How long after surgery will I have to be out from work?
- Most patients return to work in 1-2 weeks.
- You will have low energy for a while after surgery and may need to take it easy your first week back.
- Your surgeon will give you clear instructions on when you can resume full work duties.
- You will not feel well if you do too much too soon
When can I start driving after surgery?
- You can drive as long as you are not taking narcotic pain medication
When can I start exercising again after surgery?
- No lifting over 25 pounds for the first month
- Right away, you will start walking in the hospital
- Start slow, you will do mostly walking and low impact cardio your first month
- After surgery, exercises such as weights, sit-ups, pull-ups, or any abdominal straining should wait until you get the go-ahead from your doctor.
- Your surgeon will give you clearance to participate in all physical activities, usually 1 month post op
- Include aerobic, resistance and flexibility exercise into your routine for best results.
- Try different exercise programs to find the best fit for you. Support groups and gyms are excellent resources to learn about different types of exercise regimens.
- You can resume swimming 2 weeks after surgery, incisions should be healed over
How much exercise should I get?
- Current recommendations for activity are 45-60 minutes of moderate activity daily, including, but not limited to brisk walking, jogging, bike riding, swimming, or using exercise machines.
- Please make sure that you can safely tolerate and perform your chosen exercise routine
Can I go out in the sun after surgery?
- Avoid direct sun exposure to incision sites for the first year
- Use sunblock to sites there after
When can I get pregnant after surgery?
- Most women are more fertile after surgery
- Birth control pills are not as reliable during the time your weight is fluctuating.
- IUD and condoms are more reliable forms of birth control during this time
- Recommend waiting 18-24 months after surgery before getting pregnant, which allows you to reach a stable weight
- Less risk of experiencing gestational diabetes, eclampsia, fetal macrosomia
- Lower risk miscarriages and stillbirths than in obese women who have not had weight loss surgery
- Lower risk of needing a C section.
Will I need to have cosmetic surgery? Does insurance pay for cosmetic surgery?
- Most patients have some loose or sagging skin
- Individual appearance depends upon multiple factors, including weight loss, age, genetics, exercise and smoking status.
- Recommend waiting at least 18 months prior to skin removal surgery
- Cosmetic surgery for removal of excess abdominal and breast skin is sometimes covered by insurance for reasons such as excess moisture, hygiene, and rash issues.
Will I lose my hair after bariatric surgery?
- Some hair loss is common between 3 and 6 months following surgery.
- Hair loss will be noticed until the follicles come back and is almost always temporary.
- Adequate intake of protein, vitamins and minerals will help to facilitate hair re-growth, and avoid longer term hair thinning.
Can I go off some of my medications after surgery?
- As you lose weight, you may be able to reduce the dose or eliminate the need for medications used for the treatment of high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
- It is important to continue regular follow ups with your primary care provider or endocrinologist.
Are there any additional prescription medications I will have to take after bariatric surgery?
- Pepcid for acid reflux
- Actigall to prevent gallstone formation if you have not had your gallbladder previously removed
- Both medications are taken twice a day for 6 months after surgery
Are all medications crushable?
- Not all medications are crushable, it depends on the formulation of the drug
- In most cases, non-coated, immediate release tablets may be crushed.
- It is imperative to always check with your surgeon, primary physician, or pharmacist prior to making medication decisions.
- An online list of non-crushable medications is available at http://www.ismp.org/tools/donotcrush.pdf.
Which medications should I avoid after weight loss surgery?
- NSAIDS (Motrin, Naprosyn, Celebrex, Toradol, ETC.)
What can I do for acid reflux?
- Take post op medication as directed by your surgeon
- You can take oral antacids OTC only as needed per directions
- Avoid acid inciting foods such as red sauces, acidic liquids, peppermints, red wine, etc.
Will I regain the weight?
- As many as 50 percent of patients may regain a small amount of weight (approximately 5 percent) two years or more following their surgery.
- Studies find that most bariatric surgery patients maintain successful weight-loss long-term, which is defined as weight-loss equal to or greater than 50 percent of excess body weight.
