So you are considering bariatric surgery, here is what you need to know. Bariatric surgeries can make changes to your body to help you lose weight by reducing the amount of food you can eat. Below are tips to ensure that after undergoing any bariatric surgery what all precautions should be taken in order to remain healthy. There is various equipment that can be used for mobility, also the proper intake of food and medicines and proper rest. There are several types of bariatric surgeries (weight loss). Some of them include:
- Rou-en-Y
- Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB)
- Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch(BPD/DS)
- Sleeve gastrectomy
After you have decides which surgery is right for you. Your surgeon and his team will educate you on the changes they will make to your lifestyle after the surgery. There are seven tips you can follow to improve your chance for a safe and healthy recovery.
- Develop a plan with the weight loss team pre-discharge
The bariatric team will furnish you with post-op instruction to make sure you have a safe recovery. They include:
-Post-operation diet: The diet should start with only liquids, then slowly proceed to soft foods and then to regular foods.
-Pain medication: Pain control schedule will be outlined to meet your needs.
-Daily activity: Step by step plan to implement an exercise routine.
-The food and activities you should avoid.
- Take pain medications prescribed
Weight loss procedures are normally minimally invasive, but some of the procedures can cause a lot of pain. You will be provided with pain medications sufficient enough to relieve your pain. Plan ahead for intense pain, if your pain keeps you from taking deep breaths, moving and walking, call your surgeon as soon as possible.
- Post-op instructions should be followed
Your body is affected by the surgery, and it needs the maximum blood flow to heal. To keep the blood flowing your body requires the following:
-Stick to your post-op diet
-Exercising can burn fat and conserves muscle
-Daily liquid intake to prevent hydration. If you can not drink liquids, then eat ice chips.
-Vitamins are excellent nutritional supplements.
-Take the pain medications as needed.
-Watch for symptoms such as fever, swelling, etc.
- Planning for a successful at-home recovery
Two or three days before you are discharged, you should have your home tailored to meet your mobility needs. Is your home safe for your limited movement is your bedroom readily accessible? Is there room in the bathroom?
And, is it safe for you to bath alone in your bathroom to maneuver? Let the bariatric team know your needs. They can recommend equipment from a place like safety and mobility bariatric equipment that can assist you. There are various types of equipment that can be used for mobility.
- Walking and exercising can speed up recovery
After your surgery, your body burns fewer calories. The body, then, uses muscles for your energy needs. Therefore, you must follow a routine of walking or exercising. Walking and exercising will accelerate the body’s healing process. However, your movement should start slow and build it up to an ideal routine of 35-45 minutes per day.
- Adhere to the post-operation diet
In the process of healing, you will need to drink liquid foods until you can manage solid food. You should eat food that is recommended by your bariatric team. Do not eat red meat and sugary foods or drink sodas. Surgery foods and drinks compromise your diet and cause complications. For success in your weight loss, you need to follow the nutrition guidelines.
- On-going Appointment Communication with your doctor
After your weight loss surgery, your physician will schedule several follow-up appointments. The first appointment will be ten days after the surgery. There will be initial appointments, which will include 21 days, 90 days, 180 days, 270 days and 365 days. Follow-up appointments are needed to monitor your healing process. If however, you are experiencing redness, swelling, fever or drainage for the wound, contact the bariatric team.
