Life After Bariatric Weight Loss

More and more people have made the decision to have bariatric weight loss surgery. Not only is this a drastic procedure, but it requires you to make some important lifestyle changes. Bariatric surgery has saved many lives, but many people don't always consider the post-surgery consequences: excess skin after the weight loss, nutrition, new eating habits, exercise to maintain muscle strength, and issues regarding medication absorption.

Follow-up Surgeries

• Several types of cosmetic surgery may be necessary after the bariatric procedure. First, because of the excess skin remaining after the initial weight loss, consider having a body lift. This can help improve the appearance of your abdomen, thighs, and in some cases, the buttocks. To have a body lift, you must maintain a stable weight for six months to a year after the surgery. A bra-line back lift is meant to remove back fat rolls above or below your bra line. A panniculectomy removes hanging fat that extending past the knees.

A New Diet

• Eat smaller portions and change the type of foods you eat. Occasionally, foods don't settle in the stomach as well as they did before, and you may feel ill. Greasy or starchy foods tend to upset the stomach more easily, so be careful and choose wisely. Sometimes, speaking with a nutritionist may help give you some new ideas about meal planning.

Vitamins and Nutrients

• Medication absorption sometimes is an issue after bariatric surgery. Medicines that are time-released or have extended release formulas may not be completely absorbed into the system, so it's best to have your doctor prescribe medications (if possible) through a liquid form. Certain vitamins and nutrients, such as calcium and iron, also aren't absorbed, putting patients at risk for conditions such as osteoporosis. Bariatric weight loss can also cause deficiencies in vitamins A, D, E, and K. Make sure you take supplements to maintain your health.