Do I qualify for bariatric surgery?

Growing Importance of Bariatric Surgery: How to Qualify for Bariatric Surgery

Growing Importance of Bariatric Surgery

Since, progressive generations are growing heavier with increased association with other metabolic disorders – diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. There has been an increasing role of bariatric surgery in the management of obesity and its associated co-morbidities. Technological leaps in the field of Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery as well as Robotic Bariatric Surgery have led to the evolution of bariatric surgery from a major, uncommon, and often dangerous surgery with doubtful outcomes to a much safer, routine procedure with assured results.

Evolution of Bariatric Surgery Criteria

Initially, it was a difficult task to elect candidates who could undergo bariatric surgery. In 1991 the National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus statement for the first time defined clear universally acceptable criteria for patient selection. This statement was revised and re-defined as more and more data began to be analysed subsequently. The cut-off BMI to undergo surgery was lowered over a period of time.

Types of Bariatric Surgery

Starting with Gastric Bypass surgery, in which Roux-en-Y gastric Bypass being the gold standard, nowadays Gastric Sleeve Surgery is becoming more and more popular among surgeons since it is relatively simple to perform with similar post-operative outcomes.

Shift from Weight Loss to Metabolic Surgery

With the understanding of the metabolic syndrome, of which obesity was just one part, there was increasing interest in the role of surgery in the resolution of co-morbidities, particularly diabetes and dyslipidemia.

The increasing incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease even at lower BMIs, particularly in specific populations such as Asians led to a demand to consider these surgeries for selected candidates with low BMIs also. The emphasis shifted from ‘weight loss’ surgery to ‘metabolic’ surgery. It was suggested that perhaps action points for Asians should be 2.5 BMI points lower i.e. at 32.5 and 37.5.

New Eligibility Criteria and Recommendations

With this background, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) released a position statement on 28^th March 2011 supporting surgery to treat Type II diabetes in obese patients. It defined new lower BMI criteria for patient selection as explained in the table below.

Eligibility and prioritization for bariatric surgery based on failed non-surgical weight loss therapy ⁺, BMI, ethnicity ⁺⁺, and disease control.

BMI range	Eligible for surgery	Prioritised for surgery
< 30	No	No
30 – 35	YES – Conditional ⁺⁺⁺	No
35 – 40	YES	YES – Conditional ⁺⁺⁺
> 40	YES	YES

+ In all cases, patients should have failed to lose weight and sustain significant weight loss through non-surgical means, and have type II diabetes that has not responded adequately to lifestyle measures (+/- metformin) with HbA1c < 7%.

++ Action points should be lowered by 2.5 BMI points for Asians.

+++ HbA1c > 7.5 despite fully optimized conventional therapy, especially if weight is increasing, or other weight-responsive co-morbidities not achieving targets on conventional therapies.

Impact and Endorsements

The new recommendations significantly lowered cut-off BMIs making many more patients eligible for surgery. Theoretically, an Asian patient with a BMI as low as 27.5 could be a candidate for metabolic surgery, provided other conditions are met. This is a significant shift from the previously recommended cut-offs.

These have received widespread attention in the medical community and have been endorsed by several medical bodies – The American Heart Foundation (AHA), the American Medical Association (AMA), The American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons (ASMBS), and The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE).

Confused if you qualify for bariatric surgery or not? Consult us at Smart Cliniqs and we will schedule your appointment with the best bariatric surgeon in Delhi.

Side Effects of Bariatric Surgery: What You Need to Know

Overview of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is increasingly being accepted as a viable option for treating morbid obesity and its associated diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Surgery provides long-term sustained weight loss as well as resolution of co-morbid conditions.

The benefits of bariatric surgery are numerous but there are also a few risks and side effects associated with various bariatric surgical procedures.

Common Bariatric Procedures in India

The most common bariatric surgical procedures performed in India are:

laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy,

laparoscopic roux-en-y gastric bypass, and

laparoscopic mini gastric bypass.

Immediate Side Effects of Bariatric Surgery

There are a few immediate side effects that can happen after bariatric surgery like bleeding, leak, intestinal obstruction, and venous thromboembolism. The side effects due to malnutrition or undernutrition are seen in the long term, particularly after laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery.

The incidence of bleeding is less than 4% in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Most cases can be managed by blood transfusions alone. Some cases might require laparoscopy to stop the bleeding. A leak from the anastomosis site or sleeve staple line occurs in about 0.7% to 5% of the patients. If the leak is early, re-laparoscopy with identification of the leak and its closure is done with adequate drainage, bowel rest, and antibiotics.

