Obesity is the biggest epidemic today, and the fact that many people are suffering from it only tells us that there needs to be a drastic change to be done. For most people, surgery may only be the answer to get back their life again. If you are considering to a surgery to make you lose weight, there’s a big chance that you are now being guided by your doctor on its pre-op and post-op preparation. However, no matter how prepared you are, most patients found that life after the procedure can be full of surprises. Here are some of the things that your doctor might have forgotten to mention.
Experience Depression
A study journal published by Yale University stated that 13% of patients that are studied experienced depression. This depression led to self-esteem issues, eating disorders, weaker social functioning and other behavioral issues. This only proves that even though patients undergo weight loss surgery, the link between obesity and depression is still there, and still needs treatment. Weight loss surgeries aren’t quick-fixes.
Issue of Excess Skin
The weight loss that happens post-op is gradual enough for the skin of the body to adjust slowly with the changes that’s happening. However, as most patients were morbidly obese, many people are still left with so much excess skin that only another surgery can correct. The worst part is, if the removal of excess skin isn’t deemed as “medically necessary”, no insurance company will pay for this expensive surgery.
Bathroom-Related Issues
Post-surgery, you are going to experience diarrhea at some point. They call this the “dumping syndrome” which is a result of poor food choices. It is associated with mild to severe symptoms such as nausea, cramping, lightheadedness, sweating, flushing, and audible sounds in the bowels. Loose stools, constipation and malodorous flatulence may occur as well.
You Still Need To Exercise
Many doctors will help you on how to eat right after the surgery. In fact, most doctors will also introduce you to the kind of lifestyle you need to be in. But as soon as the doctor clears you and allows you to include physical activities, you will be asked to get into an exercise routine, and gradually increasing the exercise every 4 to 6 weeks. The surgery only alters the anatomy of your stomach and intestine, other stored excess fat has to be burned the traditional way.
No More Soda
Your doctors will not allow you to put strain on your stomach. This means, you can’t be too full with food, and you also can’t have air on your stomach. Drinking soda introduces air in your belly, thus putting pressure and stress in your stomach. Most readmission of patients that undergone this weight loss surgery is usually die to dehydration. So, try to gradually drink lots of water.
Strain on Relationship or Marriage
A drastic change such as this can put emotional strains on your relationship. Post-op maintenance can be stressful and not many people can handle it. Aside from an expensive post-op medical care, the surgery may take its toll on the patient too. This means seeking guidance and emotional help through therapy can be stressful and costly.
Risk of Alcohol Abuse
There are many theories as to why weight loss surgery patients are vulnerable to alcohol abuse. Some physicians say that patients aren’t technically abusing alcohol. Instead, patients have higher peak alcohol levels due to the fact that they are more likely to reach those peak levels quicker.
If you’re pondering on weight loss surgery, preparing on what will happen after is the key to achieving the weight loss you need. Make sure to tick all your questions and concerns with your doctor so as to avoid any unwanted surprises.
