Many people struggle with weight loss and obesity is a difficult hurdle to overcome. Being excessively overweight can lead to additional health problems such as diabetes, heart diseases, strokes and other problems.
For this reason, it’s sometimes necessary to seek medical intervention sometimes necessary to seek medical intervention in the form of bariatric surgery which refers to various different weight loss surgeries that help overweight people to overcome these issues.
Recovery
After bariatric surgery, there is a long recovery process. You will need to follow strict diet regulations for months, and some of these restrictions will continue for life.
Directly following your surgery, of which you can read more here about the various surgical options on offer, you will be restricted to a liquid diet for a number of weeks, gradually introducing soft and pureed foods and then moving on to more solids as time goes by.
The recovery process is long and your digestive system will need plenty of time to adjust while you lose weight. During this initial period, caloric intake and nutrition are crucial, and many professionals suggest supplements like unflavored protein powder for bariatric patients.
Side Effects
As with any surgery or procedure, bariatric surgeries come with their own risks, complications and potential side effects. It’s important to discuss any potential risks with your health practitioner before undergoing surgery.
Some of the most common side effects experienced after bariatric surgery include chronic nausea and vomiting, an inability to eat certain foods after your surgery, the development of acid reflux issues.
More long-term side effects include the potential of malnutrition, low blood sugar, and hernias, amongst others. However, keep in mind that these side effects are only potential risks and do not necessarily apply to every case.
Moving Forward
Your bariatric surgery is a tool to assist you with weight loss, but you will still be required to put in the long-term work in order to lose weight and maintain the weight loss.
Going forward after you have made a full recovery, you’ll need to be committed to focusing on a low-calorie and balanced diet, supplementing with vitamins like bariatric protein shakes, partaking in regular exercise and making use of support groups.
You’ll also need to commit to adhering to regular follow up appointments with your surgeon to make sure that you and your body are on track and coping with the changes.
While this surgery is clearly a lifelong journey, it can truly be one that changes your life for the best. Bariatric surgery offers you the tools to truly become capable of changing your life and implementing the changes that will turn your health around and allow you to live a long and fulfilling life.
The Takeaway
Due to the long-term struggles that it can involve, bariatric surgery is usually considered as a last resort for people who have exhausted all other methods of weight loss and cannot achieve the results naturally for whatever reason.
After a long recovery, you will also need to maintain your strict diet and lifestyle changes throughout your life, but the results of full health and a comfortable body are often worth the journey.
