What to Expect after Weight Loss Surgeries

Today’s generation is more particular about weight issues. The moment they pass a mirror, commenting on their weight comes as a common thing these days. Many resort to various means to shed some of their extra pounds. By this, they mean fast and instant ways without the need to subject themselves to strenuous exercise or stomach-starving crash dieting. With medical technology at its peak, many individuals are submitting themselves for weight loss surgeries to achieve immediate results. But just like any other surgeries, such procedures can pose a risk of complications.

Weight loss surgeries have many common complications, often evident shortly after the surgeries, or some may need a long time before any side effects or complications become evident. If you are considering such kinds of procedures, you should be well prepared mentally, emotionally, and, more importantly, physically. You may have to change your lifestyle habits after the process for it to be 100% effective. If you are not willing to make such changes, then these types of surgeries may not be the best option for you.

Complications Right After Surgeries

Some of the common complications evident soon after the surgery are dumping syndrome, thrombophlebitis, lung problems, infections, and chronic nutritional deficits.

1. Gastrointestinal

Dumping syndrome is a condition experienced by many patients after weight loss surgeries during the first year after the procedure. Patients may experience having difficulty tolerating sugary and high-fat foods such as red meat. They may suffer from nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and bloating soon after the consumption of such foods.

2. Circulation

Thrombophlebitis, on the other hand, is suffered by about 2% of weight loss surgery patients. Current pharmacotherapies offered after the procedures include blood-thinners. This places post-op patients at higher risk of developing blood clot formation, usually occurring in the legs. This is mot a favorable state for those patients remaining immobile in their beds for a very long time. Blood stasis is very common; thus, clot formation is more likely to occur and may also affect other systems, especially when the clot is lodged in other arteries or veins. This may be fatal if the clot enters the respiratory, cardiovascular, and even neuromuscular systems.

3. Respiratory

Lung problems may be attributed to many other factors and may appear as different conditions. Atelectasis, also known as lung collapse, may occur in those who have been in bed, resting for an extended period. This can easily be prevented through proper turning of the patient every two hours, accompanied by deep breathing and other chest physiotherapies. Pneumonia may also occur if infection has taken place due to the pooling of secretions of an immobilized patient. Pulmonary embolism is also a significant lung disorder which is caused by a blood clot traveling to the pulmonary circulation.

4. Systemic

Infection is probably the most common complication when it comes to almost any medical procedure. As long as there is a break in skin integrity, disease is the number one complication health professionals should try to prevent. Unchecked progress of disease can lead to life-threatening problems for the patient. Individuals should be very vigilant in observing any medium where bacterial growth may take place, such as an open wound or puss formation along an incision.

5. Persistent Health Insufficiency

Chronic nutritional deficits are common in patients after weight-loss surgeries. The gastrointestinal system is the major one affected by such procedures, thus reduced capacity of its structures is expected. Like the stomach, it won’t be able to accommodate and metabolize as much as it was able to do before. This can quickly be addressed by taking vitamin and mineral supplements as per the advice of a reliable dietitian.

Long-Standing Complications After Surgeries

Long term complications may include stomach ulcers, stomach atrophy, anemia, muscle and bone wasting, dehydration, and even mood changes.

This being said, you should consider the pros and cons when it comes to weight-loss surgeries. Careful deliberation should have taken place before finally deciding whether or not to go for such procedures.