Gastric Bypass Diet Before and After Surgery – Facts You Need to Know

Gastric Bypass Diet Before And After Surgery

Gаѕtrіс bураѕѕ ѕurgеrу involves сhаngіng the size of a patient’s stomach and аltеrіng the digestive ѕуѕtеm іn оrdеr to rеduсе the сарасіtу оf the food intake. Thе ultіmаtе рurроѕе оf thе рrосеdurе is tо help obese раtіеntѕ lose wеіght, аnd to lоwеr thе rіѕkѕ оf hеаlth problems lіnkеd wіth оbеѕіtу.

Gаѕtrіс bураѕѕ is рорulаr thеѕе dауѕ; however, іt is not for еvеrуоnе whо іѕ overweight. It іѕ nоt оnlу mаjоr іnvаѕіvе ѕurgеrу, but also a рrосеdurе thаt еntаіlѕ ѕіgnіfісаnt risk оf роѕt-ореrаtіvе соmрlісаtіоnѕ. It muѕt bе еxеrсіѕеd in соnjunсtіоn wіth a mаjоr lifestyle change. Aftеr the ѕurgеrу, thе entire rеѕроnѕіbіlіtу оf wеіght loss аnd wеіght control rеѕtѕ оn the patient’s shoulders.

Complications from thіѕ type оf surgery dо оссur, ѕо it is іmроrtаnt to weigh all the реrtіnеnt factors іn order tо make an informed decision about hаvіng weight loss ѕurgеrу.

Procedure

According to some medical facts, gastric bypass ѕurgеrу іѕ executed аѕ fоllоwѕ: “The surgeon сrеаtеѕ a ѕmаll роuсh аt thе top оf a patient’s ѕtоmасh аnd аddѕ a bураѕѕ аrоund a ѕеgmеnt of the patient’s ѕtоmасh and ѕmаll іntеѕtіnе. Thе ѕurgеоn ѕtарlеѕ the patient’s ѕtоmасh асrоѕѕ the top, sealing it off frоm thе rеѕt of his/her stomach. Thе resulting роuсh іѕ аbоut the size оf a wаlnut and can hоld only about аn оunсе оf food. Thе роuсh is physically separated frоm thе rеѕt оf the patient’s ѕtоmасh. Thеn, the ѕurgеоn сutѕ the small іntеѕtіnе аnd sews part оf it dіrесtlу onto the pouch.”

Pоtеntіаl Gastric Bypass Surgеrу Cоmрlісаtіоnѕ

Thеrе are ѕоmе mаjоr соnѕіdеrаtіоnѕ tо acknowledge рrіоr tо dесіdіng оn gаѕtrіс bураѕѕ ѕurgеrу. This іѕ not meant tо frіghtеn уоu, but to іnfоrm уоu аnd guide уоu into making your dесіѕіоn.

Fіrѕt and fоrеmоѕt, an іnеxреrіеnсеd, disreputable аnd/оr unсоореrаtіvе ѕurgеоn ѕhоuld cause you tо think twice. Aѕk thе surgeon about hіѕ еxреrіеnсе lеvеl regarding thіѕ раrtісulаr ореrаtіоn, and hіѕ rate of ѕuссеѕѕ. Attorney Hеrmаn Praszkier ѕtаtеѕ, “You want to know, basically, аѕ muсh іnfоrmаtіоn about thе ѕurgеоn’ѕ bасkgrоund аѕ you can. Anуоnе who еvаdеѕ уоur question, gеt uр аnd wаlk оut.”

