Bariatric Surgery Recovery

Gastric bypass surgery will not permanently keep the weight off and there are important Bariatric Recovery steps that should be considered along with a commitment to a healthier lifestyle to remove the weight, keep it off and stay as healthy as possible.

Procedure times and Bariatric Surgery Recovery

Procedure times for different types of Bariatric Surgery vary but they are usually from the 1 hour to 3 hour mark with non invasive forms of bariatric surgery usually taking a shorter period of time. Bariatric Surgery Recovery times vary but for surgical procedures it may take up to 8 weeks before you are largely recovered and eating normal foods whilst for some non invasive weight loss techniques this can be reduced to as low as a few weeks.

Diet post surgery

Bariatric surgery is used for obese patients that have unsuccessfully tried traditional weight loss techniques such as eating healthy and exercising. Most weight loss surgery techniques result in the patient feeling full up after eating less food because the size of their stomach area is reduced. Following surgery it is important that you follow the doctor’s advice as part of your Bariatric Surgery Recovery programme.

Immediately after undergoing Bariatric Surgery such as Gastric Band Surgery your diet is restricted to liquids and purified and soft foods for in excess of a month to allow your body to heal post surgery. The requirement to eat this form of food is cut down to just a few weeks for some incision free bariatric techniques such as Gastric Balloon Surgery. Your doctor will advise you on what you should be eating and as part of the Bariatric Surgery Recovery programme you will gradually progress from food stuffs such as soups and low fat yoghurts to scrambled eggs and well cooked soft vegetables before reverting to a more normal, controlled and healthy diet.

Exercise as part of your Bariatric Surgery Recovery programme

Bariatric surgery will kick start your weight loss but to keep the weight off and be healthy it is important that you exercise. Your doctor will prescribe the suggested exercise regime but in general patients are encouraged to start gently exercising soon after surgery. Walking and other low stress activities are usually recommended early on.

Exercise is a key part of your recovery from Bariatric Surgery. Because your stomach and food intake has been reduced your body needs to burn other sources of energy. The body will first start to burn through muscle tissue so it is important that you start exercising to protect them and ensure your body burns fat instead.

Weight loss groups

An effective part of Bariatric Surgery Recovery can come in the form of joining a weight loss group. Sharing experiences with others that have had Bariatric Surgery can give you a good support network and help as part of your overall Bariatric Surgery Recovery.

Pregnancy during Bariatric Band Recovery

Bariatric Surgery is reserved for those that are considered obese and becoming pregnant whilst being seriously overweight can be dangerous. Bariatric Surgery can take a serious toll on your body so becoming pregnant soon after surgery is not recommended. Seek professional advice from your doctor if you are considering trying for a baby after Gastric Surgery.