What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is weight loss surgery that changes the structure of the digestive tract to limit food intake and influence appetite hormones. There are a few types of bariatric surgery. The most common are gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric band surgery, and duodenal switch surgery. It is important for patients who are considering bariatric surgery to understand the recovery period following surgery.

How Soon Can I Leave the Hospital/Return to Work?

After bariatric surgery, most patients are able to leave the hospital after 1 day after sleeve gastrectomy, 2 days after gastric bypass, and 3 days after a duodenal switch. Most patients will be able to return to work 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, depending on the physical requirements of their jobs.

Physical Activity After Surgery

The first days after bariatric surgery involve resting and slowly getting back into exercise. It is important to be as active as possible after surgery. Patients who move early and often have less complications. It is typically advised to avoid lifting anything over 10 pounds until 4 weeks after surgery. As with any patient trying to lose or maintain weight loss, regular physical activity is vital for long term success.

Diet After Surgery

Micronutrient deficiency may occur after bariatric surgery due to deficiencies before surgery, decreased food intake, lack of absorbing nutrients, and not taking enough supplements. After bariatric surgery, there is a specific diet that needs to be followed to meet certain nutritional needs and encourage further healing and weight loss.

Immediately after surgery, a patient’s diet will emphasize protein and hydration (stages 1 and 2). A clear liquid diet (stage 1) is started and later advanced to full liquids and pureed foods (stage 2). This will be followed for several weeks after surgery.

After 10 to 14 days after surgery, patients are likely able to tolerate more solid foods (stage 3) The diet includes soft foods with emphasis on proteins, some carbohydrates, and fiber. Patients will then start to include new textures and portions as tolerated. It is important that patients focus on eating slowly, chewing their food, and listening to their hunger and fullness cues.

Regular textured foods (stage 4) can be resumed 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. The new diet includes lean protein, fiber, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats. Micronutrient supplementation is started immediately following surgery. Supplementation will include vitamin K, biotin, zinc, thiamine, vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, and copper. Once a maintenance weight is achieved, a healthy, balanced diet with micronutrients will be necessary for continued success.

An Individualized Approach

It is important to note that dietary and physical activity recommendations will depend on the clinic that is performing the bariatric surgery, as well as blood work that will determine if there are nutritional deficiencies. Patients will continue to follow up for their nutrition every 3 to months in the first year, and then annually. Routine blood work will also likely be required based on the program’s recommendations.

If you are interested in learning more about metabolic health and weight loss, please consult us at Dignity Weight Center! We would be honored to meet you, and we take most insurances!

If you are interested in learning more about metabolic health and weight loss, please consult us at Dignity Weight Center. We would be honored to meet you, and we accept most insurances.

https://www.dignityweightcenter.com/book-online

References

• Cherney, Kristeen. “Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Bariatric Surgery.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 28 July 2022, www.healthline.com/health/obesity/bariatric-surgery.
• “How To Have the Best Recovery After Weight Loss Surgery.” Main Line Health, Main Line Health, 11 Nov. 2021, www.mainlinehealth.org/blog/how-to-have-the-best-recovery-after-weight-loss-surgery.
• Kushner, Robert F, et al. “Bariatric Surgery: Postoperative Nutritional Management.” Edited by Daniel Jones and Wenliang Chen, UpToDate, Wolters Kluwer, 4 Aug. 2022, www.uptodate.com/contents/bariatric-surgery-postoperative-nutritional-management?search=bariatric+surgery+recovery&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H4218747629.