Fоllоwіng thе procedure, a раtіеnt’ѕ ѕtоmасh іѕ sometimes unаblе to fullу аbѕоrb food nutrіеntѕ. Thіѕ саn lead tо calcium, iron, vitamins B12 and protein dеfісіеnсіеѕ. Nоtе that 30% оf раtіеntѕ еxреrіеnсе nutrіtіоnаl deficiencies; hеnсе a ѕtrісt adherence to thе post ореrаtіvе dіеt іѕ hіghlу аdvіѕеd. A life-long vіtаmіn рrоgrаm to compensate fоr B12, iron аnd саlсіum іѕ mаndаtоrу. Different vеrѕіоnѕ of these types of рrосеdurеѕ will have vаrуіng dеgrееѕ of роtеntіаl nutrіеnt dеfісіеnсу. Cоnѕult your doctor аnd inquire as tо whether оr nоt thіѕ раrtісulаr problem іѕ аѕѕосіаtеd wіth thе type оf bypass gastric surgery you аrе соntеmрlаtіng.

Whеn connecting the parts of thе ѕtоmасh tоgеthеr, the surgeon must rеlу on thе patient’s body tо form tіght ѕеаlѕ. Onе of thе соmmоn gаѕtrіс bураѕѕ ѕurgеrу соmрlісаtіоnѕ consists of fluіdѕ that can drір іntо thе аbdоmіnаl саvіtу whеn thе body does not heal аnd seal рrореrlу, causing роtеntіаl іnfесtіоn аnd аbѕсеѕѕеѕ.

Othеr соmрlісаtіоnѕ may include body aches, tіrеdnеѕѕ, feeling соld, drу ѕkіn, thіnnіng hаіr and оr hаіr loss аnd mооd сhаngеѕ.

It is said thаt 10 tо 20% оf раtіеntѕ rеԛuіrе fоllоw-uр ѕurgеrу іn order to ѕоlvе соmрlісаtіоnѕ arising fоr thеіr gastric bypass ѕurgеrу. Hоwеvеr, rесеnt ѕtudіеѕ show that оbеѕе реrѕоnѕ whо undеrgо gаѕtrіс bураѕѕ surgery reduce thеіr chances оf premature dеаth bу uр tо 89% соmраrеd tо thоѕе who dо nоt сhооѕе the рrосеdurе, wіth thе ongoing development оf mоdеrn mеdісіnе and nеw ѕurgісаl рrосеdurеѕ, gastric bypass ѕurgеrу рrосеdurеѕ is expected to improve.

Gastric bypass diet meal plan – Pоѕt ореrаtіvе Fасtѕ

However, the surgery will саuѕеѕ changes іn thе shape аnd size оf the раtіеnt’ѕ stomach which саuѕе dіѕсоmfоrt аnd оthеr side еffесtѕ. More so, thеѕе еffесtѕ can bе lessened by proper diet. Sіnсе thе ѕtоmасh іѕ ѕmаllеr, adjustment in fооd іntаkе іѕ nесеѕѕаrу. Hеnсе, the gastric bураѕѕ diet is divided іntо different рhаѕеѕ to ассоmmоdаtе thе strength аnd сараbіlіtіеѕ оf the nеw ѕtоmасh.

Thе fіrѕt рhаѕе іѕ thе clear fluіd diet, immеdіаtеlу fоllоwіng gаѕtrіс bypass surgery, thе раtіеnt іѕ not allowed tо еаt solid fооd fоr thrее dауѕ іn оrdеr tо give thе ѕtоmасh tіmе tо heal. A ѕtrісt dіеt іѕ mаndаtоrу; іt соnѕіѕtѕ оf a grаduаl сlіmb from lіԛuіdѕ, purees, ѕоft fооdѕ, tо regular mеаlѕ. Duе tо thе stomach’s significant dесrеаѕе in ѕіzе, thе portions аrе grеаtlу rеduсеd bесаuѕе thе раtіеnt еxреrіеnсеѕ fullness ԛuісkеr. Consequently, thе individual еаtѕ less аnd lооѕеѕ weight.

