant side effect that can occur after bariatric surgery. This happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest. To manage heartburn, avoid spicy and acidic foods, eat smaller meals, and avoid lying down immediately after eating. Over-the-counter medications may also help, but it’s best to consult your doctor for the most appropriate treatment plan.
Nausea is a very common complaint after bariatric surgery, specifically during the first few weeks following surgery. This can result due to the reduced stomach size or other dietary changes and/or intolerance to various kinds of food. If you are having issues with nausea, then eat small, frequent meals and chew your food well; avoid foods that are high in fat or sugar content. Your doctor may provide medication for nausea if it persists.
It might sound ironic, but gaining weight is also a potential issue after bariatric surgery. Although the surgery is done to attain weight loss, in some people, weight gain happens if they are not following the doctor’s advice on diet and lifestyle. This might be due to fast food habits, a lack of exercise, or negligence of the postoperative guidelines given by your healthcare team. Keep your commitment to your new way of life, and regularly visit the bariatric surgeon for follow-up so that you will be able to confirm that you are on the right track.
1.Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and support your body’s healing process.
2.Follow Your Diet Plan: Adhere to the dietary guidelines provided by your healthcare team to ensure you receive adequate nutrition.
3.Take Your Supplements: Regularly take any prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent deficiencies.
4.Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds to different foods and activities, and make adjustments as needed.
5.Seek Support: Join a support group or connect with other bariatric surgery patients to share experiences and gain valuable insights.
Trying to maneuver healing processes after bariatric surgery on your own can be detrimental to your recovery and overall health as intervention makes changes within your gastrointestinal system. Not having professional advice, you may misinterpret the symptoms, side effects and concerns or miss some critical nutritional needs. This form of self-managed approach can give rise to a deficiency of nutrients, improper healing of wounds, or even weight regain.
Keeping in contact with professionals would help through personalized guidance, proper supplementation, and intervention just in time for any emerging issues. This will therefore enhance your chances of a successful recovery. Safely going through the challenges of postoperative care depends on faith in your doctor and yourself as a team!
While challenges may come with the journey of a bariatric surgery treatment, this post should help you understand the importance of relevant information. We hope you received the knowledge and found answers regarding bariatric postoperative side effects in our small guide. Remember that awareness is the first step to a successful recovery. Stay informed, follow your doctor’s advice, and give positive changes that bariatric surgery can bring into your life a chance.