Do you know these precautions after weight loss surgery?

Author: Sun Wen, First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University

Reviewer: Guo Xiaoya, deputy chief physician, First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University

In today's society, with the changes in people's lifestyles and the diversification of dietary choices, obesity has become a global health problem. For many severely obese patients, weight loss surgery has become an important way for them to regain health and improve their quality of life. However, the success of the operation is not the end, but the starting point of a new life. Proper postoperative care and active adjustment of lifestyle habits are essential to maintaining weight loss results, preventing complications, and promoting overall health. Friends who are deeply troubled by severe obesity or confused after weight loss surgery, please have a look! Based on the advice of professional medical staff, this article will explain in detail the precautions after weight loss surgery to help you move towards a healthier life.

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1. Understand the types of weight loss surgery

Bariatric surgery, also known as obesity surgery, aims to reduce weight by changing the structure or function of the gastrointestinal tract and limiting food intake or absorption. There are four common types of bariatric surgery: gastric reduction, gastric bypass, gastric banding, and intragastric balloon therapy. Each surgery has its own unique indications and effects. The doctor will choose the most appropriate surgical plan based on the patient's specific situation (such as weight, health status, lifestyle, etc.).

2. Pay attention to surgical complications and risks

Although weight loss surgery is effective, it is not without risks. Complications such as bleeding, infection, and intestinal obstruction are possible problems after surgery. Therefore, patients should fully understand the risks and possible complications of surgery before surgery, and pay close attention to their physical condition after surgery. If any abnormal situation occurs, they should seek medical attention in time and inform the doctor of their surgical history and current symptoms so that they can receive timely and effective treatment.

3. Adjusting the Dietary Structure: A Gradual Path from Liquid Food to Solid Food

After weight loss surgery, adjusting the diet structure is a key part of the body's recovery process. In the early postoperative period, patients usually need to follow a strict diet plan, starting with clear liquid food, gradually transitioning to semi-liquid food, soft food, and finally returning to a normal diet. This process not only helps to reduce the gastrointestinal burden, but also helps the stomach gradually adapt to the new physiological state. In terms of dietary choices, high-protein, low-sugar, and low-fat foods should be given priority, while increasing the intake of dietary fiber to promote intestinal peristalsis and prevent constipation.

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4. Follow doctor's advice and have regular checkups

After weight loss surgery, patients must strictly follow the doctor's instructions, including taking medication on time and regular checkups. Regular checkups can not only help doctors understand the patient's physical recovery in a timely manner, but also adjust the treatment plan accordingly to prevent complications. In addition, patients should actively provide feedback to their doctors about their physical condition, diet, and exercise habits in order to obtain more personalized guidance.

5. Moderate exercise: a boost to weight management

Moderate exercise and physical activity under the guidance of a doctor are an indispensable part of weight loss surgery. Exercise can not only increase the patient's energy consumption and promote weight loss, but also improve cardiopulmonary function, increase muscle strength, and improve body flexibility, thereby improving the patient's overall health level. However, the initial exercise after weight loss surgery should be mainly low-intensity, low-impact aerobic exercise, such as walking, jogging, yoga, etc., to avoid intense exercise that may cause damage to the surgical site.

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6. Monitor your weight and develop good eating habits

Regularly monitoring body weight and developing good eating habits are important means of self-management for patients after weight loss surgery. By recording weight changes and analyzing eating behaviors, patients can keep abreast of their weight loss progress and adjust their diet and exercise plans according to actual conditions. At the same time, patients should also maintain regular eating times and amounts, and avoid bad habits such as overeating and eating at night.

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7. Nutritional supplementation: Make up for the nutritional gap caused by surgery

Weight loss surgery may affect the patient's absorption of nutrients, leading to malnutrition. Therefore, during the postoperative recovery period, some patients may need to supplement nutrients such as vitamins and minerals under the guidance of a doctor. These nutritional supplements can meet the patient's body's nutritional needs and prevent malnutrition and its related complications.

8. Pay attention to mental health

Weight loss surgery is not only a transformation of the patient's body, but also a test of the patient's psychology. Before and after the operation, the patient may face emotional problems such as anxiety and depression. Therefore, it is also very important to pay attention to the patient's mental health. Patients can get emotional support and psychological counseling by working with psychologists and participating in support groups to help themselves better cope with the challenges and changes brought about by weight loss surgery.

9. Build a support system

Having a family and social support system is an important guarantee for promoting the recovery of patients after weight loss surgery. The understanding, encouragement and support of family and friends can help patients increase their confidence, reduce stress and improve their quality of life. In addition, joining a communication group for patients who have undergone weight loss surgery is also a good choice. By sharing thoughts and exchanging experiences with people who have similar experiences, patients may get more support and help.

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10. Maintain a healthy lifestyle for a long time

For patients with severe obesity, weight loss surgery is not a permanent solution. To maintain the effect of weight loss surgery, patients need to maintain self-discipline, that is, patients need to abandon their previous unhealthy lifestyles and maintain a healthy lifestyle for a long time. A healthy lifestyle includes maintaining healthy eating habits, exercising moderately, regularly monitoring weight and taking nutritional supplements, etc. Only by incorporating these healthy behaviors into daily life can patients truly achieve their weight loss goals and maintain a healthy weight for a long time.

In short, the recovery process after weight loss surgery is a "journey" with both difficulties and hope for patients. I also wish every weight loss warrior can successfully go through this "journey" and usher in a healthier and better future.