Three days fоllоwіng gastric bураѕѕ, patients аrе аllоwеd to tаkе a low-fat lіԛuіd dіеt. High-protein drinks like brеаkfаѕt mіlk, fооd drinks, and adult ѕuррlеmеnt milk аrе rесоmmеndеd. Doctors аlѕо аdvіѕе tаkіng multіvіtаmіnѕ аnd supplements аt thіѕ ѕtаgе tо prevent nutrіtіоn lоѕѕ. Hоwеvеr, thеу ѕtrеѕѕ thаt these must bе сhеwаblе оr іn liquid fоrm. The ѕtоmасh іѕ ѕtіll іn rесоvеrу аnd саnnоt hаndlе digesting hаrd tаblеtѕ аnd сарѕulеѕ. Thе low-fat liquid dіеt lаѕtѕ fоr twо weeks or until thе doctor gіvеѕ the signal tо advance to soft food diet.

Thе ѕоft diet is аlѕо called the рurее diet bесаuѕе thе fооd tаkеn durіng thіѕ ѕtаgе are mоѕtlу pureed. Cоmmоn ѕuggеѕtіоnѕ include baby food, mаѕhеd рrоduсе, ѕоft еggѕ, cream cheese, аnd smooth gruel. Mеаtѕ саn also bе reintroduced in the dіеt іn раtе оr spreads. Agаіn, еmрhаѕіѕ is on the tеxturе. The gаѕtrіс bураѕѕ dіеt аllоwѕ patients to еаt almost аnуthіng as lоng аѕ it іѕ ѕоft аnd smooth іn tеxturе. Doctors advise tо keep fооd mіldlу ѕеаѕоnеd but flavorful bесаuѕе thіѕ stage lasts fоr two months. Fruѕtrаtіоn frоm blаnd and ѕоft fооd mіght mаkе thе раtіеnt еаt foods thаt the ѕtоmасh is not prepared to hаndlе.

Rеgulаr diet rеѕumеѕ after twо mоnthѕ оf gаѕtrіс bураѕѕ. Thіѕ dіеt includes аll the bаѕіс fооd grоuрѕ but іt іѕ advisable to ѕtаrt wіth рrоtеіn fооd tо hеlр buіld ѕtоmасh muscle. Bу thіѕ time, thе ѕtоmасh іѕ capable of handling differently textured fооd. Consuming lіԛuіdѕ bеtwееn mеаlѕ іѕ necessary tо hеlр thе ѕmаll ѕtоmасh dіgеѕt thе food easily. Pаtіеntѕ may have tо forego rаrе meats tо avoid gаѕtrоіntеѕtіnаl complications. Sееk thе аdvіѕе of a nutritionist оr dіеtісіаn whо саn recommend ways to squeeze nесеѕѕаrу nutrients іn ѕmаll fооd amount. Pаtіеntѕ should follow thе gastric bураѕѕ diet bесаuѕе рrореr nutrіtіоn is important whether уоu have a big or small stomach.

February 26, 2017

Can You Get Away With Gastric Bypass and Alcohol

What Gastric Bypass and Alcohol Can Do To The Body

Alcoholism has this risk related to it as a result of the inclination of gastric bypass and alcohol that influences your health and particularly your liver. For negative reasons, you may want to consider quitting alcohol. Alcohol impacts the capacity of the liver, which results in premature failure. On the opposite hand, smoking, alcoholism, high blood pressure (also referred to as hypertension), stress, diabetes, absence of physical activity, and heredity, etc., are other important factors resulting in premature death.

Warning to those post gastric bypass patients about alcohol. If you have tried it then you know that alcohol hits you ten times faster than before. Be concerned about blood alcohol levels because they can climb quickly. Your surgeon may have never told you just how dangerous consuming alcohol can be to people who have had weight loss surgery. Alcohol hits your blood stream much faster than normal and also hits your liver much harder.

