Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure for individuals struggling with obesity, providing a path to significant weight loss and improved health. However, like any surgical procedure, weight loss surgery has potential side effects and adjustments during recovery.
In this blog, we’ll discuss common side effects of bariatric surgery, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, and offer tips for minimizing discomfort during the adjustment period.
Understanding Common Side Effects of Bariatric Surgery
Nausea and Vomiting
When you are recovering from bariatric surgery, nausea and vomiting are common side effects during recovery. These symptoms are often triggered due to rapid weight loss and changes in diet.
Here are some tips for dealing with these symptoms:
- Eat Thoughtfully: We recommend that our patients gradually introduce solid foods into their diets, chew thoroughly, and eat slowly to aid digestion.
- Stay Hydrated: It will also be crucial for patients to stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day.
- Avoid Trigger Foods: We also suggest that our patients avoid carbonated beverages and foods with high sugar or fat content, which can make nausea worse.
Abdominal Discomfort
Many patients experience abdominal discomfort after weight loss surgery because of incisions, internal swelling, or changes in digestive processes.
Here are some tips for relieving this type of discomfort after surgery:
- Follow Instructions: We can’t emphasize enough how important it is for our patients to follow our instructions to the letter, especially regarding pain management medications and proper wound care.
- Get Physical: Of course, we aren’t suggesting you start running marathons right away, but some light walking will promote circulation and aid in recovery, even if you’re just moving around your house.
- Seek Warmth: To alleviate soreness, use heating pads, warm compresses, or heated blankets, but do not place any of these things directly on the surgical incisions.
Loose Skin
Another concern some of our patients have is loose skin after weight loss. This side effect occurs in some patients when you experience significant weight loss. In order to manage loose and sagging skin, you should focus on staying hydrated and building muscle to help fill out loose skin and improve your overall appearance. It’s important to note that you should not start strength training after weight loss surgery without the go-ahead from your doctor.
In some cases, patients with excess skill may need to visit a plastic surgeon for a body lift or abdominoplasty.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are another skin concern that is a common side effect of weight loss surgery. While we believe everyone should love their body, flaws and all, stretch marks can become a point of diminished confidence for some. In order to manage your stretch marks and reduce their appearance, we’ve put together some helpful tips.
- Nutrition: If you stick to a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and nutrients, your skin will be healthier and have more elasticity.
- Topical Treatments: Many creams and oils with vitamin E and other ingredients are on the market to improve the skin’s appearance. A skilled dermatologist can tell you exactly what to use for your skin type.
- Microneedling or Laser Therapy: A dermatologist might recommend treatments like microneedling or laser therapy to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, as these procedures stimulate collagen production.
Dumping Syndrome
Dumping syndrome happens when your food gets “dumped” into the small intestine without being digested. This possible side effect of weight loss surgery can cause bloating, swelling, pain, and other symptoms. In order to limit this symptom, we advise you to monitor your diet—avoid sugar, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and dairy products. Instead, consume balanced meals that are high in protein and fiber.
Patients recovering from weight loss surgery should also eat six small meals a day rather than the usual three. Smaller meals eaten throughout the day help prevent dumping syndrome and will also keep you from snacking or binging in the night. Additionally, incorporating water into your hydration plan is crucial. Dehydration makes dumping syndrome worse, so be sure you’re consuming enough water each day—avoiding large amounts of water during meals.
Other Tips for Alleviating Discomfort After Weight Loss Surgery
If you have a good plan and follow your doctor’s instructions, you can alleviate discomfort after weight loss surgery. Here are some tips we recommend for dealing with discomfort after bariatric surgery.
- Follow Dietary Guidelines: Stick to the prescribed diet plan we provide at BMI. Start with clear liquids, then progress to pureed and soft foods before trying solid foods. Never skip meals; listen to your body for hunger and fullness cues.
- Stay Hydrated: It is vital to stay hydrated during the healing process and for your overall well-being. Drink water consistently throughout the day (at least 64 ounces). Avoid carbonated and sugary beverages.
- Practice Mindful Eating: Avoid overeating by listening to your body’s signals. Eat small, frequent meals, and chew food thoroughly to aid digestion. We find that it helps to avoid distractions like TV or other devices while eating, as this can lead to mindless eating.
- Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments with the team at BMI will be essential for monitoring your progress and addressing your concerns and any complications that may be causing your discomfort.
- Incorporate Physical Activity: Exercise is crucial after bariatric surgery. We recommend that our patients gradually add light exercise into their daily routines. We might suggest you try swimming, walking, or gentle stretching to improve circulation based on your recovery journey.
Find Support Managing Side Effects After Bariatric Surgery at BMI
While weight loss surgery can lead to significant improvements in your health, it is crucial to stay knowledgeable about what to expect during each stage. That means being prepared for any potential side effects. Bariatric surgery will change your life in many ways, but you don’t have to manage side effects alone.
At Birmingham Minimally Invasive, we are there with you for every step of your weight loss journey, including managing any side effects or other concerns that may arise after your surgery. We’ll help you implement proactive strategies to minimize discomfort and navigate your weight loss journey with confidence and resilience.
Healthy and Happy Living After Weight Loss Surgery at BMI
Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery supports you by ensuring you have a clear understanding of what to expect in each stage of your weight loss journey, including how to manage any side effects or discomfort. Our compassionate team will be here to answer all questions and concerns as they come up.
If you have specific concerns or questions, contact BMI for personalized support. You can call us anytime at (205) 858-1211.