Similarly leaks after a mini gastric bypass can be managed early by drainage and conversion of the procedure to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass along with a feeding tube in the intestines. The other rare immediate problem can be that of wound infection which is managed by dressing and antibiotics. Obesity is an independent risk factor for thromboembolism which is the clotting of blood in the veins of the body particularly the legs. This is best avoided by taking heparin injections for the first few days after the surgery and wearing graded pressure stockings for a few weeks. Early active mobilization is the best precautionary method.

Long-Term Side Effects and Nutritional Deficiencies

Lately, there can be obstruction of the intestines due to various factors which result in pain and distension of the abdomen along with vomiting. The possible causes usually are smoking, and the formation of ulcers. This can be identified by doing an endoscopy or a CT scan. Treatment of the possible causes can be done immediately.

After bariatric surgery, iron, vitamin B12, and other micronutrient deficiencies can occur. Iron deficiency occurs in patients within 2 to 5 years after surgery. Supplementation with iron can reduce iron deficiency significantly. Calcium and vitamin D absorption are impaired after gastric bypass as well. We obtain a complete blood count and iron, B12, calcium, folic acid, vitamin D, levels before surgery, 6 months and 1 year after surgery, and yearly thereafter. We recommend routine daily supplementation with a multivitamin, iron, vitamin B12, and calcium along with vitamin D supplementation depending on the serum levels.

Dumping Syndrome

Dumping syndrome is a common side effect after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNYGB) surgery. This usually occurs due to poor food choices. It is related to the ingestion of refined sugars (including high fructose corn syrup) or high glycemic carbohydrates. It can also occur with dairy products, some fats, and fried foods.

The fact is that these foods will interfere with long-term weight loss and should not be eaten anyway.

Symptoms start typically 20-30 min after the food. It includes sweating, flushing, lightheadedness, tachycardia, palpitations, desire to lie down, upper abdominal fullness, nausea, diarrhea, cramping, and active audible bowel sounds.

Conclusion

In summary, although bothersome and sometimes worrisome, dumping syndrome is not a life-threatening problem. Patients need to learn about and read basic nutrition labels. The benefit is that it teaches patients quickly that certain foods and additives cannot be tolerated. Patient compliance and commitment to long-term follow-up are mandatory.

In short, the side effects of bariatric surgery are rare. Timely
identification and intervention are the keys to preventing serious complications.

Still confused about bariatric surgery? Then schedule your consultation with the top bariatric surgeon in Delhi at Smart Cliniqs.

Obesity in Metros

Addressing the Growing Concern of Obesity in Metros: Causes and Implications

Obesity is a medical condition when a person carries excessive weight. It increases the risk of various non-communicable diseases like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, etc. For weight maintenance, energy intake should be equal to energy expenditure. Imbalance leads to underweight and obesity.

Adults residing in Metropolitan cities are increasingly becoming obese. Even Childhood obesity is also emerging as a major health concern in metros. The reasons being excess consumption of calorie-dense fast food, processed food, ready-to-eat food, etc. Portion sizes that fast food restaurants offer contribute to excessive energy intake. As most of the fast foods are made of refined cereals, fat, and sugar. There is a drastic decrease in energy expenditure owing to reduced physical activity as people use motorized means of transport and spend most of their awake time sitting glued to Television, mobile phones, and Laptops. The present work culture in the corporate and public sectors is also responsible for obesity in adults. Long working hours, late night shifts, sitting jobs, sleep deprivation, excessive tea and coffee consumption, and unhealthy snacking in offices predispose obesity.

Obesity surgery in India is being performed to facilitate weight loss in children and adults when non-surgical treatment strategies fail. Although GI surgeons and general surgeons in India are performing obesity surgery specially trained bariatric surgeons are now available. Bariatric surgery is growing as a specialty in itself. as surgery constitutes only a small part in overall management. A fully equipped, and well-staffed department is a must for the dedicated follow up which is so essential for good outcomes. A dedicated high-volume Bariatric surgery unit in a tertiary care hospital is your best bet if you are seeking bariatric surgery.

Are you Seeking obesity surgery in Delhi or want to more about obesity in metros? Consult with us today at Smart Cliniqs!

Can Malnutrition Contribute to Obesity? Understanding the Link

Obesity is a multi-factorial disease; it simply means that, no single cause which can be solely attributed to it. It is also well known that scientists do not know exactly what exactly causes weight gain. Often, we all see people who can eat whatever comes their way and they still remain thin. With the exception of these lucky few, we are programmed to gain weight with age.