If you are a one drink type of person it may not affect you but if you are the type that likes to drink till you are inebriated you might be on a path to self destruction. If you are post op and work in the beer/wine/booze industry you might be at a high risk of early death. You might be in the industry and never touch the stuff but if for example you are a bartender you could possibly be enjoying a bit of alcohol with the patrons. That’s a bad combination especially if you are post op.

Bottom line is your liver is much more vulnerable to the ill affects of alcohol with gastric bypass surgery. It takes about 45 years for a heavy alcoholic to completely destroy their liver but it only takes about 8 years for alcohol to destroy the liver of someone with gastric bypass surgery.

Gastric Bypass and Alcohol Blackouts

Some people might not experience any symptom in any way but you could easily hit the gastric bypass and alcohol blackout. Which further shows that you can not handle alcohol like you used to before the surgery. The absorption of the alcohol into your body happens too quickly. It is crucial to know about its identifying signs and symptoms, to be able to find the condition diagnosed and treated quickly. If the indicators are severe, an individual may also profit by choosing to stop alcohol all together.

The Little-Known Secrets to Gastric Bypass and Alcohol Abuse

Normally, patients recover completely inside a few weeks. Before surgery and following surgery the individual is forecast to keep up a normal exercise regime. He or she is left with a tiny stomach, which can hold a very small amount of food and therefore the smaller stomach empties its content quickly. Like alcohol for example. Imagine if a gastric patient is abusing alcohol? That would be a serious problem because the metabolism of the alcohol is so much more quicker that the liver gets a pounding from the new alterations in your body. Which makes it imperative to break the alcohol addiction for gastric patients.

Gastric bypass surgery has been shown to be beneficial for many obese men and women. It allows the patient to lose a significant amount of weight in a short time. In these circumstances, a gastric bypass surgery might be suggested to help the individual reduce weight. Among all other types of bariatric weight loss surgeries, it has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. Nevertheless, an individual can discuss with an experienced surgeon about the advantages and disadvantages of various surgical choices but also be weary of gastric bypass and alcohol use.

January 21, 2017January 17, 2017

Gastric Bypass Surgery For Weight Loss

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) estimates that a total of 196,000 bariatric bypass surgeries were carried out in 2015 alone, the highest number recorded in a period of five years. Bariatric gastric bypass surgery simply refers to surgical procedures that are carried out for the purposes of weight loss and includes gastric bypass, adjustable gastric band, sleeve gastronomy and other related procedures. Owing to the fact that 1 out of every 3 Americans is Obese, this statistic is bound to go up as more and more people discover that conventional methods of losing weight have little or no effect on their efforts to shed pounds. Bypass gastric surgery and other bariatric procedures have been shown to help patients lose an average of 64.8 pounds as opposed to the 11.9 pounds lost by those trying to shed pounds without weight loss surgery.

What is gastric bypass surgery?

Bypass stomach surgery is the most common form of bariatric surgery, accounting for over 80% of all weight loss surgery procedures. It is carried out in two stages: the first stage involves making a small pouch in the stomach, which effectively divides the stomach into a large part and a smaller one. The small pouch is then stapled to hold only about a cup of food, which helps people feel fuller quicker and thus contributes to their weight loss efforts. The second part of the stomach bypass surgery involves disconnecting the smaller pouch from the larger stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine via a process known as Roux-en-Y. As a result, food passes directly into the jejunum and bypasses the duodenum, leading to decreased absorption of food into the body and ultimately contributing to weight loss.

Who qualifies for gastric bypass surgery?

Over 24 million Americans have a BMI of over 40 while others have a BMI of 35 accompanied by obesity related complications such as diabetes, sleep apnea and high blood pressure. This makes them ideal candidates for gastric bypass surgery as BMI and health problems resulting from obesity are the criteria used to determine qualification for gastric bypass surgery.

How much does gastric bypass surgery cost?

The cost of gastric bypass surgery will vary depending on the physician you use, your resident state and a variety of other factors. However, the average cost as at the end of 2016 was estimated to be $20,000 to $25,000.

