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After bariatric surgery,
people typically stay in
the hospital for two to
three days and return to
normal activity within
two to three weeks.
Complications may
include ulcers, digestive
problems, or wound
infections. Additionally,
some people experience
long-term deficiencies
of vitamin B12,
folate, and iron. This
procedure requires a
life-long commitment
to post-operative
changes, including
dietary restrictions,
vitamin/mineral
supplementation, and
medical follow-up. H
Article by Hala Abu Taha
Dietitian at The American Surgecenter
WEIGHT LOSS
THROUGH BARIATRIC
PROCEDURES
In gastric bypass surgery, the surgeon begins
by separating the stomach into two parts; a
large and a small part, and then sewing the
small part of the stomach to make a pouch.
Next, the surgeon disconnects the new, small
stomach pouch from the first part of the small
intestine, and then connects it to a part of the
small intestine slightly further down. After this,
food passes directly from the stomach to the lower part of the further
intestine, thus significantly decreasing the absorption of calories and
nutrients. In gastric sleeve surgery, the surgeon will remove a specific
percentage of the stomach, a different procedure after which patients
may also enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
By restricting the amount of food that can be consumed and limiting portion sizes considerably, patients lose, on
average, 40 to 60 percent of their excess body weight. You may lose half or more of your extra weight in the first
two years. The surgery can help improve many health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma.
Weight loss surgery is considered successful when 50 percent of excess weight is lost and the loss is sustained up to
five years. Although this surgery has a fair number of possible complications, the results have proven life-changing.
Gastric
sleeve and gastric
bypass surgery are the
most common weight loss
operations, accounting for
about 80 percent of all
weight loss surgeries
worldwide.
In order to attain the
desired weight loss, the
patient must follow the
guidelines set by the
doctor. You will not be
able to eat for the first
one to three days. You
will be allowed to go
home if you are able to
drink liquid without
vomiting, move around
without pain, and don’t
require pain medication
through an IV. A post-
bariatric surgery diet
typically follows a staged
approach designed to
help you ease back into
eating solid foods as you
recover. Usually you can
begin a full diet three
months after the surgery.
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May/June 2015