According to top bariatric surgeons, it is a matter of the balance between what you eat, and how much you spend. If we consume calorie-dense food regularly and don’t burn those extra calories, we are likely to gain weight. But can malnutrition cause obesity?

Surprisingly yes.

Obesity Surgeons who treat obese teens know that children who were underweight at birth are prone to gain too much weight in their childhood and adolescence. Children who faced food shortages during famines later on developed abdominal obesity, the classic Indian Subcontinent profile of thin people with paunch, the so-called thin- obese in medical jargon. As we know that the tummy fat or abdominal obesity is the medically worst. This fat is the harmfully active type that leads to diabetes, heart disease, and cholesterol disorders, the so-called metabolic syndrome.

Malnutrition means not eating right; right food at the right time. People who starve for too long to lose weight are initially successful in losing some weight, but complex hormonal reactions result in weight regain, overshooting the earlier weight. This is known Yo-Yo dieting. Secondly, prolonged fasting slows down our metabolism and stops losing further weight, and starts regaining on the same diet. We tend to lose more muscle mass than fat during the starvation phase and fail to regain our muscle back. So with each dieting cycle of malnutrition, we lose more and more muscle mass and gain more fat.

Starvation or fasts followed by eating calorie-rich low protein food ultimately results in further weight gain and obesity. The best bariatric surgeons know well from their experience that protein-deficient diets after bariatric surgery are counterproductive in the long run and patients may end up regaining all their weight.

Malnutrition can really make us obese.

Still confused that malnutrition can cause obesity? Visit us at Smart Cliniqs and learn more about obesity.

Bariatric Surgery Hospital in Delhi

Choosing the Best Bariatric Surgery Hospital in Delhi for Effective Weight Loss

Delhi is the popular destination for medical tourism. Patients from every corner of the world come to Delhi, India for bariatric surgery. Many hospitals in Delhi are currently performing the surgery. Bariatric surgery hospitals in Delhi are specialized centers with trained and expert surgeons and specialized paramedic staff. In Delhi, both private and government hospitals are performing bariatric surgery. To name a few, private hospitals like Indraprastha Apollo hospitals, Max Healthcare, BLK super specialty, Fortis, Medanta hospital are performing bariatric surgery in Delhi. Premier government hospitals like All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Ram Manohar Lohia (RML), Lok Nayak Hospital (LNJP) are also performing bariatric surgeries.

Roux-en-y- gastric bypass surgery is the “gold standard” procedure. It refers to a type of bariatric surgical procedure in which the stomach is divided into a small pouch and then the small intestine is rearranged and connected to the newly created pouch. Roux-en-y- gastric bypass surgery is used to promote weight loss and also improve weight related issues like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, arthritis, sleep apnea, infertility, hypothyroid, joint pain, backache etc.

Obese patients have a compromised vitamin and mineral intake due to excess energy consumption. Drastic weight loss post roux-en-y-gastric bypass surgery compounds the already present vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Patients who undergo Roux-en-y-gastric bypass surgery should attend regular follow-up sessions with a registered dietician so that deficiencies could be identified and treated at an early stage.

Obesity in Children and Adolescents

Addressing Obesity in Children and Adolescents: Causes, Risks, and Effective Interventions

The prevalence of obesity is increasing in both children and adolescents, in both sexes and in various ethnic and racial groups.

Many factors, including genetics, environment, metabolism, lifestyle, and eating habits, are believed to play a role in the development of obesity. However, more than 90% of cases are idiopathic; less than 10% are associated with hormonal or genetic causes.

Defining Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence

There is no single definition of obesity in childhood and adolescence.

Consensus committees all over the world have concluded that children and adolescents be considered overweight or obese if the BMI exceeds the 85th or 95th percentiles, on curves generated from the 1963-1965 and 1966-1970 NHANES, or exceeds 30 kg/m² at any age.

Energy Intake and Sedentary Lifestyle

During childhood and adolescence, excess fat accumulates when total energy intake exceeds total energy expenditure. Reduced energy expenditure is attributed to modern-day sedentary lifestyles. This is particularly associated with excessive television viewing, excessive computer use, and insufficient physical activity. Also, this is often seen when feedings are supplemented with additives such as carbohydrates or fat.