Benefits of gastric bypass surgery

Gastric bypass surgery has many health benefits to offer:

Faster and more lasting weight loss

As mentioned earlier, statistics show that patients who have undergone a gastric bypass procedure lose an average of 64.8 pounds compared to those using non surgical means who only lost 11.4 pounds. The reduced stomach size severely limits how much a person can consume, leading to their feeling fuller for longer and facilitating quicker and more lasting weight loss. Most gastric bypass surgery patients soon find that they are unable to eat heavy foods such as carbohydrate dense, sugar laden or fatty options that lead to bloating and feeling overfull without necessarily providing adequate nutrition. Patients are also able to keep the weight off for longer (more than 6 years) and studies have shown that the chances of regaining the weight are zero to minimal.

Improved health

Conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and high blood pressure have all been linked with being overweight and obese. The resulting weight loss from gastric bypass surgery means helps to reduce the effects of these conditions on the body and in some cases, leads to complete recovery from the same. The post op diet from gastric bypass surgery often incorporates healthier foods such as fresh produce, lean protein and whole grains which are nutrient dense and thus help build a better immune system which is better equipped to fight disease.

Better quality of life

Weight loss from gastric bypass surgery will definitely improve your quality of life. No longer do you have to suffer from obesity related complications, scour the stores in search of clothes that fit, huff and puff from short walks or even worry about what other people think of your weight. You will also discover better ways to prepare healthy foods leading to more enjoyment of your meals. Incorporating exercise into your lifestyle after gastric bypass surgery will mean a stronger, healthier body, and feelings of wellbeing from the feel good hormones produced during exercise.

Is gastric bypass surgery for me?

Gastric bypass is definitely for you if: conventional weight loss methods have proved unsuccessful in bringing down your weight, you have a BMI of 40 and above or a BMI of 35 with related health complications, you are aware of the risks associated with this type of surgery and finally, you are committed to making the necessary lifestyle changes to lose weight and keep if off after your gastric bypass surgery.

January 20, 2017January 17, 2017

What To Eat After Gastric Bypass Surgery

What are you going to eat after your gastric bypass surgery? You have successfully completed your gastric bypass surgery and are well on your way to shedding the extra pounds you have been carrying on your frame. However, successful recovery from your surgery is contingent on several factors including getting enough rest, incorporating mild exercise and most important of all, following a strict post-op diet. You have just been through a major surgery in order to take care of a problem that has probably caused you untold misery for years. The last thing you want to do is sabotage your success by neglecting your diet or slipping back into old habits. Immediately following your surgery, you will have stitches or a staple line that must be cared for properly in order to promote healing and avoid complications such as healing. Following a doctor-ordered post op diet will help you to avoid these complications and help you recover much quicker. The following are the main elements of an effective post-op diet:

Purposes of the Gastric Bypass Surgery Post Op Diet

The post op diet serves several purposes:

To allow your stomach to heal properly without being stretched by too much food.
Avoid tearing of stitches and other complications after surgery.
Allow your system to get used to eating smaller portions after reduced stomach capacity.
Stimulate your weight loss.

Clear liquids

This part of the diet should be followed up to 7 days after surgery and is crucial for ensuring that your body gets the nutrition it needs while getting enough rest to allow for complete healing. You will want to avoid overburdening your digestive system and especially your stomach to avoid tearing stitches and stretching your stomach too much. Your doctor will recommend the duration of the clear liquid stage. As a rule, limit your consumption to 1-2 ounces per hour to avoid stretching your stomach too much. The following are the liquids you may consume during this period:

Water
Vegetable, chicken or beef broth (all solids strained)
Skimmed Milk (unless you are lactose intolerant)
Unsweetened juice.

Ensure to follow your doctors guidelines which will normally recommend consuming some type of liquid every one or two hours.

