Opting for weight loss surgery is a bold move to tackle health issues brought on by being overweight. Post-surgery, you’ll start feeling better and can get back to a regular routine. But there are also a few things you need to watch out for that could make you susceptible to health issues. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate through the potential risks.
After weight loss surgery, life should significantly improve. Most patients don’t just lose a lot of weight, but their overall quality of life gets better too. Minor post-surgery complications affect less than 10% of them, while serious complications are seen in less than 5%.
The surgery not only gets rid of excess weight but also alters how your body processes nutrients. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you lose weight and find it easier to be more active. But there can be some issues that may negatively affect your health. Some can be prevented, while others need to be managed to reduce their impact. As a post-op patient, you need to keep a closer eye on your lifestyle, as your body might struggle a bit in looking after itself.
Certain nutrients are trickier for your body to absorb naturally post-surgery, putting you at risk of long-term malnutrition. Let’s dive into these risks and how to tackle them:
1. **Blood clots in the lungs:** This risk is heightened right after the surgery but can linger. Although rare, it’s a serious issue. Blood-thinning drugs can help prevent this around the time of surgery, while staying active can help in the long run. It’s crucial to commit to an active lifestyle to prevent slipping back into pre-surgery habits, which your body won’t be able to handle as well post-surgery.
2. **Bleeding in your stool:** This can happen up to a month after the surgery and could indicate a dangerous rupture or internal bleeding. If you spot anything unusual like red or black patches in your stool, contact your doctor right away. To avoid this, monitor your bowel movements and try to get a little activity in each day, without going overboard.
3. **Malnutrition and iron deficiency:** Due to changes in your digestive system, you might struggle to absorb certain nutrients like Iron, Folate, Calcium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12. To avoid anaemia or malnutrition, take supplements as recommended and ensure these nutrients are included in your diet.
4. **Gallstones:** As many as half of all patients develop gallstones post-surgery, and about 15%-25% end up needing further surgery to remove them. Symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, vomiting. Regular check-ups and scans can help detect a gallstone crisis before it hits.
5. **Dumping syndrome:** This harmless but uncomfortable condition can occur when you consume large quantities of sugar post-surgery. Symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, and weakness. On the upside, this could help you avoid unhealthy sugary drinks and maintain a healthier diet.
In conclusion, the key to protecting your health post-surgery is to monitor your diet, keep active, and have regular check-ups with your doctor. These simple steps can help you manage and mitigate any potential health risks.
