Post Bariatric

Common types of bariatric surgeries include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Each procedure has unique mechanisms for promoting weight loss and requires specific post-operative care.

Challenges during the post-bariatric phase may include adjusting to dietary restrictions, managing excess skin, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and dealing with emotional changes. Additionally, patients may encounter complications such as dumping syndrome or gallstones.

The post-bariatric recovery period varies depending on factors such as the type of surgery, individual health status, and adherence to post-operative guidelines. Generally, patients can expect a recovery period ranging from several weeks to a few months.

After bariatric surgery, patients are encouraged to adopt healthy eating habits, engage in regular physical activity, attend follow-up appointments, and adhere to recommended supplementation regimens. Counseling and support groups may also be beneficial for long-term success.

Loose skin is a common concern after significant weight loss following bariatric surgery. Patients can manage loose skin through strength training exercises, maintaining hydration, moisturizing the skin, and consulting with a plastic surgeon for potential skin removal procedures.

Dietary guidelines after bariatric surgery typically involve consuming small, nutrient-dense meals rich in protein and fiber while limiting sugar, fat, and processed foods. It’s essential to follow the specific dietary recommendations provided by your healthcare team.

While some bariatric procedures are reversible, such as adjustable gastric banding, others, like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, are typically considered permanent. Reversibility depends on various factors, including the type of surgery and individual circumstances.

Risks and complications of bariatric surgery may include infection, bleeding, blood clots, nutritional deficiencies, dumping syndrome, gastrointestinal obstructions, and rarely, death. It’s crucial to discuss potential risks with your healthcare provider before undergoing surgery.

To maintain long-term weight loss after bariatric surgery, it’s essential to adhere to lifestyle changes, including healthy eating habits, regular exercise, ongoing medical follow-ups, and a supportive social network. Developing sustainable habits and seeking professional guidance can enhance success.

Some of our patients choose to have breast surgery together with the tummy tuck procedures. Patients with children prefer to have both operations together. Having a child may have some negative effects on the abdominal area as well as the breasts. So the patient has a chance to have both procedures done in one sitting at favorable rates.

As a consequence of a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure, all the stretch marks caused by pregnancy are removed from your lower abdomen area. The upper stretch marks can also be moved downward and can be treated as well later on.

You should carry on with your activities slowly. The feeling of exhaustion is normal for the first few days but you can return to your routine activities within one week. You also need to follow the prescription that the surgeon set for you.

A comfortable compression garment should be worn for six weeks.

Yes, it is! Most patients prefer to have the tummy tuck and liposuction procedures at the same time. It is also easier for the surgeon to have two separate procedures in one sitting while you are already in the operating theatre. This also decreases the possibility of having additional liposuction surgery after abdominoplasty.

Many male patients go ahead with the abdominoplasty procedure. Most of the male patients prefer the operation to lose excess fat over the abdomen area.

Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions tailored to your situation. Please do not act before you get your customized list. But general guidelines that our surgeons are sharing with their patients for (abdominoplasty) tummy tuck surgery are as follows:

• You can expect significant pain for the first 24 hours. Take your pain medication before the pain becomes unbearable
• You will be prescribed narcotic pain medication as well as antibiotics by your doctor. Please follow the medication plan that is arranged for you by your doctor
• You should drink plenty of fluids for the first couple of weeks after tummy tuck surgery, as this will help you to remain well hydrated and reduce swelling
• Swelling and bruising are normal. The expectation is to see the final result between 3-6 months
• After tummy tuck surgery, it is common that you will have a drain at the surgical site. Drains help to remove excess fluid from the abdomen
• You may change the absorbent gauze pads that are placed on the surgical area. They help you to keep the incision clean and dry
• A surgical garment will be applied immediately after your surgery. This is to be worn continuously for the first week. After one week of continuous usage, you may remove the garment before the shower. After showering, the garment must be placed back on and must be worn for up to six weeks
• You should limit your activities for the first 24 hours after surgery
• You should walk short distances during the first 24 hours post-op. You are not going to be able to stand straight up after your procedure, which is normal.
• You should take frequent deep breaths for the first 24 hours after the surgery
• You should not get into any activities that may be painful and make you feel uncomfortable
• You should keep your hips flexed while you are lying in bed for the first week, and try not to stretch the surgical area
• You should not drive for about 10-14 days while you are on pain medication
• You can stand more upright gradually by the end of the second week
• You should pump your legs while lying down to prevent blood clots. Do these activities slowly. You may feel tired for the first few days. Avoid heavy lighting, bending, and straining for 4-6 weeks.
• You may resume all of your activities after six weeks

You will get a detailed customized list from your surgeon about what to do and what not to do before the operation. Please do not act before you get your customized list. Please do not act before you get your customized list. Here is general guidance that our surgeons share with their patients:

• You should inform your surgeon about your routine medication and health history
• Laboratory, EKG, and tomography (if they are required) tests must be done just before your surgery. Tummy tuck surgery has to be canceled if there is a slight chance of future pregnancy.
• You should avoid taking any products containing aspirin, ibuprofen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, and Vitamin E supplements two weeks before the surgery.
• You should avoid any contact with all of nicotine products, including cigarettes, pipe tobacco, chew, or nicotine patches two weeks before surgery
• You should avoid alcohol consumption one week before your procedure
• You should not eat anything or take any fluids after 9 pm the night before the operation. Any food, water, coffee, juice, or liquids are not allowed to be taken in the morning of the operation. The only exception is the medication that you should take with a small amount of water before the procedure
• You can brush your teeth.
• You may take a shower by using shampoo on the morning of your surgery
• You are not advised to wear any make-up and hair sprays/conditioners. Please remove your nail polish. Acrylic nails may stay on
• You should choose loose-fitting clothes
• You should not wear any jewelry, including all body piercings
• If you have your menstrual cycle, please wear a sanitary pad instead of a tampon