Aftercare

Bariatric, or weight-loss surgery, is one of the most unique surgical procedures in the medical world. While the procedure itself adheres to the same principles as other abdominal general surgeries, the process of getting to surgery and the aftercare are entirely different.

Immediate Recovery Phase

The first is the immediate recovery phase. This is where patients will get used to living without some of the foods and drinks they were once accustomed to. This is also where patients will begin taking care of themselves after being discharged from the hospital and starting on their journey to recovery and better health. Some of the key topics during this time include:

• Your hospital stay
• Going home
• Returning to work
• Proper wound care
• Pain and discomfort
• Follow-up schedule
• Signs of a complication / When to call us

Weight Loss Process and Support

The second phase of our aftercare program focuses on weight-loss support. This is usually the first year and a half to two years after surgery, before you have reached your goal weight. Some of the topics we must commonly discuss include:

• Diet progression after surgery
• The weight loss diet
• Grocery shopping tips
• Vitamin Supplementation
• Exercising
• Support / Support Groups
• Drinking alcohol and smoking

Long-Term Maintenance

Finally, the third phase is the long-term maintenance phase. This occurs around 18 to 24 months post-surgery and represents the weight-loss maintenance portion of the process. This phase will last you the rest of your life. Maintaining significant weight loss can be straightforward if you follow postoperative guidelines, or it can be very difficult if you do not follow recommendations. Key thoughts during this period include:

• Getting pregnant after surgery
• Body image issues
• Long-term diet and exercise maintenance
• Weight regain after surgery
• Long-term weight loss success
• How your relationships may change