Bariatric Surgery After-care: 6 Things to Keep In Mind
Have you recently had a sleeve gastrectomy or another type of weight loss surgery in Singapore? Then congratulations--you are well on your way to having a healthier life. But the journey does not stop here. You should also take care of yourself after the operation to avoid complications.
Here are several things your weight loss surgeon would like you to know so you can recover and manage your weight successfully.
6 After-Care Tips After Having Weight Loss Surgery in Singapore
Have Regular Follow-up Visits to Your Doctor
Your healthcare provider and weight loss surgeon will want to keep a close watch on your progress after the bariatric surgery. So make sure to follow your scheduled check-up appointments so they can better monitor your health and treat complications promptly.
The time in between visits varies per physician, but you can typically expect follow-up check-ups every few weeks for half a year. Eventually, the visits will be every few months or so until they become annual appointments.
Stay Active but Do Not Strain Yourself
It is normal to feel weak and exhausted for weeks after your sleeve gastrectomy. However, we do still recommend being physically active to help you lose weight. You can start with less strenuous exercises such as taking short walks.
Your doctor can also advise you on gradually intensifying your exercises as you recover from the surgery. Consider working with a trainer or therapist as well--they can help you get started without straining yourself too hard.
Mind Your Food Choices
Your doctor will provide a diet plan after the weight loss surgery in Singapore, so be sure to follow their advice and mind what and how much you eat. This means:
- Avoid or limit your sugary and fatty food intake
- Drink water only and not carbonated or caffeinated drinks
- Avoid foods you are sensitive to, such as dairy or gluten
- Avoid foods that could block your stomach, such as rice or bread
- Take the supplements prescribed to you.
It is important to get the nutrients needed to help you recover well without consuming too many calories or upsetting your digestive system. Your body is still getting accustomed to your modified stomach or intestines, so it is best not to strain it.
Don’t Skip Meals
Eating properly is crucial to your recovery after the weight loss surgery, so stick to the diet plan and do not skip meals. You need to consume small amounts of food and liquids every few hours or so to avoid dehydration, prevent nutrient deficiencies, and get your stomach and intestines adjusted to the changes.
Adopt Healthy Eating Habits
Besides giving a diet plan, your doctor will also advise you to adopt several mindful eating practices. For example, you should chew carefully and eat tiny portions at a time so your stomach can digest better. You may vomit and get nauseated if you eat too fast and too much all at once.
Side Effects to Watch Out For After Your Sleeve Gastrectomy
Severe complications after bariatric surgeries are rare. But do contact your weight loss surgeon or physician if you experience one or some of the following symptoms while in recovery:
- You have intense stomach pain that does not disappear or worsens.
- There is swelling, pain, and thick discharge from the surgical wound.
- You find red or black streaks in your stool, which indicate internal bleeding.
- You often vomit or suffer from heartburn.
- You have difficulty swallowing or breathing and have erratic heartbeats and chest pain.
- You have chronic diarrhoea and high fevers.
Conclusion
Having a successful weight loss surgery in Singapore is not the end of your weight management goals. You should also commit to a healthier lifestyle and listen to your healthcare provider's advice after the procedure.
With due diligence, you can maintain a healthy weight and a happier life after your weight loss surgery.
References:
- https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/recovering-from-bariatric-surgery
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/weight-loss-surgery/afterwards/
- https://www.webmd.com/obesity/what-to-expect-after-weight-loss-surgery