You need to remain in communication with your weight loss surgeon near you after surgery to ensure you get the necessary assistance during recovery. Undergoing bariatric or weight loss surgery can be both stressful and exciting at the same time, especially for people who aren’t sure about the effects to expect after surgery. Many people also do not know what to look for when identifying potential problems. It is crucial to know when to call your bariatric surgeon, whether you are long term post-op or a new post-op.
It is recommended that you follow the medical instructions given by your surgeon and use your time resting adequately as your body heals. Early on after weight loss surgery, whilst in the initial recovery phase, it is important to remember that tiredness and pain are normal responses and pain relief medications will be prescribed when needed.
It is also important to remember that you need to walk as much as you can to prevent blood clots and to encourage circulation. You should avoid doing strong physical activities such as bending over, heavy lifting, sexual activity, and intense exercise. You should also have a family member or friend help you during this challenging time.
Know when to call a surgeon newly post-op
There are normal symptoms that present after bariatric surgery, derived from the weight loss surgery itself and the rapid and sudden weight loss experienced during your first 3 to 6 months. These symptoms may include lack of energy, mild pain, hair loss, lightheadedness, gas pain, flatulence, and constipation.
It is highly recommended to have a family member or a friend help you during this time. Coldness and temperature swings, among others, will cease after some time as you continue to heal and meet the protein, vitamin, and mineral requirements that your body needs. More often, the cause of some symptoms can be the fact that post-operative dietary guidelines and instructions aren’t being followed properly, so it is crucial to adhere closely to the recommendations given by your surgeon.
Most cases go without any complications, but you should be aware of any potential signs that will tell you something isn’t right. The most common issue that could happen is infection, but there is also a possibility of perforation or leak, so if you present any of the following symptoms, call your surgeon immediately or attend a local emergency department: an increase in breathing rate, excessive pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, redness, swelling or pain in arms or legs, you cannot tolerate any food, you experience continuous vomiting and nausea, and left shoulder pain.
When to call your bariatric surgeon long term post-op
After recovering from your surgery, you will gradually transition back to your normal life. For your entire life, you should remember that you are a bariatric surgery patient and that annual visits with your weight loss surgeon should be scheduled to ensure your nutritional needs are covered. You should visit your surgeon if you feel dizzy a lot, you are vomiting regularly after eating, you have constant diarrhea, you are sweating all the time, have chest pains, or you develop severe abdominal pain.
Written by Kirsty Jones. This article does not replace medical advice.
