Gastric Bypass Surgery Side Effects
At Oasis of Hope, we change lives for the better. Every consultation is a chance for positive improvements in wellness, and each patient is a person we are committed to helping. That’s why experienced bariatric surgeon and surgical weight loss specialist Dr. Francisco Gonzalez takes time to go over the risks, benefits, side effects, and long-term impact of weight loss procedures. It’s why so many patients visit our Tijuana, Mexico bariatric surgery center.
Right now, our team would like to cover some of the basics regarding gastric bypass surgery recovery. Specifically, we want to look at the most common side effects that patients experience after their surgery and what can be done to help these issues go by quickly and smoothly.
Pain and Discomfort
Soreness after surgery is a given simply because your body is healing from incisions and visions made to the digestive tract. Thankfully the pain is manageable thanks to the use of recommended pain killers. Patients are encouraged to get ample bed rest in the first days of healing to prevent discomfort. The pain will be less of an issue after a few days.
Pain while eating can be avoided by following our week-to-week dietary instructions for the first month following surgery, and our long-term dietary suggestions. These eating do’s and don’ts are extremely helpful.
Bruising and Swelling
As with pain, both bruising and swelling are to be expected as part of the recovery process. The bruising tends to be most pronounced in the first two weeks, with some mild discoloration lasting a few weeks after that. Swelling tends to last about two weeks as well.
To help promote circulation, minimize bruising, and prevent post-op complications, patients should walk around their home a little bit each day. This helps avoid blood clots from forming in the legs.
Thinning Hair
In the first month to six months after gastric bypass surgery, patients may notice hair loss, hair thinning, and changes to the overall quality of their hair. The hair loss associated with bariatric surgery is known as telogen effluvium, and it is common response of the body to shock or major surgery. This is totally normal, and thankfully only temporary. Patients should notice some hair regrowth and thickening by the end of six months (if not sooner).
Changes in Mood
Weight loss surgery can change your mood in unexpected ways. Some of this has to do with your changing relationship to food, and another part of it could be emotional and psychological needs related to the loss of weight.
If you notice mood swings, depression, or emotional fluctuations, rest assured that many other patients have experienced this as well. Consider talking with your friends and loved ones about what you’re feeling. It may also help to see a therapist or a support group of others struggling with similar difficulties.
Feeling Cold
As you shed pounds and lose weight, you may notice that you feel cooler in places, or just plain cold. This is a natural since you no longer have as much excess body fat to keep you insulated from the cold. If this is a serious problem, consider bringing a sweater or a coat with you wherever you go.
Dry Skin
Some patients notice that their skin is dryer after they have undergone bariatric surgery, particularly a few months after surgery. This tends to be the result of dehydration. It’s important that patients drink water regularly between meals to stay hydrated and make sure their body is functioning properly.
Loose Skin
As you shed more and more weight, you will notice stretch marks, sagging skin, and loose skin around parts of your body. This is a natural occurrence following major weight loss. Unfortunately, the only way to get rid of this hanging skin is to undergo cosmetic surgery. Body lift procedures can be considered roughly two years after your gastric bypass.
Contact Oasis of Hope
For more information about gastric bypass surgery and how it can change your life for the better, be sure to contact an experienced bariatric surgeon. The weight loss surgery experts at Oasis of Hope are here to help. You can reach us by phone at (619) 304-2084.
