What is life like after gastric bypass surgery? The answer is as different as the people who choose this procedure to help them lose their excess weight. Some of the issues that people face are daunting after gastric bypass, while some changes are truly positive. Let’s take a look at some of the things you might face:
Immediately after surgery, your food intake is almost nil, then gradually you will begin eating solids. The initial fast is necessary to prevent damage to the surgical area. However, fasting after surgery seems to come naturally, since you won’t be feeling very good, anyway. You’ll soon be moved to a liquid diet, and then gradually you’ll be allowed to eat soft foods. You will be totally concentrating on getting well and following your doctor’s instructions at this point, and will probably be under careful supervision. However, you’ll soon be allowed to go home.
The first 2 months after gastric bypass are the toughest as the body and mind become accustomed to the new way of eating. Certain restrictions are still necessary to keep you healthy, and some foods will make you feel quite sick if you do’nt avoid them. However, you will be losing weight so quickly that the restrictions seem worth it, although the adjustments, both mentally and physically, will take some time.
Around 6 months after gastric bypass or lap band surgery, there is a let down. The weight loss is becoming a normal occurrence and the newness is beginning to wear off. Sometimes the urge for sweets is overbearing. You may feel the need to cheat and eat the goodies, but that will lead to an uncomfortable feeling of nausea, diarrhea, cold sweats and rapid heartbeat. Experiencing the dumping syndrome once or twice is usually enough to deter any more attempts at eating forbidden foods.
Around a year into the weight loss, you are becoming pretty comfortable with your new life. You have learned how to eat out with friends and family, and you have more energy and stamina than you have felt in years, maybe decades. However, this is the time when many people let down their guard and go back to eating too much, eating the wrong foods, and regaining some or all of their weight. Even after gastric bypass, you still need to find the inner strength you’ll need to eat right and stay healthy.
You can read many personal stories about what happens after gastric bypass surgery at 1GastricBypass.com
Disclaimer: The information presented on this post is based upon the opinions of the author and on the author’s interpretation of published reports and articles. It is not intended to replace your relationship with a qualified health care professional, and is not intended as medical advice. The author encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon knowledge of the issues of nutrition and health, and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.