At Yale New Haven Health we are here to help you through your recovery process, as well as through the many lifestyle changes that will occur after your surgery. Most patients return to their normal work and routine activities within 1-2 weeks after surgery. The most important considerations for healing are hydration, meeting your daily protein needs and vitamin supplementation. Learn more about dietary changes after surgery.
Yale New Haven Health provides comprehensive care after bariatric surgery. Routine follow-up visits are scheduled at two weeks, two months, six months and 12 months following surgery. After one year, visits are annual. During these exams, care providers review personalized health, diet, exercise, medication and vitamin/mineral requirements. Annual visits help us provide you with early intervention for any postoperative problems and to track your progress over time.
Our free bariatric patient support group welcomes individuals considering, preparing for and working to stay on track after weight-loss surgery. The group, which is led by our Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Many patients are hesitant about exercising after surgery, but exercise is an essential component of success after surgery. Exercise actually begins on the afternoon of weight-loss surgery — the patient must be out of bed and walking. The goal is to walk further the next day and progressively further every day after that, including the first few weeks at home. Patients who feel the need to stay at home can do activities like marching in place. Patients are often released from medical restrictions at discharge and encouraged to expand their exercise routine once they're home, limited only by the level of wound discomfort. 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. Most patients begin with low-stress forms of exercise and are encouraged to progress to more vigorous activity when they are able.
Physical activity is an integral part of the extended weight-loss process after bariatric surgery. People who move more tend to lose more weight. Even better, those who exercise more tend to keep the weight off, achieve more health benefits and feel better overall. After bariatric surgery, you lose weight in part because the amount of food energy (calories) you can eat is much less. Your body must make up the difference by burning reserves. Consequently, there is some muscle mass lost after weight-loss surgery. To prevent excessive muscle breakdown and to maintain strength, it is best to engage in a comprehensive fitness program that includes cardiovascular activity and weight-bearing activities, like resistance training. For those that need extra help, it is advisable to consult with a certified exercise professional.
It is strongly recommended that individuals wait at least one year after surgery before becoming pregnant. In the first year, your body is in a fat-burning, weight-loss state and it may be difficult to provide the nutrition needed during pregnancy. Once your weight has stabilized at around the year mark, you should be able to have a healthy pregnancy.
Many women who have had difficulty with infertility find that they become more fertile after surgery, as a result of hormonal changes that return the body to more normal functioning with weight loss.
Having weight-loss surgery can be life-changing as you may lose a significant amount of weight. This reduction in weight can also lead to loose or excess skin. This skin may cause irritation or other issues, and some patients may be interested in plastic surgery. Speak with your surgeon about skin removal procedures if you are interested.
In gastric bypass surgery, the stomach is left in place with intact blood supply and remains unchanged. It does not receive food but contributes secretion to aid digestion.
The staples used on the stomach and the intestines are very tiny in comparison to the staples you will have in your skin or staples you use in the office. Each staple is a tiny piece of stainless steel or titanium so small it is hard to see other than as a tiny bright spot. Because the metals used are inert in the body, most people are not allergic to staples and they usually do not cause any problems long-term. The material of these staples are also non-magnetic, which means that they will not be affected by MRI. The staples will not set off metal detectors.
Typically, you should be able to take most medication as before your surgery. Your team will review your medication plan with you.
Your doctor will determine whether medications for blood pressure, diabetes, etc., can be stopped when the conditions for which they are taken improve or resolve after weight- loss surgery. For medications that need to be continued, the vast majority can be swallowed, absorbed and work the same as before bariatric surgery.
Diuretics (fluid pills) and NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), most over-the-counter pain medication, should only be used after you consult with your surgeon. NSAIDS (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) may create ulcers in the small pouch or the attached bowel.
As we age, skin elasticity decreases, which can result in excess skin folds after weight loss. The amount of loose skin is variable among individuals.
Some patients will choose to have plastic surgery to remove loose or excess skin after they have lost a significant amount of weight. Loose or excess skin can sometimes lead to issues including increased sweating or chaffing and sores. Insurance generally does not pay for this type of surgery (often seen as elective surgery). However, some do pay for certain types of surgery to remove excess skin when complications arise from these skin folds. There are various types of plastic surgery options for after weight loss including breast lift, tummy tuck, full-body lift or chin or arm lifts. Ask your surgeon about a skin removal procedure and when you might be able to have it done. Often, it is suggested waiting at least 18 to 24 months after weight-loss surgery to have plastic surgery.
Any type of surgery and obesity are risk factors for formation of blood clots — deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). These blood clots can form in the lower extremities (DVT) and travel to the lung (PE). The best way to avoid blood clots is prevention through:
It is important also to be active at home once you are discharged.
Exercise is an important part of maintaining your weight loss. Its effect on excess skin is variable.
Learn about our comprehensive weight-loss program.
Is Bariatric Surgery right for you?
What to expect for your bariatric surgery.
Learn about our minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Learn about food patterns and choices.
See how our experts are with you throughout your weight-loss journey.
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