The following areas have important information for patients to follow after weight loss surgery. In addition to general guidance in these areas there are some of the more commonly asked questions answered for some categories.
Post Surgery Diet
Regardless of the weight loss procedure, you will require permanent changes in your eating habits that must be adhered to for successful weight loss. Post-surgery dietary guidelines will vary by bariatric surgeon. You may hear of other patients who are given different guidelines following their morbid obesity surgery. It is important to remember that every bariatric surgeon does not perform the exact same weight loss surgery procedure and that the dietary guidelines will be different for each surgeon and each type of procedure. An example of Gastric Band dietary guidelines can be found in the 'My Surgical Options' section of the site.
What is most important is that you adhere strictly to your surgeon's recommended guidelines.
Going back to work
Your ability to resume pre-surgery levels of activity will vary according to your physical condition, the nature of the activity and the type of weight loss surgery you had. Many patients return to full pre-surgery levels of activity within six weeks of their morbid obesity procedure. Patients who have had a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure may be able to return to these activities within a few weeks.
Birth control and pregnancy
Your bariatric surgeon is your best source of information about pregnancy and birth control and will be able to advise you according to your individual circumstance.
Can I get pregnant if I have had a Gastric Band procedure?
The period between surgery and weight stabilisation is considered as a period of starvation. It is not advisable to become pregnant during starvation, despite the fact that the foetus has priority over the mother with regard to food. Should you nevertheless get pregnant, it is advisable to remove all the fluid from the balloon. You should wait until your weight has stabilised before becoming pregnant.
Long-term follow-up
Although the short-term effects of weight loss surgery are well understood, there are still questions to be answered about the long-term effects on nutrition and body systems.
Your weight loss surgeon will advise you weight loss surgery on the timing and frequency of necessary follow-up visits as part of their post-operative care program. Follow-up will be unique to your individual procedure and circumstances.
Swedish Adjustable Gastric Banding (SAGB) Follow-up
After surgery you must undergo regular check-ups as an outpatient. Initially, these check-ups may be carried out 4-6 weeks after surgery, but soon visits will become less frequent. In the case of the SAGB, The SAGB will gradually be filled via the injection port during the first 18 months following surgery. During this period, your weight loss and level of well-being will be monitored. Once your weight has stabilised, check-ups will be determined by your doctor. (13)
Commonly asked questions
How important is exercise?
It is important before increasing your physical activity levels that you consult your obesity surgeon who will advise you on an individual exercise program appropriate to your individual circumstances.
It is important following obesity surgery that you not only alter your eating habits, but also your level of physical activity. Patients are generally recommended to start exercising slowly. As weight loss is achieved, physical activities will gradually become easier. (13)
To learn more about the beneficial effects of exercise go to the exercise page in the 'What is Obesity' sections of this website.