Will I have serious health problems caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies?
- Weight loss surgery can lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals by reducing nutrient intake or by causing reduced absorption from the intestine.
- The more malabsorptive weight loss surgeries can increase the risk for protein deficiency.
- Deficiencies in vitamins, minerals and protein can negatively affect health, causing fatigue, anemia, bone and muscle loss, impaired night vision, low immunity, loss of appropriate nerve function and even cognitive defects.
- Fortunately, nutrient deficiencies following surgery can be avoided with appropriate diet and the use of dietary supplements, such as vitamins, minerals, and, protein supplements.
- Nutrient deficiencies and associated health issues are preventable with patient monitoring and patient compliance in following dietary and supplement recommendations.
- Issues related to deficiencies usually occur in patients who do not regularly follow-up with their team to monitor healthy nutrient levels.
Which vitamin and mineral supplements should I expect to take after weight-loss surgery?
- Multivitamin, calcium with vitamin D, and vitamin B12 supplement.
- Fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K are sometimes added to the regimen, as well as iron and folate depending on the amount of vitamin malabsorption.
- A chewable form is recommended, at least initially after surgery.
How long will I need to take vitamin supplements?
- Lifelong requirement.
How much protein do I need daily?
- Most patients require 60-80 grams daily
Can I take all of the protein in one dose?
- Protein should be consumed with each meal and snack throughout the day.
- Protein is a nutrient that keeps you feeling fuller longer
- Including proteins in each meal or snack helps you feel less hungry when it’s not time to eat.
How should I get my protein?
- There are multiple options even for those with special dietary needs or preferences.
- Meats, eggs, dairy products, tofu, beans, and lentils are common protein sources
- Protein supplements made from whey and soy are commonly found in stores and can help meet protein needs
- Calculate your daily protein intake to be sure that you are getting the full daily amount recommended
- As you are able to tolerate more regular foods, supplementation should become less necessary as you are taking in more food sources of protein
What happens if I don’t take in enough protein?
- The body needs additional protein during the period of rapid weight loss to maintain muscle mass.
- Protein is also required for a healthy metabolism.
- Without adequate amounts of dietary protein, the body will take its protein from your muscles and you can become weak.
Do I need to avoid caffeine after bariatric surgery?
- Avoid caffeine for at least the 30 days after surgery while your stomach is sensitive.
- Caffeine often comes paired with sugary, high-calorie drinks, so be mindful while selecting beverages
- Increases risk of dehydration
Why is fluid intake important?
- Dehydration is the most common reason for readmission to the hospital.
- Occurs when your body does not get enough fluid.
- Drink at least 64 ounces of fluid daily
- You can tell that you are getting enough fluid if you’re making clear, light-colored urine 5-10 times per day.
- Signs of dehydration can be thirst, headache, hard stools, dark urine or dizziness upon sitting or standing up.
- Call the surgeon immediately if you are unable to tolerate liquids
Can I drink alcohol after surgery?
- Alcohol is not recommended after weight loss surgery. Alcohol contains calories with minimal nutritional value
- The absorption of alcohol changes with gastric bypass and gastric sleeve because an enzyme in the stomach which usually begins to digest alcohol is absent or greatly reduced.
- Alcohol may also be absorbed more quickly into the body after gastric bypass or gastric sleeve.
- Studies have revealed that weight loss surgery patients reach a higher alcohol level and maintain higher levels for a longer period than others.
- Increase risk of alcoholism after surgery
When can I fly?
- 1 month after surgery
When can I go on a cruise?
- There is no restriction
- Be mindful of diet
When can I get a tattoo or piercing?
- We recommend that you wait at least 1 month
When can I have dental work done after surgery?
- Routine cleanings can be done at any time
- If contemplating elective oral surgery, it is best to wait 3 months after surgery to receive anesthesia again
When can I have sex after surgery?
- Can resume intercourse when you feel comfortable
When can I schedule an elective surgical procedure?
- It is recommended you wait at least 3 months before receiving anesthesia again
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