7 Ways to Avoid Bariatric Surgery Complications

Nearly 40% of adults in the United States struggle with obesity according to the Centers for Disease Control. A condition closely related to serious medical issues, like heart disease and diabetes, obesity can cripple your ability to enjoy life. When you’ve decided to combat obesity with surgery, it’s important you understand how to avoid bariatric surgery complications. Follow these practical tips to improve your personal outcomes.

There are many strategies you can use to avoid bariatric surgery complications. Review the following seven tips with your doctor.

1. Educate Yourself about Surgery

There are multiple bariatric surgery options and some may be better for you than others. Though weight loss surgery has been around for decades, it is still major surgery. Educate yourself about the risks and benefits before discussing which type of weight loss surgery is right for you. Also, learn about how to avoid bariatric surgery complications with each type of bariatric surgery — LAP-BAND, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy.

2. Attend Scheduled Appointments and Support Group Sessions

The first 12 months after your surgery is a crucial time in which you need the most support and medical attention. If you have gastric bypass surgery or a sleeve gastrectomy, you’ll also need to be seen at least annually for 7 or more years once your first year post-op is complete. Your follow-up appointments are an important component of post-surgical evaluation that can help identify and correct complications. Arm yourself with information by attending our support group sessions to meet others who are on the same weight loss journey.

3. Drink Plenty of Liquids

It’s the same story with nearly every procedure and you’ve probably heard it before: Drink plenty of water. It almost becomes a broken record that you might be tempted to ignore, but don’t. Dehydration after weight loss surgery is one of the most common complications requiring hospitalization. The goal is for you to work up to drinking 64 oz (or 8 cups) of water per day after surgery to stay hydrated.

4. Get Moving after Surgery

While you should never over-do it, movement and exercise after surgery can be beneficial and prevent complications, such as blood clots. Start small with activities like stretching before moving on to walking, swimming and cardio once your doctor gives you the green light for this type of exercise. Talk to your physician about individual recommendations as they will differ depending on the type of bariatric surgery performed. For example, people who participate in the BELT program should exercise 30 minutes a day or 5 minutes per hour.

5. Lean On Your Support System

Before you have surgery, talk to your friends and family to identify who can provide support while you’re recovering. In addition to needing help with activities of daily living and transportation, you will also need someone who can help you evaluate how well you’re doing. We also offer support groups led by licensed clinicians where you can get valuable education and meet others.

6. Lose Weight Before Surgery

If medically cleared to do so, lose as much weight before surgery as you can. Immediately after surgery, you may be restricted in the type of movements you can perform and will also need to be mindful of your diet. Talk to your doctor about a nutritional plan to help you lose weight before your surgery is performed.

7. Consider Counseling

Prior to surgery, and in addition to pre-operative counseling, consider seeing a therapist or medical professional to discuss your psychological well-being before, during and after the procedure. A counselor familiar with behavior modification and medical problems, like obesity, can offer support as you begin new lifestyle habits with the goal of ongoing weight management.

Recover Quicker and Avoid Complications

If you’re considering weight loss surgery or are already scheduled for the procedure, talk to your doctor at CCS Bariatrics to obtain personalized recommendations to follow throughout your recovery. The compassionate, caring and supportive team at CCS Bariatrics understands that each weight loss journey has unique challenges. Allow us to help you avoid bariatric surgery complications and get on the fast track to safely overcoming obesity. Call us at 336-387-8100.