Hormonal Dysfunction and Familial Obesity

Some hormonal dysfunction like that in ghrelin leptin hormonal axis may be the causative factor in as many as 10% of obese children, particularly in those who appear to manifest familial morbid obesity.

Race and ethnicity are also associated with increased rates of obesity in children and adolescents.

Childhood Obesity as a Predictor of Adult Obesity

Childhood obesity is predictive of adult obesity such as with 80% of teenagers who are obese continue to be obese as adults.

This is associated with an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, gallstones, and hypercholesterolemia.

Chest Conditions Associated with Childhood Obesity

There are serious chest conditions associated with childhood obesity like reactive airways, poor exercise tolerance, increased work of breathing, and increased oxygen consumption.

They might develop obesity-hypoventilation syndrome and experience right-sided heart failure with right ventricular hypertrophy.

Acute Complications of Childhood Obesity

Acute complications of childhood obesity include hyperlipidemia, accelerated growth and bone maturation, ovarian hyperandrogenism and gynecomastia, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and pseudotumor cerebri.

There is an increased incidence of fatty liver and they might develop liver cirrhosis and kidney disease.
Obstructive Sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing are common in children and adolescents with obesity which might lead to neurocognitive dysfunction.
Excess weight in children can cause numerous orthopedic disorders, including genu valgum, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, with bowing of the long bones.
Emotional and psychosocial sequelae are also widespread in obese children.
Social isolation, peer problems, and lower self-esteem are frequently observed.
Gout and colorectal cancer rates are found to be increased among men who had obesity as adolescents as well as arthritis.

Therapeutic Interventions for Childhood Obesity

Any therapeutic intervention in the child with obesity in aimed to achieve control of weight gain and reduction in body mass index (BMI) safely and effectively and to prevent the long-term complications of obesity in childhood and adulthood.

These might also require psychiatric assistance for unusual eating disorders or severe depression. It involves a team involving nurse educators, nutritionists, exercise physiologists, and counsellors.

Parental Involvement and Lifestyle Changes

Parents must advice children to walk at least 20 to 30 min daily. Limit their television timings and must indulge in vigorous exercise with children. Low-calorie balanced diet, in association with patient and parent education, behavioral modification, and exercise can limit weight gain in many patients with mild or moderate obesity. Reductions in total and saturated fat may be particularly useful in adolescents who consume large quantities of high-fat, snack, and packaged fast foods, including french fries, pizza, chips, and crackers. Also, they might sometimes require and care if evidence of psychopathology or dysfunction is present.

Bariatric Surgery for Childhood Obesity

According to Dr. Atul NC Peters, one of the pioneers of weight loss treatment in Delhi and among the top 10 obesity surgeons in India, various bariatric surgical procedures have been performed in “carefully selected” patients with a body mass index (BMI) >40 kg/m ² who have severe comorbidities such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It is important to consider several other factors before deciding whether a child or adolescent should undergo bariatric surgery like previous attempts at weight loss, and ability to adhere to follow-up care. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is the most widely performed procedure in childhood obesity nowadays.

Evidence suggests that bariatric surgery can decrease the grade of steatosis, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. With more and more people opting for various bariatric surgical procedures, weight loss surgery cost in Delhi has been such that it is becoming affordable day by day and several finance and loan schemes are also available in special circumstances.

How Does Bariatric Surgery Reverse Diabetes?

How Bariatric Surgery Can Reverse Diabetes and Improve Overall Health

Obesity is the root cause of diverse diseases such as Asthma, sleep apnea, cardiovascular problems, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, joint pains and most important some forms of cancers.

Obesity increases insulin resistance in the body leading to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and also results in Metabolic Syndrome.

There are various ways to deal with these problems which include changes in lifestyle and modification in the eating habits and use of certain drugs. But almost all of the studies conducted have come to the conclusion that these therapies are not effective in providing sustained weight loss. Bariatric surgery has been the most effective treatment option till date which results in effective and sustained weight loss along with resolution of the other problems associated with obesity.

There are various bariatric and metabolic surgical procedures available which can be done by Laparoscopic Techniques as well as with Robotic assistance. They include Sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, Mini Gastric Bypass, Ileal Interposition, Duodeno-Jejunal Bypass, and so on.

Mechanism of resolution of Diabetes Mellitus:

The intestine is now considered as a metabolic organ and this new insight can be utilized for the treatment of Diabetes. Bariatric and metabolic surgery leads to changes in the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract resulting in the treatment of obesity and diabetes mellitus.

Reason Behind How Bariatric Surgery Reverse Diabetes?