Protein shakes

By the second week after your surgery, your digestive system should be sufficiently recovered to allow for the inclusion of protein shakes that will help repair healing tissues and provide you with much needed energy for more activities. This stage will normally last one week and will involve drinking protein shakes in small portions in accordance with a smaller stomach size. Pureed foods may also be introduced at this stage although they should be consumed in small amounts of up to 60 grams per portion.

Protein foods that are safe to eat include: egg whites, pureed soft meats and protein shakes. You may also puree beans and soft foods and vegetables. Puree solid foods with liquids such as broth, skim milk or water. Dairy products such as cream and cottage cheese may also be consumed. Clear liquids from stage 1 are also allowed although it is recommended that you avoid consuming them 30 minutes before solid meals and 60 minutes after. Avoid spicy foods and carbonated drinks and ensure to sip your drinks slowly.

Soft foods

In the 3^rd and 4^th week, you will slowly re-introduce soft foods into your diet. Foods that you can eat at this stage include soft meats (ground or finely chopped), fresh fruit with the skin removed and cooked vegetables with the skin removed. The following are the foods you are allowed to eat at this stage:

Lean poultry (turkey or chicken)
Egg whites.
Fish
Soft cheeses
Carrots
Avocados
Bananas
Potatoes
Tomatoes
Other soft foods.

Serving sizes should be limited to 1-2 ounces and meals should be eaten 3-6 times per day. This stage may last up to 2 weeks depending on your doctor’s recommendation.

Solid foods

This is the final stage of your post op diet where you will finally re-introduce solid foods. It is also the stage where you introduce the diet that you will consume for the rest of your life. You will want to avoid going back to the poor eating habits that led to your gaining all that weight. Start by introducing one healthy food and see how your body reacts. At this stage, it is still imperative to avoid foods that may cause nausea, vomiting or pain. Your diet should primarily consist of lean protein, fresh produce, water and health fats in moderation. Avoid processed and high fat foods, carbonated and sweetened drinks, high carbohydrate foods and other unhealthy food options.

A proper pre-op diet is imperative to ensure complete recovery after your gastric bypass surgery. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and follow the diet until you are completely recovered. Avoid sabotaging your efforts by going back to bad eating habits and you should be able to see the results you want within a reasonable amount of time.

January 19, 2017January 13, 2017

Everything You Need to Know about Recovery from Gastric Bypass Surgery

Recovery From Gastric Bypass Surgery

The gastric bypass is a type of bariatric surgery, which is designed to help obese patients lose weight quickly. It is a major procedure and it can have a profound impact on the life and health of those who undergo it. While the immediate recovery is actually quite quick – most patients can return to work after a week – there are many adjustments which need to be made for the operation to be a success.

For this reason, recovery from gastric bypass surgery can feel like a strain. Eating habits have to change in quite a dramatic way, regular follow-up appointments are required, and the surgery must be acknowledged as a lifelong commitment. The thing to remember about bariatric surgery is that it only lays the groundwork for weight loss. If a patient doesn’t follow the recommendations of their doctor, the weight may return.

This guide to recovery from gastric bypass surgery provides all of the information that you need for a healthy, happy future.

Post-Surgery
After you return from the operating theater, you are likely to feel very groggy and slow. This is caused by the anesthesia and is nothing to worry about. Within an hour or two, you will be feeling sharper and more like yourself. However, you may be in a moderate degree of pain and experience persistent discomfort.

The doctor will prescribe strong pain medication to help you control this discomfort. You will be monitored very closely during over the next twenty-four hours. There will be blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration checks. It is normal to experience fatigue, nausea, vomiting, light-headedness, flatulence, and inconsistent moods.

Hospital Care
The vast majority of gastric bypass patients leave the hospital within 3-5 days. This is often quicker for those who have had laparoscopic surgery. During your time on the ward, you’ll be encouraged to carry out a number of activities. For instance, patients are usually helped to stand the night after their surgery.

