Post-Bariatric Surgery

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a surgical treatment for severe obesity or morbid obesity. It is often recommended when a patient’s body mass index is significantly elevated and excess body weight is a contributing factor to chronic disease. Different bariatric procedures, including gastric bypass surgery, alter the digestive system to limit food intake, reduce nutrient absorption, or both. For many patients, weight loss surgery supports significant weight loss when previous attempts involving a healthy diet, an exercise plan, and medical management have not produced lasting results.

After bariatric surgery, most patients progress from liquids and soft foods to solid foods as the body heals. The post bariatric surgery diet typically emphasizes adequate protein, appropriate fluid intake, and prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements. Patients learn how certain foods and too much food may cause abdominal pain or digestive discomfort. They may also be advised to limit high fat foods and address unhealthy eating habits that could interfere with successful weight loss.

A bariatric surgeon will explain how much weight a patient may expect to lose based on their body weight, health, and type of procedure. Following established clinical practice guidelines can help protect muscle mass and bone density throughout the weight loss process. Ongoing follow up appointments with the bariatric surgery team and a primary care provider are important for monitoring nutrition, adjusting medications, and identifying potential surgical complications.

Bariatric patients may experience moderate discomfort during recovery, which can often be managed with prescribed pain medication. Depending on the individual’s care plan, certain medications may later require a maintenance dose. Long-term lifestyle changes are necessary to support weight loss success and prevent weight regain. Patients are also generally advised to avoid pregnancy during periods of rapid weight loss and discuss appropriate timing with their healthcare provider.

What is Post-Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery can help you lose weight and may halt future weight gain. However, if you have undergone bariatric surgery, it does come with a downside and that is loose, sagging skin. It may appear in areas where fat commonly occurs including the arms, legs, and stomach pouch. Many people are so bothered by this that they cannot fully enjoy their new weight. In some cases, it can even interfere with their ability to wear smaller clothes. Those with lots of loose skin may choose post-bariatric surgery to help them look and feel as thin as they truly are. Post-bariatric surgery involves body recontouring procedures to address the loose, sagging skin left behind after weight loss.

Benefits of Post-Bariatric Medical Management Surgery

Skin is elastic and stretches as your body becomes bigger. That is one reason why the skin you are born with continues to fit you as you grow older. While skin can easily grow larger, it does not shrink quite so easily. As such, people who lose weight often have sagging skin. Post-bariatric surgery ensures your skin fits your new, smaller physique. If you have large folds of skin that hang down, post-bariatric surgery can make you feel more comfortable performing everyday activities.

Who is a Good Candidate for Post-Bariatric Surgery?

Post-bariatric surgery can benefit patients who have completed their weight loss process but are bothered by large amounts of excess skin. Before having post-bariatric surgery, you should be at your ideal weight for at least a year. You should also be well-treated for any underlying health concerns related to your obesity such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

How is Post-Bariatric Surgery Performed?

Post-bariatric surgery can involve a variety of different procedures such as drainless tummy tuck, arm lift, thigh lift, and liposuction. By trimming away excess skin and then tightening it with sutures, post-bariatric surgery can provide full body recontouring. Think of post-bariatric surgery as a type of procedure in which excess tissue is pulled tight so that it no longer droops or sags. The procedure will be performed under general anesthesia for your comfort and may be split up into multiple sessions depending on the number of areas being treated.

Recovery After Post-Bariatric Surgery

After post-bariatric surgery, patients will generally need to take off work for several weeks to rest and recover. Some swelling, bruising, and general discomfort can be expected, but this will diminish over the next several weeks. Exercise should be avoided for several weeks and can be reintroduced after getting the OK from your surgeon. Your exact recovery timeline and restrictions will be provided during your consultation based on your unique treatment plan.

Your Consultation in Baltimore, MD

During your consultation at the Aesthetic Center at Woodholme, we will be glad to answer all of your questions, including those pertaining to specific techniques that might affect your cost. We will also help you determine the best method of payment based on your needs and budget. Many times, we are able to offer specials that help patients maximize their cosmetic procedure dollars. On other occasions, we may recommend financing through a major credit card or low-interest financing through CareCredit® or Prosper® Health Care Lending.

If you are anxious to look and feel your best, contact our highly trained plastic surgeons today to schedule your post-bariatric surgery consultation. We proudly serve patients from Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Annapolis and the surrounding areas of Maryland.