Taking Care of Yourself after Bariatric Surgery

Written by Jane Long

Weight loss surgery is going to be a challenge before, during and after the procedure. So, you need to be prepared for each stage of the process. Beforehand, you will have to go through a plethora of tests, both physical and mental, to make sure you are well enough to undergo such a drastic operation to control your weight. During the surgery, your body will basically be rewired to contain and digest food differently. But the real work starts in taking care of you after bariatric surgery.

Recognizing Complications

Recovering from weight loss surgery is much more than waiting for the incision to heal and the soreness to go away. You will have a list of physical restrictions, until the doctor feels you are ready to resume normal activities. He/she will also give you a list of potential complications and their symptoms. You will have to be careful. Otherwise, you can be setting yourself up for serious complications. Sometimes, despite following the doctor’s instructions and being very careful, you may have complications after surgery. So, you will need to be aware of certain symptoms, so you can call the doctor, if you think trouble is playing havoc with your body. For example, one of the most common complications of any surgical procedure is infection.

If your incision looks irritated or red, or begins oozing, you need to contact the doctor immediately. If you have a fever not explained by a 24 hour bug, it is time to get help. Even if you cannot see it, you may have an infection on the inside.

A couple of complications of bariatric surgery are the inability to eat. It is very uncomfortable to swallow and seems to get stuck going down. A related symptom is constantly throwing up whatever you try to eat. If you have had a banded bariatric procedure, something might have slipped. Otherwise, you might have developed a stricture in your digestive track.

Family Matters

To avoid potential complications after weight loss surgery, you will definitely need help around the house, especially if you have small children. For example, vacuuming will be taboo for the first few weeks. You will probably be asked not to drive until you have healed. Plus, you will definitely have weight lifting restrictions. So, you will not be able to pick up your kids or pets. Someone else will have to do the lifting and set them on your lap.

The examples are only a few of the no-no’s you will have to avoid for probably six weeks, assuming everything heals as expected. You will definitely need someone to help you around the house and check on you, even if you live alone. In fact, you will want to make arrangements to stay with someone, or have them stay with you, until you are able to get around better. Even a shower can be a precarious adventure. So, you will have to have a support system in place.

Medications

Taking medications after weight loss surgery can be a challenge. Before the procedure, you have probably been on several prescriptions. But, with rapid weight loss, the need and the dosage of many of your medicines can change quickly. You will need to establish a plan with your doctor to monitor your health and adjust any dosages as needed. In some cases, you may be taken off of a prescription, once your health starts to improve.

In addition, you will also have to be careful with over-the-counter medications. For example non-steroid, anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, Aleve, Advil, and more can cause bleeding. Especially since the surface of your stomach is now so small, the pills will likely dissolve in the same area, which can cause ulcers. Acetaminophen should be okay, but if you want to take any other medication not monitored by your doctor, be sure to okay it before you swallow.

Ups and Downs

After weight loss surgery, you will see the first pounds drop off quickly. You will be on the road to a healthier you. Finally you have the tools to fight this weight loss battle. You should be on top of the world.

Unfortunately, the reality includes both ups and downs post-operatively. You will have days that you feel absolutely wonderful. But, you will also have days you are depressed and wondering if you have made the right decision. You are absolutely, perfectly normal.

Part of the reason for your mood swings will be the constantly changing chemical balance in your body. You have taken drastic measures to get healthy, and your body is struggling to keep up. However, now that you know ups and downs are to be expected, you can discuss with your physician how to cope with the mood swings.

In short, coming home and recovering from weight loss surgery will be the most difficult part of the process. Life as you know it will change drastically. You will have to be more aware of your body and vigilant in monitoring your health for complications. You will definitely need help around the house, especially if you have small children. You will even have to monitor your medications carefully. Through all this, you will have great days and not so great days. Be prepared for both, and keep your eye on the end goal. You are going to get healthier, and stay that way.