Which Obesity Surgery is more Suitable for You?
Today, obesity surgeries can be successfully applied in many centers. However, there is still no consensus in the medical world on which surgery is the best choice for the surgical treatment of obesity. In this context, each patient should be evaluated individually. Many factors, such as the extent to which the patient is overweight, the status of secondary health problems due to obesity, nutritional habits, and whether they will comply with diet and exercise recommendations, affect the choice of surgery.
Things to do before Obesity Surgery
Before undergoing surgery, it's advisable to embark on a diet and lose some weight if possible. This approach can decrease surgical risks and may ease the procedure by shrinking the liver's size. As part of the surgical preparation, patients undergo standard preoperative assessments. Respiratory functions are closely examined, and a pre-surgery endoscopy checks the stomach for any gastric issues. Consultations with specialists in cardiology, endocrinology, pulmonology, psychiatry, and anesthesiology are also part of the comprehensive evaluation process. The evening before the surgery, the patient must refrain from eating. Additionally, instructions are provided on how to encourage blood clot formation, and the administration of blood thinners begins.
Things to do after Obesity Surgery
On the first day after the surgery, liquid nutrition is controlled by a dietitian and physician, depending on the patient's condition. The operations are performed with the closed method, that is, laparoscopically. It is made by entering the abdomen with the help of a telescope through 5-6 small incisions in the patient. Patients are started to be walked in the 4th hour after the operation. Patients are discharged in 3-5 days, depending on the type of surgery chosen. After discharge, drinking at least 1-1.5 liters (8 glasses) of water daily and being nourished with watery food as determined by the dietitian for the first two weeks is recommended.
It is recommended to take protein supplements every day. After two weeks, soft food is gradually started, and the importance of taking bites in small sizes and swallowing after chewing well is explained. Heavy physical exercises and lifting heavy loads should be avoided for one month. Employees can return to work after 10-15 days, provided they do not do heavy work. It is essential that women who want to have a child after the operation are protected for one year and become pregnant after being checked by a dietitian.
Post-Operation Weight Loss
Decreased gastric volume and gastric digestive capacity after surgery require the patient to be followed up with a particular nutrition program. During the first two weeks after the surgery, a diet should have liquid drinks with a specific calorie content per milliliter. In the following weeks, the diet should be continued with liquid-fluid solid foods that will not create a protein deficit. The person's daily calorie and nutrient needs should be calculated by a dietitian specialized in obesity surgery, and a nutrition program should be created in a way that does not impair general health and does not cause any disease related to nutrient deficiency.
In addition, after one month, simple exercises can be done. In cases where exercise is done, the body's sagging will be less, and the muscle mass will be preserved. At the same time, the exercises help the person regain their self-confidence, be happier, and more quickly return to an active life. Therefore, the person should carry out the weekly exercise program in coordination with the diet.
Possible Problems
Do Not Disrupt Controls
We invite our patients for check-ups in the 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 1st years after surgery. If there is redness, discharge, high fever, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting in the wound in the days immediately after the surgery, call us directly.
The problem may be minor, or it may be severe.
Pay Attention to Your Nutrition
The most common postoperative problems are weakness and fatigue. Along with rapid weight loss, the stress of surgery can cause fatigue. To address this, fluid and protein intake should be increased, and regular exercise should be done.
We should change our eating habits after surgery.
Eating fast, eating more than your stomach capacity, and drinking liquids with solid foods can cause vomiting. Liquids should not be taken with solid food but should be taken 30 minutes before or after. If vomiting continues despite taking these precautions, it is recommended that you come for control. In addition, constipation may occur due to deficient fluid intake or the use of iron pills after the surgery. In this case, fluid intake should be increased, and daily exercises should be done.
Dumping syndrome, which presents with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, fainting, sweating, and stomach cramps, can be seen in some patients, although rare, in Gastric Bypass surgeries. The ingestion of foods high in sugar and carbohydrates causes this syndrome. Heavy desserts should be avoided before meals. Also, as our diet list recommends, liquids should not be consumed with food.
Remember Your Vitamins
Hair loss and leg cramps may be due to vitamin, mineral, and protein deficiency. They should come to the controls regularly, and if deficiencies are detected in the controls, the missing vitamin supplements should be applied. Weight loss is usually completed at the end of 1 year. Patients who do not come for regular controls or go beyond the recommendations may encounter the problem of regaining weight.
Avoid Certain Drinks and Medications.
Fizzy drinks after surgery may cause reflux in some people. Since the stomach volume is smaller than before, the food goes up with carbonated beverages, which makes people with reflux even more uncomfortable. At the same time, fizzy drinks can enlarge your stomach over time. Take a break from coffee for at least two months. Also, avoid alcohol for six months after surgery.
Don't Get Pregnant for 1 Year
The ideal period to get pregnant after surgery is 18 months. But it is necessary to avoid getting pregnant before 12 months.