Bariatric surgery is a treatment for obesity that changes your digestive system to help control hunger and restrict calorie intake. Post-operative care refers to the specific instructions for after surgery; these are provided by your surgeon to prevent infection and support your body as it heals after the procedure. Following these guidelines promotes quicker recovery, minimizes scarring, and helps to reduce the risk of serious complications like infection. Here is more information about post-operative care after bariatric surgery:
Defining Bariatric Surgery
Also known as weight loss or metabolic surgery, bariatric surgery is an obesity treatment recommended for individuals who have not seen results from other weight loss methods. It alters the digestive system, and it limits how much food the stomach can hold. Common types include sleeve gastrectomy, where a large portion of the stomach is removed, and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, which creates a small stomach pouch connected directly to the small intestine. These procedures reduce hunger signals sent to the brain. This allows patients to maintain weight loss more effectively.
Understanding General Post-operative Instructions
Post-operative care involves a set of instructions you follow after surgery to help your body heal properly. Proper care also extends to managing your diet and physical activity during recovery. For example, you will likely start on a liquid diet before slowly reintroducing soft and then solid foods over several weeks. Adhering to these guidelines may help you avoid digestive complications, and it helps your incisions heal without unnecessary strain.
Exploring Bariatric Post-operative Care
Your healthcare provider will tailor your post-operative care plan to your specific procedure, and they will account for your health needs. Generally, you will need to keep your incision site clean and dry, inspecting it daily for any changes. Bathing instructions often depend on how your incision was closed; for instance, you can usually shower 24 hours after surgery if you have stitches or staples, but you should avoid soaking in a bath until cleared by your doctor.
In addition to wound care, you must follow a strict dietary progression. Patients typically begin with sugar-free liquids for the first week, and then they transition to soft foods and eventually back to a normal diet. You can take supplements approved by your provider to help prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Seeking Professional Medical Help
Recovery generally takes a few weeks, and complications can arise if incisions are not properly cared for. An infection occurs when bacteria enter the surgical wound. This can spread and become life-threatening if left untreated. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice signs of infection. These signs include redness spreading beyond the incision, a warm feeling around the wound, or thick, cloudy discharge.
Other warning signs warrant immediate medical attention. Call your doctor if you experience:
- bleeding that does not stop with pressure.
- a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
- increasing pain or swelling at the incision site.
Learn More About Bariatric Surgery
Post-operative care is a part of the bariatric surgery journey, and it encompasses everything from incision hygiene to long-term dietary changes. By following your provider’s instructions, you can reduce the risk of infection and improve your long-term health outcomes. If you want to learn more about bariatric surgery, consult a provider near you.