The quick lowering of blood sugar after bariatric surgery is due to hormonal changes after re-routing of the small intestine and not purely do the restriction of the calorie intake. It has been proposed and proved that after bariatric surgery there is an augmented release of certain hormones like GLP-1 and PYY from the small intestine that leads to improvement in the high blood sugar levels. These hormones not only decrease the cellular resistance to insulin, they also increase the efficiency of insulin. There is also decreased production of glucose from the liver due to their effects.

After surgery, long-term follow-up for the best results is a must. It’s a complete lifestyle change. One must follow instructions carefully for optimum results.There are absolute guidelines decided by the international diabetes federation for the selection of patients who can be benefitted from surgery.

These surgeries must be done at the best bariatric and metabolic surgical centers doing these surgeries routinely and under expert care and experienced hands. Although hospital stay remains from 2 to 3 days, a strict and regular follow-up is a must.

Obesity Discrimination and Gastric Bypass Surgery

Understanding Obesity Discrimination: Types, Impact, and Effective Solutions

Definition: Obesity Discrimination

Obesity discrimination can be defined in either of several ways, including:
1. The unjust treatment of an overweight or obese person based on bias, or misconception.
2. Ill-treatment of obese people purely because of their weight as compared to non-obese people.

There are mostly four types of discrimination prominently described: Employment, Health Care, Education, and Relationships

Employment Discrimination:

Several studies have shown that obese people find more difficulty in finding a job, are paid lower wages, are discriminated against in promotions, and have more likelihood of early termination.

Healthcare Discrimination:

It is unfortunate that even, doctors and healthcare workers are not immune from obesity discrimination. It is a place where caring, trust, and unbiased treatment should be guaranteed. The problem is, that most of the doctors do not have a sound knowledge of obesity or its treatment.

Physicians spend less time discussing health with obese patients. They are more biased towards technical issues rather than discussing nutrition to patient’s obesity.

Discrimination at Schools:

At schools, discrimination is a bigger concern. It causes emotional distress, as children who are obese are less likely to succeed. It appeared in various studies that young men had a much lower chance of attaining higher education than their normal-weight counterparts. Obesity was also associated with lower educational attainments than normal-weight students.

Discrimination in relationships:

When it comes to finding a romantic partner, obesity appears to play a big role, especially for women. When studied among people, it was found that boys were less interested in looking for obese women.

Effectively Addressing Obesity Discrimination: Tips For All 4 Types Of Discrimination

The ideal solution is obvious: weight loss treatment.

Finding the medically supervised weight loss treatment program composed of the right diet and exercise is the most appropriate first step.

Research has shown diet and exercise programs supervised by a medical professional to be much more effective than doing it alone.

If your body mass index is over 35 which means that you are morbidly obese and attempts at sufficient weight loss, even under a medically supervised program, have yielded no results, you may be a candidate for weight loss surgery or laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery.

It has been proved time and again that bariatric surgery results in sustained weight loss in morbidly obese people. In other words, Bariatric surgery may improve occupational outcomes in morbidly obese individuals by reducing levels of unemployment and absenteeism. The evidence regarding this is limited and studies are needed before any conclusions could be drawn on this aspect. Similarly, there could also be economic, social, and psychological benefits of bariatric surgery which might help in improving relationships among individuals after weight loss.

It is advisable to visit a well-experienced bariatric surgeon as they usually have more knowledge about caring for obese patients, and they also work with doctors who are empathetic toward the difficulties of being obese.
Similarly, the research suggests that an obese child, especially an obese girl, is more likely to succeed in schools where obesity is more common.
If you find that your weight is getting in the way of your romantic relationships, several options may help:

First and foremost: weight loss treatment
• Consider dating partners who are also overweight or obese
• Choose partners who are willing to get to know you as a person before judging you only by your appearance

Consider Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery if you are morbidly obese.
There are certain non-surgical options also available like endoscopic intra-gastric balloons which are available these days to lose weight for overweight people.

These methods are temporary but might result in good outcomes for people who are serious and motivated.

Importance of Protein Post-Bariatric Surgery

The Power of Protein: Essential Post-Bariatric Surgery Nutrition for Optimal Weight Loss

Protein is practically a component in each cell of our body. It is known for their ability to build and repair our tissues. Along with carbohydrates and fats, protein is also called a MACRONUTRIENT, which means the body needs a large amount of it for daily wear-and-tear activities. In your first consult with Team Bariatric, you are made familiar with the diet post-weight loss surgery, and the importance of protein is explained as a top priority.
A meal rich in protein and low in carbohydrates will help you lose weight faster, as protein makes the digestive system work harder to metabolise and digest the food. In simple words, you will burn more calories when you consume proteins.

