*Results may vary by individuals.
Bariatric Surgery or the Orbera Intra Gastric balloon on their own cannot deliver all the weight reducing benefits to patients. It is very important that patients understand and key into the fact that such interventions or procedures are best seen as initiators or facilitators, which will allow you to re-train yourself, enabling you to eat smaller meal portions, feel full quicker during eating and have longer intervals between feeling hungry (lower appetite)
Our experience as well as others tells us that most people find it hard to change their eating habits and behaviors. Patients will more often than not have eating patterns/habits that they have practised for so long that they fail to realise are unhealthy and/or do them without thinking. You will need to be motivated to make such required lifestyle changes. We understand that this may take some time to make and keep any change to your lifestyle.
We will support and guide you throughout. Our focus in line with the above will be take details of your current eating habits, food types and lifestyle choices and encourage you where necessary to make more appropriate and healthier lifestyle choices and undertake regular exercise.
An active lifestyle and plenty of exercise, along with healthy eating, is the best way to lose weight. Even modest weight loss can improve your health.
Here at the weight loss and metabolic surgery clinics our goal is for you to achieve long-term and safe weight reduction with obvious benefits to your overall health and wellbeing
Weight Loss Procedures
RECOVERY, PAIN AND COMPLICATIONS Following Bariatric Surgery
Recovery, pain and complications are very similar to traditional gastric bypass surgery.
RECOVERY
After surgery you will have some belly pain, particularly at your incision sites. The incision sites, typically 5, are between 5mm and 12mm in length. This is where the surgeon inserted ports to access your abdomen.
You will typically be required to stay 2-3 in the hospital for observation
Once you are home, you’ll be required to follow a strict diet. A liquid diet (soft food) is usually required for the first two weeks after surgery. This may include protein shakes, water, pureed soft foods, and soup. After two weeks, soft foods are introduced. And after a month you’ll be back to normal foods. However, you’ll be asked to follow a new diet that will include more protein, vegetables and fruit. Your stomach is much smaller and there is no room for junk food (you need to maximize nutrients from every bite you eat).
PAIN
Pain is usually not an issue. Yes, you will be in some pain. This is particularly true during the first two weeks and is very evident when you twist your torso. Pain can be managed well with medication.
You’ll be encouraged to get up and move every day after surgery. The first few days usually include walks around the house. After a week you may be asked to take 20 minute walks twice a day. Gradually increasing exercise is encouraged with each week after surgery.
Be prepared to be tired as you lose weight fast and adjust to a lower calorie diet. Fight through this phase. It does pass. A regular exercise routine will help your body adjust.
COMPLICATIONS
Complications are similar to with Lap Sleeve and the Lap Mini gastric bypass surgery. They range in severity from minor to significant.
Minor complications include hernias at the surgical site, ulcers, and minor incision infections.
Major complications typically occur within the first three weeks after surgery. Significant complications include staple line leaks, pulmonary embolisms, and strictures, among other risks. Before surgery you should be aware of the risks and signs and symptoms of these potential complications.
Abuchi Okaro MS FRCS FWACS