The faster you get back on your feet, the easier your recovery will be. It won’t be long before you are walking again and this is very important. Too much time spent prone can lead to blood clots and the nurses will be very aware of how much you are moving around. Even if you are still in a moderate amount of pain, you are strongly advised to get mobile quickly.

Returning Home
You will only be allowed to return home when your doctor discharges you. This will be when he or she feels you are unlikely to run into any major complications because you can care for your wound unaided. They will give you a lot of information about what to eat and how to clean and dress the surgery wound. You must listen very carefully to all the advice given.

More than anything else, it is vital that you take your recovery slow once at home. Avoid all forms of strenuous activity (including cleaning) for at least a week and certainly for the first few days. You will not be able to drive for a week after discharge, so plan ahead and make alternative arrangements.

It is often a great physical and emotional advantage for bariatric patients to live with a carer for a week after surgery. This individual can help them dress, bathe, cook, and perform essential tasks while pain and discomfort are still an issue. If a carer isn’t on hand, keep the telephone number of a friend or family member close by in case of emergencies.

Caring for Your Wound
Recovery from gastric bypass surgery must involve careful, practical wound cleaning and maintenance. Most surgeons now use dissolvable stitches, so you are unlikely to have to return to the hospital to have them removed. If you do, this will be around ten days after the surgery. It is quite a quick process and usually painless. The appointment is also a good opportunity to chat with the doctor and discuss your progress.

Either way, the wound must be kept clean and dry if it is to heal successfully. Most patients are advised to keep it open to the air (without a dressing), but you may apply a light sheet of gauze if there is any irritation from your clothes. You cannot fully submerge the wound for approximately three weeks. This means absolutely no baths until approved by the doctor.

If the wound becomes inflamed, swollen, streaky, or discharges pus, call your doctor and ask for advice. You may have an infection and, if this is the case, you could need antibiotics. Leaving infections untreated is a fast track to serious sickness, so don’t take any chances. If you develop a fever (above 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit), seek medical advice immediately.

Normal Symptoms
During your recovery, you should not experience chest pains or difficulty breathing. You may feel nauseous and vomit, but this should not last more than twelve hours. There should be no pain or swelling in your legs and your wound should remain clean and dry (without pus). However, there are some other symptoms which are unpleasant but nothing to worry about.

For at least a week, there will be moderate swelling and bruising around the wound. This is normal, but it should heal and fade, not get more intense. Similarly, there will be pain and discomfort. Your doctor will prescribe you ‘at home’ medication to deal with it and this should be sufficient. After gastric bypass, some patients experience numbness or itching around the site of the wound.

Don’t be too concerned if your stools are softer than usual for a short while after the surgery. They may be foul smelling and accompanied by increased gas. This is just a sign of your body adapting to the changes which have been made. You will be eating less and eating different foods, so your bowel movements are bound to change too. On the other hand, prolonged constipation is not normal and you should see a doctor if this occurs.

New Eating Habits and Routines
For bariatric patients, one of the hardest adjustments to make is how, when, and what to eat. The gastric bypass surgery is not a ‘cheat’ option. It cannot be used as a way to circumvent the need for dieting and dietary control. However, it can make dieting much easier, because the gastric band shrinks the size of the stomach.

So, patients usually find it very difficult to eat more than they should. If you do try to eat large amounts of food, particularly in the first few weeks and months after surgery, you are likely to feel very nauseous and uncomfortable. If you persist, the most serious consequence is that you could burst the band, but this is a rare occurrence. The vast majority of patients adjust to their new eating routines and start shedding extra weight very quickly.

This is a journey, not a one-day transformation. It can take time to adapt and, for a time after surgery, you may find yourself eating until discomfort because you’re not familiar with the feeling of being full. Listen to your body, slow down when eating, and focus on enjoying meals, rather than just consuming them. People with gastric bands don’t need to eat lots to feel full, but the mind takes longer to register this fact and must be given time.