Some reasons for this question to emerge are that bariatric surgery often requires significant adjustments to diet, medication discipline, and daily routine. Moreover, it is a surgery, and any such procedure will worry patients and make them wonder if they can live normal lives after this.
This blog will explore what life looks like after bariatric surgery. It will focus on how your life will change immediately and how it will return to normalcy step-by-step. Let's begin.
Immediate Effect
After the surgery, your body will naturally need time to heal. Most patients who opt for bariatric surgery need at least 2 to 4 weeks to go back to the normal routine. During this period, you will start your diet with liquids and soft foods that will gradually move towards solid foods. You can return to work within 3 to 4 weeks after surgery, and there should not be any problem or restriction you may experience when you return to work. Let's talk about medication and other stuff you should focus on.Diet After Bariatric Surgery
You should consume a nutritional diet to improve muscle tissue health and your body's energy needs. However, the diet should be focused on limiting calories. Most patients are advised to consume between 500 and 700 calories for at least the first year after the surgery, and they should not consume more than 1000 calories a day, ideally. Your diet must be balanced and rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins. You should avoid high--starch and high--sugar foods; vitamin D, vitamin B12, multivitamins, and calcium intake are necessary to prevent deficiency.If you have received bariatric surgery and are looking for the perfect meal, it is also advisable to search for bariatric-friendly and budget-friendly options on our site (Doctors Weight Loss).
Medication and supplements
After receiving bariatric surgery, you will be prescribed several long-term and short-term medications, which generally include.● Ursodiol
This particular medication, prescribed for the period of six months after surgery, helps prevent gallstones in patients who experience rapid weight loss..
● Omeprazole
This is an important medication because it helps reduce the risk of developing ulcers in the digestive tract. Generally, the patient takes it for about 6 months or longer after surgery, depending on the individual case.
● Supplements
Since the focus is on low-calorie intake while maintaining the focus on overall nutrition, patients must receive enough supplementation, which includes calcium, crucial for bone health, and iron, recommended to prevent anemia. Calcium citrate is often recommended since it can be absorbed easily by the body. For iron supplementation, you must speak to your doctor, who will prescribe the right supplement options according to your individual needs.
● Be Disciplined
It is important to stay disciplined when it comes to medication and supplementation. Capsules, liquid medication, and curables can be consumed immediately after surgery, but make sure the doctor asks you to take the tablet medication in crushed form. This prevents medication from getting into your digestive tract.
Moreover, you must resume taking your usual medication for other conditions after surgery unless your doctor advises against it. Consultation with your primary doctor or provider is important for other diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and pregnancy.
Patients are often recommended to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) to reduce the possibility of stomach ulcers. Some examples of such medication are ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.
● Pregnancy and Birth Control
This is an important question since many patients are couples or married. Since patients experience rapid weight loss and body aches from the surgery procedure, and when you include the calorie deficit diet for the first few months, it is recommended that pregnancy be avoided in the first 12 to 18 months post-bariatric surgery. Suppose a woman becomes pregnant in the first year after surgery. In that case, it can prove dangerous for fetal health and even result in abnormal conditions in the newborn.
● Emotional and Social Adjustment
Post-bariatric surgery, patients experience rapid weight loss, which results in improved self-esteem; however, shedding rapid weight can result in skin loosening, and going through the phase of discipline, eating, exercise, and medication can be a little difficult for a few days. However, for most people, returning to work within 4 to 6 weeks and achieving the free surgery energy level is not difficult, and they can be in a good position emotionally and physically soon.
In fact, this surgery will open the door to a healthier and more active life. Bariatric surgery decreases the chances of health issues related to obesity. Moreover, you will be overjoyed and more motivated than ever to enjoy life. In case you need support, it is always recommended that you join a support group. Speaking to your friends about your journey and being positive after surgery is important.
● Regular Checkups
After bariatric surgery, you need to be disciplined about your frequent health follow-ups since these will help monitor your progress, adjust medication, and track your eating habits. Moreover, you will stay informed about your progress, and returning to normal life will be even easier.
