Summit Medical Center - Surgical Treatment Center Oklahoma City OK

Weight loss surgery is a potentially life-changing operation and, while never something to take lightly, it offers hope to millions of obese individuals and those unable to shed weight through conventional methods. "Bariatric surgery" refers to the types of procedures that involve surgical weight loss. These operations have become increasingly popular in recent years, but how effective are they?

According to research from the National Institute of Health, surgical procedures for weight loss greatly reduce the health risks associated with obesity, including diabetes, cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Many similar studies have backed up these findings, as well. The health benefits are clear, but you still need to know what to expect and Summit Medical Center is here to help you with that!

After Surgery

The actual procedure is a relatively fast one, typically lasting between one and two hours and recovery time varies depending on the specific procedure. Patients typically stay in the hospital for several days and most are able to return to normal activity in a few weeks. For the first week, you will likely experience some pain around the area operated on, but your doctor can provide you with medications for the pain, as needed.

During recovery, remember not to engage in any physically strenuous activity: avoid lifting any heavy objects for the first few weeks and be extra mindful around the house.

Eating

Because the procedure reduces the size of your stomach, it drastically changes how you eat. After the surgery, you will become full more quickly and will have to maintain a strict diet to ensure that you get enough vitamins and proteins. Ask your doctor if you should take supplements in order to prevent vitamin deficiencies.

For the first month, your stomach will only be able to handle small amounts of soft food and liquids. Avoid large meals and remember to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated. You will be able to gradually reintroduce solid foods into your diet, but you will still need to monitor your portions carefully and avoid certain foods that are harsh on your stomach. While changing your eating habits in this way takes some time to get used to, you will see great results as you start to recover.

Follow Up Appointments

Your follow up visits are one of the most important parts of the recovery process. Your doctor will schedule an appointment seven to ten days after the surgery to remove the skin staples, but the visit will also include a review of your new lifestyle and changes in your diet.

The second follow up will be scheduled for approximately one month later, at which time your doctor will review your progress and make recommendations to assist with your recovery. Additional appointments will be made on a case by case basis. Between follow ups, it's important to maintain an active lifestyle and healthy diet.

If you decide on weight loss surgery in Oklahoma at Summit Medical Center, it helps to know what to expect. While there will be certain aspects of the procedure and your new diet that will be challenging, the results will be such a dramatic improvement that it'll be well worth it!