What is your protein requirement?

Generally as per the RDA, an adult needs 50-60 grams of protein per day, but these recommendations change post your surgery. ASMBS recommends 60- 90g of protein daily, depending on their medical conditions, type of surgery, and activity level.

5 Best Sources of Protein Post-Bariatric Surgery

Meat and Poultry

This group is one of the most generous sources of proteins for you. 1 serving of 30 grams would give you approximately 7 grams of high biological value protein, which is easy to absorb by the body, and good news it is nearly free from carbohydrates. Choose only lean meats and don’t forget to remove the skin and fat.

Fish

Fish has been known to be the best source of not just protein, but also omega-3 fatty acids. 30 grams of fish would give you roughly 7 grams of protein and a good dose of healthy fats. Try flaky fish, including tuna, tilapia, or salmon.

Egg

Egg is my favorite and most versatile ingredient. One serving equals one egg or two egg whites, which gives you roughly 7 grams of proteins. Prepare eggs without added fat by using a nonstick pan. Make an omelet or scrambled eggs of whole eggs or egg whites with spinach, onions, cheese, or chicken for added nutrition.

Legumes

Dried pulses and peas, provide about 7 grams of protein in one cup. Add kidney beans (Rajmah) or chickpeas (white channa) or Black Channa to your salad or mix brown rice with peas. A mixture of rice and pulses becomes a source of complete protein. Soy and its products are another great source of protein for you.

Milk and Its Product

Dairy provides you with both calcium and protein, but choose the nonfat or low-fat options to avoid consuming too many calories. One cup of skim milk gives 8 grams of protein. Low-fat plain yogurt or curd is very good for maintaining the healthy bacteria’s in the gut and drinks made using it can be great to meet your protein and water requirements of the day. Buttermilk is your best bet. Paneer or low-fat cottage cheese can be used very flexibly.

Along with the above food items it is always recommended to include a high-quality low-calorie protein powder in your daily diet to help you meet your protein requirement.

Conclusion

It is best to discuss your protein requirements and options with your bariatric dietitian. They will help you plan your meals so that you can get the best result from your weight loss surgery. It is a very vital step towards a “new you”.

Good Luck

Home Care After Bariatric Surgery

Essential Care After Bariatric Surgery: Tips for a Smooth Recovery at Home

Now that you have been discharged from the hospital and have reached home, you might feel relieved but also apprehensive about home care after bariatric surgery. You might worry about whether stitches could break, experience pain at home, or have questions about how much to walk and whether or not to take a bath. These are some helpful points for your guidance.

Wound Care

Change the dressings every day, if your doctor tells you to do so. Be sure to change your dressing always whenever it gets dirty or wet.
You may have bruising around your wound or redness around the incisions, do not panic, this is normal.
Avoid wearing tight clothing to prevent rubbing against your incisions.
Stitches or staples are usually removed within 7 to 10 days after surgery. some stitches dissolve on their own. Your doctor will tell you if you have them.
You can have a shower when advised by your doctor, let the water run over your incision, and do not scrub over the incisions.

Personal hygiene

Take a shower daily.do not rub the wounds. let only water run on your incisions
You can oil massage and wash your hair daily to feel fresh and active
Change your clothes daily
Clean your skin folds well with soap and water once a day and keep them dry, especially during the rainy season

Activity

Walk as much as you can, move around, and use stairs at home
Do not lift things heavier than 5 to 7 kgs in the initial months
Increase your exercise slowly
Take short walks
Get up and move around if you have some pain in your belly, it may help
Do not join the gym until recommended by your doctor.

Follow-up

To help recover from surgery and changes in your lifestyle, see your surgeon regularly and other health care providers.
The dietitian will teach you to eat correctly with your small stomach.
The psychologist can help you deal with the feelings or concerns you may have after surgery.
Blood tests are important as recommended by your surgeon, get them done timely to prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

When to Call the Doctor

Temperature is above 100°F.
You have redness, pain, swelling, or bleeding around your incision
You have pain that your pain medicine is not helping
You have breathing difficulty
You cannot eat or drink
You are vomiting after eating

These simple precautions will help you tide over the initial difficult time at home after your bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery is the best way to lose weight and regain health.