Have you ever wondered how life would be after you or someone you know undergo bariatric surgery? Well, there is nothing new under the earth, hence you don’t have to worry. In this article, we shall unveil some prime areas you should know about. The following are some of the things you should get acquainted with;
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Well for some, who do not know what bariatric surgery is all about, it’s a weight-loss treatment option for individuals suffering from obesity. It is designed for people who find it challenging in losing weight with other weight-loss strategies.
There are two main types of bariatric surgery that are; sleeve gastrectomy that focuses on stomach fat removal and gastric bypass. Irrespective of the type of weight loss surgery, you are bound to experience the same lifestyle changes.
According to Dr. Harsh Sheth, laparoscopic GI and bariatric surgeon in Mumbai, practicing at Saifee Hospital, “In many cases, weight-related medical conditions can be resolved or improved by bariatric surgery. Gastric bypass resolves type 2 diabetes in over 90% of patients, while gastric banding cures it in more than 70% of the patients. More than 85% of patients have their sleep apnea corrected, and nearly half of them notice a reduction in their risk of heart disease.”
Bariatric surgery is no longer considered to be a cosmetic procedure done in order to lose weight it is rather carried out in order to resolve health conditions arising due to obesity. Overall it gives the patient a better quality of life. In Mumbai, recently this surgery has become very common. At Saifee Hospital, that has a reputation in carrying out successful bariatric surgery in Mumbai, over the years, has seen a demand surge in this surgery. One reason may also include, the fact that Insurance companies are now providing medical insurance for bariatric surgery.
What to Expect Immediately After Bariatric Surgery
Below are some major things you should do or expect immediately after you or your loved ones undergo weight loss surgery;
- Meal Changes Within Two Weeks
- Pure Diet
- Avoid Exercise and Difficult Tasks
- Extreme Rest
Meal Changes Within Two Weeks; Immediately after the surgery, your doctor would recommend two weeks of a liquid meal or bariatric soft diets. Diets like protein shakes, juices or broths are the most frequent diets, you should take at this stage.
Pure Diet – Once it is beyond two weeks of bariatric surgery, a patient should eat soft meals like eggs, yoghurt, beans or soup. This stage should take about a month or eight weeks. This process aids easy digestion. During this period, patients must avoid hard meats, pasta, fresh vegetables, rice or bread.
Avoid Exercise and Difficult Tasks– After a month or weeks of bariatric surgery, the patient should avoid hard exercise like running or swimming. Even lifting heavy pounds is not allowed. The primary exercise at this stage is walking, or climbing steps. You can lookout for a weight loss supplement recommended by your doctor.
Extreme Rest– Do not overstress yourself after bariatric surgery. Oftentimes, patients rush to work or engage in strenuous activities immediately after surgery. This act can be detrimental to your health. Please, you need to rest, and avoid work or workstations for now. The first 6 weeks for resting, not to indulge in a rigorous act.
What to Do After a Month to Eight weeks of Bariatric Surgery
Below are some of the things you should. Life is gradually returning to normal, hence, you can do things you couldn’t do, during or immediately after bariatric surgery;
- Begin Your Favorite Meals
- Meal Plan
- Resume your work or Exercise
Begin Your Favorite Meals– At this stage, a patient can be reintroduced to their special delicacies. The patient should maintain low-fat and low-carb meals for quick recovery and avoidance of excess fats.
Meal Plan– The patient should expect a meal plan or nutrition guide from bariatric experts to help you stick with the recommended meal. This is very significant for quick recovery and lifetime success.
Resume your work or Exercise– Engaging in regular exercise is vital. A regular workout is one of the main things you should expect after bariatric surgery. It is highly recommended for your total well-being. The importance of exercise to a patient’s quick recovery cannot be undermined. You can begin by sitting on a chair or walking. The faster you get on your feet the easier your healing process.
Reach out to us for more information or what to do after bariatric surgery, we would be glad to hear from you.
Dr. Harsh Sheth, (MS – general surgery, Postdoc in surgical gastroenterology, Fellowship in minimal access surgey)
Dept. Bariatric Surgery
Laparoscopic GI & Bariatric Surgeon
Saifee Hospital, 15/17, Maharshi Karve Rd, Charni Road East, Opera House, Girgaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004
Contact : +91 98193 88836
