Life After Surgery

What do I need to do to be successful after surgery? 
The basic rules are simple and easy to follow: 

  • When able to eat solids, eat three to five small meals per day. Protein in the form of lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish) and other low-fat sources should be eaten first. These should comprise at least half the volume of the meal eaten. Foods should be cooked without fat and seasoned to taste. Avoid sauces, gravies, butter, margarine, mayonnaise and junk foods. 
  • Never eat between meals. Do not drink flavored beverages, even diet soda, between meals. 
  • Drink two to three quarts or more of water each day. Water must be consumed slowly, one to two mouthfuls at a time, due to the restrictive effect of the operation.

What's so important about exercise? 
When you have a weight loss surgery procedure, you lose weight because the amount of food energy (calories) you are able to eat is much less than your body needs to operate. It has to make up the difference by burning reserves or unused tissues. Your body will tend to burn any unused muscle before it begins to burn the fat it has saved up. If you do not exercise daily, your body will consume your unused muscle, and you will lose muscle mass and strength. Losing one pound of muscle can decrease your metabolism by 10-12 percent which can slow down your weight loss. Daily aerobic exercise for 15 to 30 minutes will communicate to your body that you want to use your muscles and force it to burn the fat instead. 
What is the right amount of exercise after weight loss surgery? 
Many patients are hesitant about exercising after surgery, but exercise is an essential component of success after surgery. Exercise actually begins on the day of surgery - the patient must be out of bed and walking. The goal is to walk further on the next day, and progressively further every day after that, including the first few weeks at home. By the end of the first month after surgery, you should be up to 20-30 minutes of aerobics. The type of exercise is dictated by the patient's overall condition. Some patients who have severe knee problems can't walk well, but may be able to swim or bicycle. Many patients begin with low-stress forms of exercise and are encouraged to progress to more vigorous activity when they are able. The Physical Therapist will help design an exercise program for you. Resume strengthening one month after surgery.
Can I get pregnant after weight loss surgery? 
Contact your original surgeon — he or she is most familiar with your medical history and can make recommendations based on knowledge of your surgical procedure and body. 
This can vary by surgical procedure and surgeon. In the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the stomach pouch is created at one ounce or less in size (15 to 20 cc). In the first few months it is rather stiff due to natural surgical inflammation. About six to 12 months after surgery, the stomach pouch can expand and will become more expandable as swelling subsides. Many patients end up with a meal capacity of three to seven ounces. 
What if I'm not hungry after surgery? 
It's normal not to have an appetite for the first month or two after weight loss surgery. If you are able to consume liquids reasonably well, there is a level of confidence that your appetite will increase with time. 
Is there any difficulty in taking medications? 
Most pills or capsules are small enough to pass through the new stomach pouch. Initially, your doctor may suggest that medications be taken in liquid form or crushed. 
Will I be able to take oral contraception after surgery
Most patients have no difficulty in swallowing these pills. 
Is sexual activity restricted? 
Patients can return to normal sexual intimacy when wound healing and discomfort permit. Many patients experience a drop in desire for about six weeks. 
Will I be asked to stop smoking? 
Patients must stop smoking at least three months before surgery. Smoking increases the risk of lung problems after surgery, can reduce the rate of healing, increases the rates of infection, interferes with blood supply to the healing tissues and increases the risk of blood clots, leaks, strictures and ulcerations.