If you are getting ready for your bariatric surgery, the best time to do research about what will happen after the procedure is now. Knowing what to expect for your recovery is just as important as getting ready for the procedure itself, not to mention that this will make the entire process simpler and stress-free. 

From all the surgeries in the world, we can confidently say that bariatric surgeries are among the procedures that bring the most post-surgical changes for patients and it is important to be prepared. As an integral part of your support network, the VIDA Bariatrics team is with you every step of the way, so let’s go over the changes you will likely experience after your weight-loss procedure in Tijuana. And remember, we are with you for your weight loss journey and always a phone call away if you have any questions. 

Weight Loss Surgery: The Truth Of How Much Weight You Will Lose 

Weight loss after bariatric surgery varies for every patient, however, most patients lose anywhere between 50 to 70 percent of their body weight. Just to give you an example, if a 350 lbs person loses 50 percent of their weight, that is 175 lbs. We can assure you, that is an amazing achievement! Nevertheless, beyond focusing on the number of the scale, our bariatric surgeons also emphasize paying attention to the process behind these successes. Losing such a significant amount of weight does not happen overnight, but with the help of bariatric surgery, it happens faster than you can imagine and this brings a lot of changes to your body and lifestyle.

Post-Bariatric Nutrition and Dietary Changes

The most important, and perhaps significant change is diet. What you eat and how your body reacts to food will be something different after you go under the knife. 

During a consultation, your surgeon will give you a detailed guide on the changes you will have to make to your diet because knowing what to eat after bariatric surgery is very important. You will be started on a liquid diet and slowly transition back to eating soft and eventually, solid foods. Considering that all bariatric surgeries are restrictive, meaning that the surgeon will create a small stomach “pouch”, you can expect your body to react differently to food. 

First of all, it is normal to get full quite fast. It is important to eat slowly and focus on healthy, high-protein, and low-sugar foods to avoid constipation or dumping syndrome, which can cause vomit and nausea. The way your body absorbs calories and nutrients will also be impacted by bariatric surgery, so it is important to know that you will need vitamin and mineral supplements for life. This will ensure that you do not miss out on important nutrients as you undergo your weight loss journey. 

As time passes, and you continue recovering from bariatric surgery, you will also get to know how your body has changed. Knowing how to eat, what to eat, and when to eat will soon become second nature and until that time comes, you can count on your bariatric surgeon to guide you. 

Unexpected Excess Skin After Weight Loss Surgery

Another big item for bariatric patients is the physical changes they will experience after surgery. We see it all the time: patients who do great after a gastric sleeve or a lap band reach a point in their weight-loss journey where they have lost so much extra weight that their skin inevitably stretches, causing rolls of sagging skin around their abdomen, legs, and arms. While some patients get frustrated, we like to see it as a sign of progress, one that signals that our patients have come incredibly far in transforming themselves. 

Both our bariatric and plastic surgeons always reassure our patients: excess skin is inevitable most of the time and getting rid of it is not something that diet and exercise can accomplish. The amount of excess skin you have after losing excess weight will vary. For some patients this is not a big deal, after all, they lost dozens of lbs. and now feel healthier than ever. For other patients, this is the last hurdle in order to feel 100% happy with their new appearance and as such, they get surgical help. Body Lift surgeries are specially designed for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and need to have those last 5 to 10 lbs of extra skin removed. 

What we want to stress here is that, yes, your body will change and transform right before your eyes. The closer you get to your target, healthy weight, the more you will appreciate those changes. If there is something you are unhappy about, such as sagging skin weighing you down, you can count on VIDA Bariatrics, your support system, to help. 

Mental Health And Emotional Healing After Bariatric Surgery 

While the most noticeable transformation after bariatric surgery is physical, it is helpful for patients to be prepared for potential mental and emotional changes as well. 

A lot of patients can struggle with depression and isolation after bariatric surgery, particularly because it can be hard for friends and family to understand that the rapid physical and dietary changes that occur after surgery can be challenging. 

Also, following and sticking to a healthy diet can be hard as you resume social activities. It is really helpful to talk with your friends and family before the surgery, to be open, and let them know that you will be changing the way you eat after the surgery. While others might not know how to support you at the beginning, if you help others help yourself, you can count on your support network during your post-bariatric transformation.

Serotonin depletion after bariatric surgery can also contribute to mood swings and anxiety. A drastic change in your diet and not consuming enough protein in conjunction with the modifications made to your intestinal tract can create serotonin deficiencies. In order to prevent this, it is a good idea to discuss your diet in detail with your doctor, to minimize this, and to commit to physical activity, preferably outdoors. Discussing the signs of serotonin depletion with your surgeons is another great strategy, so if you start to notice them, your doctor can help. 

Bariatric Surgeon | Gabriela Rodriguez MD FACS

A New Lifestyle For A Healthy You Starts Here With The Leading Bariatric Surgeons In Mexico

Bariatric surgery is a different journey for every patient, from physical changes like losing weight and having extra skin to hormonal and emotional changes. Bariatric surgery is also the most effective way to lose a significant amount of weight in a short time while staying healthy. In order to embark on this transformation make sure you surround yourself with experienced bariatric surgeons! Call VIDA Bariatrics at +1(619) 738-2144 to schedule a free bariatric consultation with a top bariatric doctor today.