What Happens after Bariatric Surgery?

Written By: Sharon Cretsinger

There are more and more bariatric surgery options available today for patients who need to lose a significant amount of weight for cosmetic or health reasons.  Some surgeries are fairly complex, and involve the physical removal of a part of the stomach or a re-routing of a part of the digestive system.  Other surgeries are performed laparoscopically and leave the internal digestive system relatively intact.  It is common for patients who are considering one of these methods of Weight loss surgery Washington DC to have questions about their lives post-surgery.

Bariatrics and Weight Management DC

Here are some common issues about which weight loss surgery patients request information:

• Returning to work:  It is important to schedule at least one to two weeks to recover from Bariatric Surgery Washington DC before returning to work.  The majority of patients have decreased energy for a time after surgery, so returning to work on a limited schedule may be the best solution.  Patients who have jobs where low energy can be dangerous should expect to take a bit more time off.
• Hernias:  Many patients are concerned that lifting or other kinds of physical exertion will cause a hernia at the incision site.  The reality is that this rarely happens.  Hernias are much more likely to be the result of a post-operative infection.
• Exercise:  Patients most often return to gentle exercise the first day after their surgery by taking short walks around the hospital.  Low-impact exercise is recommended for the first month or so post-surgery.  Swimming is not allowed until all surgical incisions are completely healed.
• Pregnancy:  Most recommendations say that waiting 12-18 months after surgery to get pregnant is ideal.  Patients who wish to become pregnant will be pleased to know that they are much more likely to be fertile at a lower weight.  Those who have lost a significant portion of their excess body weight will be at much lower risk for complications of pregnancy like gestational diabetes.
• Plastic surgery:  Patients often wonder if they will need follow-up surgery to remove loose skin after weight loss.  The reality is that many patients have much less excess skin than they expected.  If a follow-up surgery is needed, it may be covered by insurance under many circumstances.

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