For the most part, those who have participated in gastric bypass surgery are on their last leg in finding a way to shed a lot of pounds quickly. Most of the time, this is because the problem has gone well past the stage where it is purely cosmetic. Most of the patients of gastric bypass surgery are to the point where the weight is making them develop new and significant health problems such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, pre-diabetes, diabetes, and other serious health risks.
But once a patient has gone through gastric bypass surgery, they will find that their lives are completely changed. The surgery is only the first step in attaining the weight loss goal. The most work comes after the surgery when the patient needs to stick to a proper diet, exercise program, and work on their new self-image. Many times, the most frustrating part of losing the weight after the surgery is learning who they are again, without the weight keeping them from doing the things that they used to do.
The patient’s doctor will monitor their health and the dietitian will be able to help them with food. But many times, people who have had gastric bypass surgery will also need the support of a psychologist. This is normal and can help the patient to figure out how to live their life in a new way.
The most significant effect on a person’s body soon after the gastric bypass surgery is that the weight will start coming off. Most people will lose 60 to 80 percent of their excess weight. Depending on how large the person was in the first place, extra skin may need to be removed in order to look and feel their best. The next effect that a person will see is their body functioning better. If the patient was so overweight that their joints hurt or they were out of breath after little physical movement, they will notice that these physical motions are much easier and do not put as much strain on the body. Conditions that were present, such as high blood pressure or pre-diabetes may also go away. These conditions will only go away if it was due to the excess weight on the body-if it is hereditary, the patient will most likely still have the condition even after the weight loss.
The long term affects on the patient are the most important. In order to lose the weight and keep it off the patient must learn to live a new lifestyle and find a new way to eat. Because of the reduced size of the stomach, meals need to be smaller and more often. Protein must be high on the list of nutrients to provide the body with, and a daily multivitamin must be taken in order to make up for any deficiencies.
Once the patient learns this new way to eat, it will become their new health conscious lifestyle.
