Bariatric Surgery

One thing that keeps many people who need to lose weight from getting the weight loss surgery is fear of what happens

after bariatric surgery.

What happens after bariatric surgery is of course up to the individual involved and the effort that is put into loosing the weight and keeping it off, but the statistics say most lose at least their goal weight and keep it off for a long time.

Will they feel very sick and run down with no energy?
Will they miss their favorite foods?
Will they have excess skin folds when the weight drops?
Will they gain the weight back?

After bariatric surgery is initially completed a patient is restricted to a clear liquid diet.  This liquid diet can include clear broth or diluted fruit juices and sugar-free gelatin.

This initial diet needs to continue until the gastrointestinal tract is recovered enough from surgery to hold food.  The next diet includes blended or pureed sugar-free diet items such as skimmed milk, cream of wheat, cream soup, pureed fruit and even small amounts of mashed potatoes with gravy.   It’s very important to keep to small amounts of food, but this is made easier by the surgery itself.   Overeating stops because the capacity of the stomach causes nausea and even vomiting if the diet restrictions are exceeded.  As more foods are introduced it’s important to not over eat and still maintain as good a nutritional intake as possible.

Often doctors will recommend a daily multivitamin after bariatric surgery to keep up energy levels.   Studies have shown that after bariatric surgery taking probiotics or the “good” bacteria in yogurts and supplements can help with weight loss.  Probiotics can improve functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and help bariatric surgery patients lose weight faster.

It’s not a bad idea to begin saving for plastic surgery even before having the bariatric procedure.  Because of the quick loss occurring after bariatric surgery removal of excess skin is usually needed. Insurance companies will probably not be a help, but saving up and choosing a good plastic surgeon specializing in body lifts is a good way to maintain a positive body image.

It should be remembered that despite some of the side effects and life changes caused during and after bariatric surgery this is one of the fastest, effective weight loss measures available.